Sooke, British Columbia
Ms. Kathryn Linford is the spouse of a Canadian Armed Forces Veteran who served for 33 years and who, after multiple operational deployments, was diagnosed with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Ms. Linford has served as a board member for the CFB Borden Military Family Resource Centre, helping organize events to support military families. Upon her husband’s retirement in 2014, they embarked on a cross-country speaking tour to over 60 locations across Canada sharing the story of their chaotic family life and promoting her husband’s book on the subject. She was approached by many spouses in similar situations and was able to share the knowledge she had gained over the years.
Ms. Linford is the co-founder of the Wounded Warriors Canada Couples Overcoming PTSD Every Day (WWC-COPE) Program. She administers the program and has participated as a support spouse in several sessions over the past two years. In addition to this, Ms. Linford speaks to spouses of ill and injured Veterans on a weekly basis.
She is sought out for her strength and honesty. Through her own personal experience, compassion and care for Veterans and their families suffering with PTSD, she helps shape new beginnings for families and has made an immeasurable impact on their lives.