Every Veteran Has a Story

November 3rd, 2026

Listen, Reflect and Honour those who Served

As Remembrance Day approaches, Commissionaires Nova Scotia is honoured to share the stories of veterans and serving members whose experiences continue to inspire our organization, our communities, and the people they serve every day. We extend our sincere gratitude to those featured here, and to all who have served and continue to serve our country. Your dedication, sacrifice, and commitment will never be forgotten.

Military service is more than a career. It is an experience that shapes character, builds lifelong friendships, strengthens values and fosters a deep sense of purpose. The lessons learned in service often extend far beyond the uniform, influencing how veterans and serving members, lead, support others, and contribute to their communities throughout their lives.

The individuals featured in these stories are part of the Commissionaires team. They serve in roles across our organization, from commissionaires and supervisors to members of our leadership team and Board of Directors. Their experiences span many branches of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), with backgrounds in operations, health services, administration, peacekeeping, and leadership.

While each path is unique, they are connected by a shared commitment to service, integrity, and helping others. Through these stories, Commissionaires Nova Scotia proudly recognizes the lasting impact of military service and honours those whose dedication continues to strengthen Canada.

For Captain(N) (Retired) Alan Berry, military service was never just a career. It was a 40 year experience that shaped his values, broadened his perspective, and provided opportunities few people ever encounter.  

Originally from Oxford, Nova Scotia, Capt(N) Berry began his career as an administrative non-commissioned member before serving in both the Canadian Army and Royal Canadian Navy. Over time he advanced to become Logistics Officer, reaching the rank of Captain(N) while serving across Canada and around the world. 

His military career took him far beyond Cumberland County, Nova Scotia. From postings in Germany to representing Canada at the Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations in New York, he gained a deeper understanding of leadership, diplomacy, and Canada’s role on the international stage.  

Of all the places Capt(N) Berry expected his military career to take him, the helm of the Royal Yacht Britannia was not one of them. 

Among his many memories, one experience stands out. In 1983, after eight years of service and while posted aboard a Royal Canadian Navy ship as a Leading Seaman, Berry was selected as one of just eight Canadian Armed Forces members from the Maritime provinces to serve aboard the Royal Yacht during the visit of then Prince Charles and Princess Diana. 

“To know that out of so many deserving people, my commanding officer had put my name forward and I was chosen was a tremendous honour,” said Capt(N) Berry. The approval went through a rigorous selection process from both the CAF and royal officials.  

While sailing between ports, he struck up a conversation with the officer at the helm on the bridge. As they discussed navigation and steering the vessel, he was unexpectedly invited to take the wheel. For approximately an hour, Capt(N) Berry had the rare privilege of steering the now decommissioned Royal Yacht Britannia, reporting course and speed while guiding one of the world’s most recognizable ships through Atlantic Canadian waters. 

The voyage also offered the opportunity to meet the Royal Family in person. During stops throughout the region, Capt(N) Berry and the other Canadian service members accompanied them as they travelled ashore. More than four decades later, the experience remains one of the most remarkable memories of his military career. 

“My military career taught me the importance of discipline, leadership and adaptability,” said Capt(N) Berry. “Situations can change in an instant, but your core values remain the same. Duty, respect and integrity are values I carried throughout my military career and continue to carry with me today.” 

He learned that success often comes down to staying focused on your values, no matter the challenge. Two years after retiring, he joined Commissionaires working part-time at Camp Aldershot. Over the past eight years, he has advanced to full-time Shift Supervisor. His story demonstrates how the values learned through military service can continue to make an impact long after a career in uniform ends. 

For Captain Daniel Doroshenko, CD, a simple invitatation from a grade seven student changed the course of his life.

In 2011, while teaching junior high school, one of his students, a cadet named Justin, invited him to attend a local Remembrance Day ceremony. Standing at the cenotaph and watching young cadets take part in honouring those who served, Capt Doroshenko was inspired to learn more about the Cadet Program and military service. What began as an act of remembrance soon became a long-term commitment to developing Canada’s future leaders.

After reaching out to a local Army Cadet corps, Doroshenko began volunteering and eventually joined the Cadet Instructors Cadre (CIC) in 2013. Since then, he has served with Army and Air Cadet units across Nova Scotia, including 2928 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps (RCACC) Truro, 569 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron (RCACS) Brookfield, 1859 RCACC Springhill, and 2937 RCACC Enfield. Today, he serves as Training Officer for 2928 RCACC Truro, helping guide the next generation of cadets through leadership, citizenship, and teamwork.

As both a teacher and CAF officer, Capt Doroshenko has built his life around helping people learn, grow, and succeed. His military service has reinforced the same values he brings to the classroom every day.

“My military service has reinforced my belief in the importance of leadership, teamwork, and helping others reach their potential,” said Doroshenko. “Good leadership isn’t just about what you accomplish yourself. It’s about the people you help succeed along the way.”

