Drumheller, Alberta
Mrs. Coney was voted President of Calgary's Drumheller Branch No. 22 of the Royal Canadian Legion (RCL) in 1998, which prior to her election, was about to shut its doors. Mrs. Coney's outstanding leadership qualities enabled her to revive the Branch, making it once again a vibrant part of the community, earning well-deserved respect, both from the town's Chamber of Commerce and from Dominion Command. Mrs. Coney served with the Calgary Highlanders and later with the Navy League Cadets until 1999, at which time she joined the Alberta Provincial Command. Upon her arrival, she immediately set out to design and develop training manuals for the Cadet Corps, which are now used across Canada for all Cadet Corps training. Mrs. Coney has been instrumental in organizing the Freedom of the City ceremony in remembrance of local fallen comrades. She also organized the Drumheller Legion Branch No. 22's - 75th Anniversary celebration and personally undertook to raise the funds for the event and procured new Colours for the Legion on that occasion. Mrs. Coney's devotion to Veterans and their cause has many ramifications throughout her community. Mrs. Coney visits aging Veterans in their homes and in long-term institutions, volunteers in the community, and speaks to youth, Legion, Church and community groups about the importance of remembering the sacrifice and achievements of Canada's Veterans. Mrs. Coney is a powerful advocate on behalf of Veterans and her community. In recognition of her extraordinary contribution to Veterans and to the community, she was recently awarded the Citizen of the Year Award in Drumheller, Alberta.