Sainte-Sophie, Quebec
Mr. Le Blanc is a retired corporal, combat diver, from the 5th Combat Engineer Regiment. He was decorated with the UN Protection Force Medal and the Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal for his involvement in a mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Since retiring from the Canadian Armed Forces, Mr. Le Blanc has become involved with various community Veterans organizations, including the Ste. Anne’s Hospital and its Operational Stress Injury Clinic. Through further involvement, he received some training with the Operational Stress Injury Social Support (OSISS) service and became a peer helper. He also gives his time to the Royal Canadian Legion, working in different positions such as leisure activities director, assistance officer and director of the local branch’s poppy campaign in Saint-Jérôme. Mr. Le Blanc is a certified peer caregiver who works with members of the Veterans UN-NATO group, members of The Royal Canadian Legion and veterans referred by Veterans Affairs Canada. He is frequently called upon to intervene with peers in need and in distress. His dedication to peer support also prompted him to help start the Veterans peer support section in the Laurentians. Mr. Le Blanc is known for his availability, his caring nature and his integrity. His continued efforts, his support, his listening skills and his assistance have largely contributed to the well-being of many veterans in the region.