A Royal Naval Veteran of the Second World War and a member of The Royal Canadian Legion for more than 58 years, Mr. Bannister is a Life Member of The Royal Canadian Legion and has been presented with the Meritorious Service Medal and Palm Leaf. Mr. Bannister became an active founding member of Branch 36 in 1957, served his Branch in all capacities and currently serves as its Secretary. Mr. Bannister was Service Officer for many years assisting Veterans in acquiring benefit entitlements, and assisting with their pension appeals. Mr. Bannister continues to visit and speak to students at various schools during Veterans' Week and participates in many church services. Mr. Bannister was responsible for securing $750,000 in funding for the construction of a 12-apartment seniors' complex in his community. He is actively involved in many organizations relating to the care and well-being of seniors and veterans including organizations such as Mount Pearl Seniors Independence Group, Lions Club, and the Alzheimer's Society of which he served as Treasurer for three years. Mr. Bannister is the recipient of numerous awards recognizing his outstanding volunteer work including the One-hundred and 25th (125) Year Commemorative Medal, Citizen of the Quarter Century in Mount Pearl, Boy Scouts Certificate of Merit, and Kinsmen Club Citizen of the Year. In 2001, the Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador presented Mr. Bannister with The Newfoundland and Labrador Medal for his voluntary work.