Mr. Beirnes is a retired Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Veteran who served in the Royal Canadian Air Force. Upon retirement in 1974, he became actively involved with volunteer organizations including The Royal Canadian Legion (RCL), where he served for many years as their Service Officer. He has worked tirelessly, assisting Veterans and their dependents obtain day-to-day necessities for an improved quality of life, arranging transportation to and from medical appointments, assisting with funeral arrangements and helping them to complete applications. Through the RCL and Veterans Affairs Canada Outreach and Visitation Initiative program, Mr. Beirnes visits Veterans in long-term care homes to report on the quality of care they are receiving. Mr. Beirnes is also active in the RCL’s Remembrance program, where he visits schools and speaks to students during Veterans’ Week.