Kanata, Ontario
Mr. John Robert Thomson is a Veteran who retired after thirty-two years in the Canadian Armed Forces. He joined The Royal Canadian Legion Kanata Branch upon his retirement and has been a member of the executive for the past several years. Upon joining the Legion, Mr. Thomson immediately volunteered to assist with the ongoing maintenance of the building, which included the set up and take down of the facilities for ongoing and special events. His volunteer work has helped contribute to the Legion’s financial viability and has allowed the branch to occasionally offer their facilities without cost to both Veterans and military families. Since 2005, Mr. Thomson has been very involved with the Legion’s Colour Party, including serving as sergeant-at-arms since 2012. As sergeant-at-arms, Mr. Thomson participates in remembrance ceremonies throughout the year in the Ottawa area. These activities include community celebrations of remembrance, participation in Ottawa Senators hockey games, visits to the Perley Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre, and ceremonies at area retirement homes. In 2013, Mr. Thomson took responsibility for the Kanata Legion’s annual hosting of the "Bingo/Birthday Night" and "Pub Night" at the Perley Rideau Veterans Health Centre. In addition, Mr. Thomson has undertaken a program of refurbishing medals for Veterans. Often the medal sets are incomplete and the Veteran’s entitlement has been lost. Mr. Thomson takes the time and sometimes shoulders the expense necessary to ensure the finished product is a true reflection of the Veteran’s service.