Kingston, Ontario
Mr. James Gratto is a retired member of the Canadian Armed Forces. For the past 30 years, Mr. Gratto has volunteered his time to provide support to the Military Communications and Electronics Museum (MCEM) in Kingston, Ontario, and has been a great support to Veterans and widows in the Kingston area. Mr. Gratto is a very talented carver and has donated many of his works to the Museum’s fundraising dinners. He has also donated his carvings and provided support to the Signalers Club of Canada Inc. and to the Canadian Airborne Association, as well as other local charities in support of Veterans. Mr. Gratto’s first large undertaking in support of Veterans involved assisting an elderly Veteran in his building who was battling cancer caused by exposure to Agent Orange. His work with this Veteran eventually led to settlements for many Veterans who were directly exposed to the chemicals. Over the past 26 years, Mr. Gratto became the "go-to" person in the Kingston area. He has provided valuable guidance and support to numerous Veterans and family members, contributing countless hours to assist them in their navigation of the pension and benefits system.