On 7 August 2026, the Canadian Military Engineer Colonel Commandant, Lieutenant-General Paul Wynnyk, CMM, MSM, CD, presented Master Warrant Officer John Dugas, CD (Ret'd) with a CMEA Commendation.
MWO Dugas earned this recognition for his remarkable devotion to serving his fellow disabled veterans, including many retired Combat Engineers, in receiving Service Dogs. John has demonstrated his expertise in raising awareness and funding for PTSD Service Dogs across many local veteran organizations, as well as provincially and nationally.
Since 2015, John has focused his efforts specifically on educating government agencies while trying to implement a single training service standard for PTSD service dogs across Canada. While doing this he has also raised significant funds for trained service dogs and oversaw the donation of 61 dogs to veterans in need. These dogs are life saving for the service members who receive them and improve the quality of life for them and their families.