Some of his most rewarding experiences have come through mentoring cadets and instructors at summer training centres across Canada. Seeing young people gain confidence, recognize their abilities, and develop into effective leaders remains one of the most meaningful parts of his service.

Today Capt Doroshenko balances three roles: teacher, Cadet Training Officer, and commissionaire. He credits Commissionaires Nova Scotia with providing the flexibility to continue serving youth through the Cadet Program while remaining active in his community. Whether in the classroom, in uniform, or on the job, his focus remains the same: helping others discover their potential and achieve success.

For Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Anne Espenant, DMSM, CD, military service was an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. What began as a career in nursing grew into 36 years of service shaped by leadership, adaptability, and a commitment to caring for people in some of the most challenging environments imaginable.

Inspired by family history of service, that included relatives who served during both World Wars, LCol Espenant joined the CAF on October 5, 1983. At the time, she was working as a civilian critical care nurse and had no way of knowing that one application would lead to a lifetime of opportunities. With only two Nursing Officer positions available that year, she was selected and quickly found herself beginning basic training just weeks later.

Throughout her military career, LCol Espenant served in a wide range of healthcare, operational, and leadership roles across Canada and overseas. While she began as a Nursing Officer, the military continually challenged her to expand her skills, take on new responsibilities, and adapt to changing needs. Along the way, she learned that leadership is ultimately about people.

Her career eventually led to senior leadership positions, including, Chief of Staff for Health Services in Eastern Canada and Commanding Officer of 33 Field Ambulance in Halifax. She was responsible for supporting health services operations, medical planning, exercises, and emergency response activities ranging from NORAD operations to large-scale domestic and international events.

One memory remains particularly meaningful.

“Standing in Afghanistan in 2013, on our final Remembrance Day service there, we honoured the 158 service members and seven civilians who lost their lives during the mission,” recalled LCol Espenant.

Standing alongside fellow military personnel, she reflected on those who had served, sacrificed, and never returned home. The ceremony served as a powerful reminder that the effects of military service often extend far beyond a deployment, touching the lives of service members and their families for years to come.

“I still often think of those who continue to suffer today and those who have carried the impacts of service for some time,” she added.

Today, LCol Espenant continues her commitment to service as Vice Chair of the Board of Governors for Commissionaires Nova Scotia. Drawing on decades of leadership experience in the CAF, she helps guide our organization. Her story reflects a lifelong dedication to caring for others, embracing new challenges, and serving a purpose greater than oneself.

Corporal (Retired) Christina Garon joined the CAF while attending university, serving for five years with the Canadian Army Reserve as a Mobile Support Equipment Operator. Her military service took her across Canada and to training exercises in the United States, where she developed the skills, confidence, and resilience that continue to shape her career today.

“Serving Canada is something I’m incredibly proud of and helped build the foundation of who I am today,” shared Cpl Garon, “It taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of contributing to something greater than myself.”

One experience stands out. During an exercise in Virginia, Cpl Garon had the opportunity to drive a military vehicle out of a C-5 Galaxy aircraft, putting her training into practice in a unique operational environment.

The moment held additional significance at a time when women in the U.S. military still faced restrictions in certain trades. For her, it was a reminder of how important representation is and how military service can help break down barriers and create opportunities for future generations of women.

The training and experiences were rewarding, but some of the most lasting impacts of her military service were the friendships she built along the way. Years after leaving the military, many of those connections remain strong despite different career paths, postings, and life experiences. Her time in the Army Reserve reinforced the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and looking out for others, lessons that continue to guide her leadership style today.

While she served, Canada was in the middle of the Afghan conflict. Part of her role was to step into additional responsibilities to help support operations at home while others deployed overseas. Although she expressed interest in deploying herself, military requirements kept her in Canada. She helped ensure others could answer the call to serve. As friends and colleagues departed for Afghanistan, she gained a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made by service members and their families, as well as the importance of every role in supporting military operations.

Now, as Director of Operations with Commissionaires Nova Scotia, Cpl Garon draws on her experience as a veteran to support commissionaires, many of whom are former members of the CAF and RCMP.

Military was more than a career for Chief Petty Officer 1st Class (Retired) Dana McLellan, OMM, CD. It was 35 years of continuous learning, leadership, and lifelong friendships forged through service in the Royal Canadian Navy.

Beginning as an Oceanographic Operator, CPO1 McLellan built her expertise studying underwater sound and submarine systems before taking on increasingly senior roles in operational watchkeeping, instruction, training, and personnel development.

Throughout her career, she embraced new challenges and opportunities, continually adapting to the changing needs of the Navy while helping others develop their own skills and confidence.

One of her proudest accomplishments came when she became first female Coxswain of an East Coast major warship, HMCS Ville de Québec. As the ship’s senior non-commissioned member, she was responsible for the welfare, morale, discipline, and professional development of the ship’s company. Her dedication to professional growth included completing a year-long French-language course, which helped prepare her for leadership aboard the predominately French-speaking vessel.

