Two Owen Sound Veterans have been awarded Canada’s Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation.
Warrant Officer (Retired) Robert Barrie Jack, and Corporal (Retired) Donald Young were recognized in a virtual ceremony March 28th.
Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, Lawrence MacAulay presented the awards in recognition of their work to improve the care and well-being of Canada’s Veterans. The ceremony was also attended by Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound Conservative MP Alex Ruff.
MacAulay says in a statement, the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation is the highest honour he can bestow, adding, “I am extremely grateful for the wide and varying array of volunteer work they’ve undertaken. The quiet community work done by people who don’t expect to be recognized for what they do is what really makes a difference. And for me, it’s even more important when it’s helping and honouring the folks who’ve served our country.”
Owen Sound’s Robert Barrie Jack was recognized for his service with the Royal Canadian Legion. The federal government says Jack is the Veteran Service Officer at Royal Canadian Legion Branch #6 in Owen Sound. His nomination page says, “In this role, he works diligently to ensure the well-being of the Veterans. This ranges from helping with disability claims, assisting homeless veterans with temporary accommodations, food, and emergency debt assistance to organizing Veteran dinners and visits to nursing homes.”
The nomination continues, “He is an integral part of the organization of the annual Remembrance Day ceremony, and he is always available to help families organize funeral and memorial services. Much of his volunteering as a service officer with the Royal Canadian Legion provides a lifeline for veterans in the area. He always spends time and effort, on and off duty, to care for and remember veterans.”
Jack’s nomination page says, on top of his work as a service officer, he has helped raise thousands of dollars in emergency donations to help veterans.
Corporal (retired) Donald Edward Young, who is also an Owen Sound resident, was recognized for his work with the Canadian Veteran Freedom Riders (CFVR).
Young joined the Canadian Veteran Freedom Riders in 2014 where he has held the role of treasurer for the Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol (CVFR LLRP) of Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound.
His nomination page says, “He is an integral part of the unit contributing thousands of hours toward the well-being of local veterans in this community. He assists homeless veterans with temporary accommodations, food and emergency debt assistance, all while seeking donations from local community businesses. In July 2020 his efforts led to four major donations totalling over $12,500 to go towards the Freedom Riders mandate of providing emergency assistance to local Veterans in need.”
It continues, “Cpl Young is a true team player who continues to be involved in the CVFR food drive assisting the local food bank and Veterans.”
Young helps the Owen Sound Legion with the Poppy Drive and represents the Freedom Riders each year at local Remembrance Day ceremonies.
His nomination says, “Much of the volunteer work he has provided as treasurer and a member is a lifeline to local veterans, as he continues to put exceptional time and effort to ensure the Veteran community is cared for and honoured.”
Veterans who were recognized this year:
Sergeant (Ret’d) Christopher Banks, Brampton, ON
Sergeant Katherine Ferris, Aylmer, ON
Warrant Officer (Ret’d) Robert Barrie Jack, Owen Sound, ON
Lieutenant(N) Jean-Marc Leblond, Bonfield, ON
René Laquerre, Toronto, ON
Neala A. Taylor, New Hamburg, ON
Major Andréa Villeneuve, Timmins, ON
Sergeant Coogan J. Wilson, Mississauga, ON
Corporal (Ret’d) Donald Young, Owen Sound, ON
The Commendation consists of a certificate, a lapel pin for civilian wear and a bar for wear with decorations.
The design is a gold maple leaf resting on a red poppy, with the Royal Crown on the top of the pin.
Great seeing WO (retd) Barrie Jack and Cpl (retd) Donald Young recognized with Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendations yesterday. Congrats to all the recipients for making a difference for our #veterans and our #communities! #BruceGreyOwenSound https://t.co/zh0mkMynrp pic.twitter.com/YE9O4mJUWB
— Alex Ruff (@AlexRuff17) March 29, 2022