Trenton, Nova Scotia
Mr. Boyles is a Canadian Forces Veteran and the son of a Second World War Veteran. He was a member of The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch # 29 (Trenton) for 30 years, where he served in many executive capacities including poppy chairman and president for two terms. While he was president, he purchased a building for Veterans in Aspen, Nova Scotia, at the price of $1. More than 20 years ago, he initiated a "Veterans' Night"—a lobster dinner and dance for Veterans, which continues every year to this day. Mr. Boyles organized a "D-Day Dodger" weekend, which drew Veterans from near and far. He constantly strives to help Veterans by transporting them to board hearings in Halifax and Sydney and to medical and other appointments. Mr. Boyles once drove more than 70 miles one way to meet the Minister of Veterans Affairs, on behalf of a Veteran who was denied a benefit claim. Day or night, he continues to make himself available for Veterans in need.