427 Wing

427 Wing
Commendation Year
2023
Commendation Type
Local Organization or Group

The 427 Wing is a local non-profit organization created after World War II. Volunteer members with the non-profit wing visit and support veterans at Parkwood Hospital and promote well-being by contributing to the Operational Stress Injury Clinic at Parkwood Veterans Care. This clinic is specialized in promoting mental health services alongside addressing the complex issue of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Volunteers also work tirelessly to provide services such as dinners, activities and support for veterans. The 427 Wing also operates the Spirit of Flight Aviation Museum, it’s mandate is to conserve, document and display artifacts and stories significant to civilian and military history in Southwest Ontario.

RCMP Heritage Centre

	RCMP Heritage Centre
Commendation Year
2023
Commendation Type
Local Organization or Group

Since its opening in 2007, the RCMP Heritage Center has played a vital role in telling the story of the RCMP to individuals across Canada and the world. The Centre works tirelessly to bring the history, pride, and stories of the RCMP to life for visitors of all ages. During the pandemic, the Center became a pillar of support for many Veterans and their families. They helped with accommodations for Veterans funeral services, and graduation ceremonies, and provided a safe space to host Veterans for weekly coffee.

William Sergeant

William Sergeant
Commendation Year
2023
Commendation Type
Lifetime Contribution

William Sergeant served in the Canadian Armed Forces as an Aerospace Engineer for almost 40 years. A man who is described by his friends as an individual who is always thinking of others and has spent a lot of time volunteering with various Veteran organizations. He’s been a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force Association 441 (Huronia) Wing for the last 15 years and is currently serving as Chairman for the Wing. William has spent many hours visiting Veterans in long term care facilities and volunteering to speak with students in schools to educate them on the importance of Remembrance Day.  

Joseph E. L (Larry) Gollner

LARRY GOLLNER
Commendation Year
2023
Commendation Type
Lifetime Contribution

Joseph Gollner is a lifelong Veterans Advocate. In 2002, upon seeing the complex needs of Veterans returning from Afghanistan, he established the Volunteer Patricia Program, a program that became part of an ongoing national Veterans helping Veteran’s program. He has also been part of the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association for 20 years. He was the main advocate for the creation of the Office of the Veterans Ombud and instrumental in the drafting of the original Veterans Bill of Rights. He was a member of the Veterans Ombud council for ten years when the Veterans Ombud and Council were successful in having the Cabinet significantly refine and improve the New Veterans Charter. 

Allan Wellwood

Allan Wellwood
Commendation Year
2023
Commendation Type
Individual

Allan is volunteer with his local RCMP Veterans Association and an advocate for RCMP Veterans issues. He continually advocates for improvements in Veterans lives including advocating for programming in Long Term Care facilities. Allan works with guidance from the Nova Scotia RCMP Veterans Association's Support and Advocacy committee. He says, "Retiring is a new beginning", and he tries tirelessly to persuade people to enjoy others and to avoid self-isolating themselves. He works with both national and local politicians to ensure that issues concerning Veterans are addressed and followed up with in a timely manner.

Darrel Sundholm

Darrel Sundholm
Commendation Year
2023
Commendation Type
Individual

Darrel Sundholm is a Veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces and works tirelessly to educate Canadians on the sacrifices that military personnel have made. He became the founder and operator of the CPKC Afghanistan Memorial Plague Program – in honor of those who have been killed in Afghanistan and to preserve their memory. Darrel has personally travelled coast to coast to present these plaques and attended various dedication presentations.