Mr. Van Der Rassel is a Korean War Veteran and a Canadian Forces Veteran. He has been an active member of the Korea Veterans Association of Canada (KVA) for more than 30 years. Mr. Van Der Rassel was instrumental in organizing the charter for KVA Unit #58 in North Bay. He has held all positions on the Executive and has been President for four terms. Mr. Van Der Rassel is also a member of the Memory Project and is heavily involved in community fundraising for worthy causes such as the Salvation Army, the Santa Claus fund and a small Veterans' club near the city. He visits and telephones Veterans in hospitals and nursing homes and provides some with music and song. In addition, Mr. Van Der Rassel has assisted numerous Veterans and their dependents in obtaining the benefits for which they are eligible.