Three Commissionaires receive Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation

The Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence Hon. Lawrence MacAulay presented the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation to 29 recipients at a special ceremony in Hamilton on July 29, 2019. The commendation was awarded for outstanding service to veterans and dedication to remembrance, part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to recognizing individuals who go selflessly dedicate themselves to the well-being, care and remembrance of veterans.

Among the recipients are three with affiliations to Commissionaires:

• Colonel (Retired) Robert Douglas, CD: Former Commissionaires Great Lakes Governor and currently Honourary Colonel of Grey & Simcoe Foresters. His MVA Commendation was for spearheading $50,000 gifting for investment in Veterans Garden at "K" Wing Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto.
• Lieutenant-Colonel (Retired) Dave Gordon, CD: In addition to serving as a full-time employee, Hal has been volunteering with our Great Lakes Ceremonial Marching Unit since 2012. He participates in various events honouring veterans and helps raise public awareness of the Canadian Armed Forces. Hal also volunteers his time as a member of the 32 Signal Regiment Advisory Council, and as a volunteer member of the Toronto Warrior’s Day Parade Council.
• Major (Retired) Hal Buller, CD: Since 1996, Dave has volunteered in many capacities. Organizations that have benefited from his volunteerism include the American Institute of Navigation, the British Royal Institute of Navigation, the Royal Canadian Military Institute, Armour Heights Officer Mess (President), and the Canadian Forces College (guest lecturer). Though retired from Commissionaires, he continues to volunteer as a member of our Great Lakes Ceremonial Marching Unit.

The Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation is awarded annually to exceptional Canadians who have contributed in a distinguished manner to the care and well-being of Veterans and the remembrance of the contributions, sacrifices and achievements of Veterans. The commendation consists of a certificate, a lapel pin for civilian wear and a bar for wear with decorations.

The official media release about this round of commendations includes the following quote from Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, "Today we acknowledge the dedicated work of these 29 individuals for our veterans. From organizing and promoting remembrance within their communities to improving veterans' well-being and quality of life, these recipients have provided outstanding volunteer service. Thank you for all that you have done."
Congratulations to Robert, David, and Hal for receiving this well-deserved commendation. And thank you for your service!

The official news release is available on the VAC website.

Evelyn Kelly, Hal Buller, Col (Ret.) Robert Douglas, The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Donna Murakami, and Dave Gordon

The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, presents the Veterans Affairs Commendation to Lt. Col (Ret.) Dave Gordon, CD.

The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, presents the Veterans Affairs Commendation to Major (Retired) Hall Buller, CD.

The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, presents the Veterans Affairs Commendation to Col (Ret) Robert Douglas, CD.

Hamilton VAC Ceremony July 2019.