St. Thomas, Ontario
A veteran of the Canadian Forces with active service from 1957-1963, Mr. Den Hartogh has been a member of The Royal Canadian Legion for more than 30 years. During this period, he has held numerous positions in his Branch, including those of Treasurer, Public Relations Officer, Coordinator of Newspaper in Education, Leadership and Planning Officer and Service Officer. He was the Branch's Public Relations Officer from 1991 to 1993, and during this period, coordinated the Newspapers in Education program for educating youth. As the Secretary-Treasurer for the Memorial Plot Trust, he ensures that veterans and their dependents receive their burial-related benefits. In 1995, Mr. Den Hartogh was appointed District "A" Hospital Chairman of Parkwood Hospital and the London Psychiatric Hospital, and, for six years, he travelled regularly from St. Thomas to both facilities, to ensure that the veterans' needs were being met. In this role, he initiated a "Legion Still Cares" program, which ensures that veterans receive the personal items they need regardless of their income. In recognition of his extensive community and volunteer work, Mr. Den Hartogh was presented with a Civic Award from the City of St. Thomas in 1995, and was awarded Legionnaire of the Year in 1999 and again in 2003.