Sergeant Darren Reid is currently in his 35th year of service in the Canadian Armed Forces and continues giving to this community through his support of serving members, Veterans, and families. After a particularly difficult deployment, Darren identified a need for peer support and in 2005 initiated a peer support network for families of deployed members and medically repatriated Veterans. As well, through his work in the Royal Canadian Legion, Darren provides assistance to the Veterans community, and promotes several mental health initiatives locally and across the country. An advocate for the well-being of Veterans and their families, Darren also organizes Christmas gifts for Veterans in long term care facilities.
Transcript
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.