Individual

My inspiration for nominating Sergeant Reid was Darren's ever-present dedication to supporting military members, Veterans and their families, and for bringing fresh eyes to the Royal Canadian Legion. Darren has given countless hours of himself. The amount of information and resources and peer support that he's provided over decades is life- changing.

He is also involved with Veterans Affairs Canada as a stakeholder and Veterans advocate, who has been called upon many times for advice and input, and he is a lived experience advisor with Atlas Institute, and his involvement with Royal Canadian Legion's Operational Stress Injury Network identifies Veterans in need and connects them with other Veterans through the Buddy Check Coffee and Operation Vet Build programs.

Sergeant Darren Reid, your impeccable work and reputation are admirable. You are a powerful example of how dedication, hard work, and empathy combined with mental health outreach can bring about significant change. Your achievements inspire hope and optimism for the future of the Veterans community. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. Well done.

Amanda is basically an unsung hero, helping widows and Veterans and families to offer guidance and support.

A lot of her support to me has been through information. I didn't know certain terms. I don't know the acronyms; I don't know what forms I need. Her group is a safe place where widows can go and get information and get support and get help and get a big hug. And sort of having a hero, like an advocate going “This is what you do next. I know it's overwhelming, but please keep going and we're here to support you.”

She knows a lot of other people who've maybe gone through the same thing and processes that they did. It helps the community and helps all of us when we're able to talk to each other. A lot of the times she just checks in on us too and says “Are you okay? How are you feeling about this? Are you okay? Is everything overwhelming? What can I do to help?”

A lot of it's about resources, but a lot of it is sort of somebody else saying that it's okay to have feelings about this. And sometimes that's all you need.

Amanda, I can't thank you enough for everything you do for all of us. You're a light in this world. And please don't ever stop.

Ed has that personality, that demeanor to make you feel good. He is well known in the whole area of Saskatoon. If you know a Veteran or an RCMP and you mention Ed, they’ve either met him, know him or heard of him.

Does a lot of work for his church, outreach. Teaches English through the Open Door Society to our new immigrants. He's a member of the local Masonic and Shriners. Very heavily involved in fundraising for the Children's Hospital.

He's always talking to people, reaching out to people. You know, even during Covid, he made sure when he heard that somebody was hospitalized or sick, it was the continual phone calls. Ed's the guy, the first phone call. There's an illness or sickness or death, Ed Miller will call you.

Ed, continue on showing up to coffee, starting off with a joke to get everyone laughing. And then fill us in and continue on that support work for our community, the Vets community, and the whole community as a whole.

The commitment and hard work that Ian puts into the [RCMP] Association; it's extraordinary the amount of hours that he contributes on a volunteer basis. Not just in Nova Scotia, but also on national programs as well. He's worked in many roles. I think he's held every executive position in Nova Scotia. He just is one of those people that’s a go-to person. On governance, on leadership, on ways forward.

We had to establish a charity foundation. And Ian was instrumental in the establishment of that [RCMP Association] Foundation. Today, [it] supports former members and their families as well as others in need, including serving members and their families. An extraordinary legacy will be left by the Foundation based on Ian's work.

Thank you Ian, and well done for a phenomenal job in all the areas that, you're involved with. You've left a great impression, and a great legacy. Not that it's over by any estimation, but thank you so much. And I know I speak on behalf of everyone. We can't think of a more deserving individual than you to receive this award.

Matt is co-founder of Helping Heroes Heal. Their mandate is to better the lives of Veterans and their families and first responders and their families through sport activities within the community. Many of the individuals involved with Helping Heroes Heal have suffered injury, either a visible injury or invisible injury.

Some snippets from some testimonials that I have received: Matt, being able to walk alongside you through this journey has been an absolute privilege. We helped you plant the seeds for healing and look at how they have grown. Facing the reality of trauma, you have accomplished so much growth. You demonstrate compassionate leadership when it comes to Helping Heroes Heal, and helping others get what they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives.

Matt, on behalf of myself, our family, our friends, the community that you have created with Helping Heroes Heal, I want to thank you for having the strength and the courage to do everything that you do and tell you that we all love you so much and congratulate you on receiving this commendation. It is well deserved.