A Veteran of the British Army, Mr. John Gooch has been a longstanding member of both the British Legion and The Royal Canadian Legion. Mr. Gooch has been a member of the Poppy Campaign for many years, making arrangements for poppies to be delivered to all Kanata schools. During Veterans’ Week, he can often be found in the classroom talking to students about the exploits and heroics of Veterans. Mr. Gooch has dedicated himself to the establishment of the Village Green Memorial Park. Every year, he arranges the Remembrance Day ceremony at the Park and ensures that local students play a significant role in the ceremony. His efforts are not limited to just November 11. Throughout the year, Mr. Gooch maintains the park, by weeding and cleaning and planting flowers and bulbs.