Mr. Gawthorn is a Veteran of the Second World War and the Korean War. He is a member of the Korea Veterans Association (KVA) Unit 52 in Kitchener and has served with this Unit for more than 20 years. Mr. Gawthorn has been President of the Unit and is currently Vice-President. He assists members of the KVA and other Veterans with applying for claims with Veterans Affairs. Mr. Gawthorn has helped drive Veterans and Veterans' widows to Veterans Services and appointments. During Remembrance Week he participates in The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #530's Waterloo School program. Mr. Gawthorn takes part in the poppy sales in his area every year and assists the Kitchener Waterloo Naval Association with their sales.