A Cochrane High School graduate was awarded one of Canada’s top military medals by the Governor General at an Ottawa ceremony Nov. 13.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean presented Cpl. Jordan Kochan with the Medal of Military Valour at Rideau Hall.

Cpl. Jordan Kochan received the Medal of Military Valour from Governor General Michaëlle Jean and General Walter Natynczyk. Photo by Sgt. Serge Gouin, Rideau Hall

His proud parents flew to the capital city to watch their son’s commendation for “an act of valour or devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy.”

Kochan, a private at the time and a member of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, was on patrol in Afghanistan about a year ago when the vehicle behind him was shot at by anti-tank fire and burst into flames.

Putting his own life in danger, Kochan immediately dragged the soldiers out of the vehicle and tended to one who had been ejected by the blast.
In all there were seven casualties, three of whom died.

Kochan said he was pleased to meet the Governor General though she didn’t stay for the “pretty fancy” reception.

“She said she was very proud, but she didn’t stick around very much,” he said. “She had to do another event.”

Kochan, now based in Shilo, Man., is coming to the end of his four-year stint in the military. Next month he will begin training with the Calgary Police Service, but he said there are aspects of military life he’ll miss.

“First and foremost all my good friends,” he said. “There are some amazing guys in the military from all walks of life that I probably wouldn’t have met anywhere else.”

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