Two members of AES Field Service Directorate (Downsview) were given Merit Awards at an April 1981 ceremony for "exceptional and distinguished contributions to the effectiveness and efficiency of the public service."

Sterling Wood and John Lajoie were praised by Director General Field Services, Jim McCulloch for maintaining AES national and world wide communications links over several days in October 1979 during a time when a group of people using  "non-standard procedures" were causing disruption to the system. Among other things the two communication experts spent time monitoring and taking appropriate initiatives to maintain the integrity of the system.

They also exhibited a very responsible attitude, coupled with a high degree of technical knowledge, and following certain incidents, set up moves and counter moves, which required long periods outside normal office hours."

Mr. Wood has been with the Weather Service for 27 years and is currently acting head of Communications. Mr. Lajoie has seen 34 years service and is currently acting head of the AES teletype section.