Throughout her military career, CPO1 McLellan developed close friendships with fellow sailors, leaders, and mentors across the Royal Canadian Navy. Shared deployments, challenges, and experiences created bonds that have endured long after retirement. For her, the Navy became a second family united by a common purpose and commitment to service.

In recognition of her dedication and leadership, she was awarded the Order of Military Merit by the Governor General of Canada, one of the Canadian Armed Forces’ highest honours.

“There are many moments that still fill me with pride,” reflected CPO1 McLellan. “Including the honour of meeting and speaking with Queen Elizabeth II.”

Today, CPO1 McLellan is Site Manager at HMC Dockyard on CFB Halifax, with Commissionaires Nova Scotia. Drawing on 35 years of military leadership experience, she supports employees, clients, and operations while continuing to embody the values of service, professionalism, and teamwork that defined her career in the Royal Canadian Navy.

When Warrant Officer (Retired) Shawn O’Hara first joined the CAF, he planned to stay only long enough to pursue a career with the RCMP. Instead, the opportunities, experiences and people he encountered led him to build a 26-year career in the Royal Canadian Air Force.

As an Aerospace Control Operator, WO O’Hara served at locations across Canada before concluding his military career in Comox, British Columbia, where he held the position of Standards Warrant Officer for the Air Traffic Control section. Throughout his service, he developed the discipline, leadership, and problem-solving skills that would shape both his military and civilian careers.

One of the highlights of his service was completing three peacekeeping tours in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, with the Multinational Force and Observers, spending a total of 20 months supporting international peace and security efforts. While the deployments brought unique challenges, they also created lifelong memories and friendships with military members from around the world.

Among his many memories, one stands out above the rest. “Playing Santa Claus, is certainly one memory that stands out,” recalled WO O’Hara. During his final tour in the Sinai, WO O’Hara volunteered to play Santa Claus for military personnel representing 14 different nations, knowing it was a chance to bring people together and put smiles on faces far from home.

Looking back, WO O’Hara credits military service with teaching him discipline, adaptability, and the importance of leading by example. The supervisory and leadership skills he developed in the Royal Canadian Air Force continue to influence his work and relationships today.

O’Hara serves as Site Supervisor for Commissionaires Nova Scotia at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site in Cape Breton. Having spent more than a decade in his current role, he continues to draw on lessons learned through military service while supporting colleagues, visitors, and the historic site.

Military service was built on one simple belief, for Leading Seaman (Retired) John Sears: putting service before self. Although his time in the Royal Canadian Navy lasted just four years, the lessons, friendships, and sense of purpose he gained continue to guide him today.

Originally from Montreal, LS Sears joined the CAF as a Boatswain. Inspired by a desire to serve his country, develop leadership skills, and build a stable future, he quickly embraced the opportunities and responsibilities that came with life in the Navy. During his time in uniform, he helped protect Canada’s fishing zones off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador and took part in a peacekeeping mission in Bermuda.

“I was inspired to join the Navy by a desire to serve my country, develop leadership skills, and secure a stable career,” shared LS Sears. “I believe that serving Canada is a lifelong commitment rooted in sacrifice, duty, and the protection of the nation’s democratic values.”

While his military experiences took him far from home, some of his most meaningful memories involved the people who supported him along the way. One of his proudest moments was seeing his parents attend his military graduation, a milestone that reflected not only his achievement, but the support of his family. Another highlight was marching in a parade for Princess Anne, an experience he still remembers fondly. The camaraderie he experienced and the relationships he built remain among the most rewarding aspects of his time in uniform.

Today, LS Sears serves his community at PIER Halifax with Commissionaires Nova Scotia. Known for his welcoming nature and dedication to helping visitors, he brings the same commitment to service that guided his military career. As a native French speaker, he is also able to assist visitors in both of Canada’s official languages, helping create a positive experience for guests from across the country and around the world.

His story is a reminder that service does not end when a military career is over. Whether in uniform or in the community, the values of duty, respect, and helping others can continue to make a difference for a lifetime.

Listen, Reflect and Honour Those Who Served 

Every veteran’s story is unique, but the experiences shared by these members of the Commissionaires Nova Scotia team reveal common threads: service, leadership, resilience, sacrifice, and a commitment to helping others. From the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Air Force, and Canadian Army Reserve to leadership roles within Commissionaires Nova Scotia, their journeys demonstrate how military service shapes lives long after the uniform is retired.

The lessons learned through service do not end with retirement. The values of duty, respect, integrity, and teamwork continue to guide how these veterans lead, support their communities, and contribute through their work with Commissionaires Nova Scotia. Behind every rank, medal, and uniform is a person with a unique story worth listening to and sharing.

This Remembrance Day, we encourage Canadians to take the time to listen to and learn from the veterans and serving members in their lives. By seeking out their stories, reflecting on their experiences, and recognizing their contributions, we help ensure their service and sacrifice are never forgotten.

Lest we forget.