Commander Heather Joan Armstrong (retired)

Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia

Heather Armstrong is nominated for her constant support and advocacy of Veterans’ issues.

Since her retirement in 2013, the former naval commander has made it her vocation, as a volunteer, to encourage retired military members and their families to seek support from Veterans Affairs Canada. She spends countless hours assisting them in pouring through personal and medical files, navigating Veterans Affairs Canada forms and procedures and advocating on their behalf.

She has dedicated an inordinate amount of time and effort to assist Veterans to ensure they are aware of the benefits to which they are entitled and the process to apply for them. She is a powerful advocate for Veterans and consistently goes beyond the call of duty to assist them at any time. Over the years she has provided outstanding, significant and sustained volunteer service to the Veteran community.

She has been able to provide first–hand knowledge of the issues facing Veterans and their families and was able to recommend a way to improve policies and thus improve their lives. She has become a beacon and saviour for Veterans and has made it her raison d’être to do what she can to support them and goes above and beyond to be there for them at any time.