Veterans Transition Network

On Sept 2nd, Magnus Hegburn, a 22-year-old Queens University student, will run the length of the UK—1,500 km from Land's End to John O’Groats—to raise funds for VTN. With guidance from ultra-runner Ray Zahab, Magnus aims to run an ultra-marathon daily for 30 days. Inspired by stories from his grandfather, who served in the British Army, Magnus gained a personal understanding of the challenges veterans face and the critical need for support as they transition to civilian life.

To follow his journey & support him on GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/run-across-the-uk-for-vtn.

Thank you, Magnus, for your incredible commitment to VTN and Canada's veterans!

92-year-old Korean War and Peacekeeping veteran Sam Carr was honoured with a surprise tribute at the Remembrance Gardens in London, Ontario. His son arranged for a stone to be placed in his honour during an annual ceremony that commemorates nine Canadians killed on August 9, 1974, in the largest single-day loss of Canadian Armed Forces personnel during a peace support operation.

Today marks 82 years since the Raid on Dieppe during WWII, one of the most intense battles in Canadian history. We remember the bravery and sacrifice of those who took on this difficult and costly mission.

Collingwood, Ontario, wants to honour veterans who served by raising banners and flags in the heart of the city. Family, friends and businesses can donate to the Legion Poppy Fund and, in turn, have a picture of their loved one on a banner in downtown.
"We will be accepting applications for Veterans from all wars. Collingwood, let's show our pride in family, military service and, for some families, the ultimate sacrifice" -Susan Nicholson, general manager of the Collingwood Downtown BIA. Details are available on the Collingwood Downtown website.

Blanche Bennett was a Second World War veteran from Prince Edward Island who passed last week at the age of 101 years old. She served from 1942 to 1945 as a switchboard operator for the Canadian Women Army Corps. Blanche Bennett was very proud of having served in the military and will be remembered for her allegiance to the Canadian army, as well as her incredible memory.

August 15 marks three years since the Fall of Kabul. Amidst the chaos, Canada’s veterans swiftly took action to assist their Afghan allies - a mission that continues today. We have been honoured to stand alongside Canada’s veterans in the fight for at-risk Afghans.

VTN’s primary focus is supporting Canada's veterans, and we’ve had a record number of veterans reach out to attend our group counselling programs. This year, we ask you to consider donating to VTN, enabling us to address the invisible scars and help our veterans heal.

vtncanada.org/donate

A new cenotaph was unveiled on July 21st in Banff, BC to honour the fallen Canadians of the battle of Gapyeong, South Korea. Banff was the ideal location due to the scenic mountains and the large amount of visitors everyday. “Banff becomes the bridge to the world to show what sacrifices they have done so that we can travel to visit the beautiful mountains and beautiful countries that we have because these brave people keep our land free and keep other countries free” -HooJung Jones, president of the Korean War Veterans Advocates of Canada.

Our Transition Skills Course deals with trauma, goal setting, relationships, mental health, and resilience. It’s five days at a retreat centre and offered across Canada. VTN serves CAF and RCMP veterans, all ages, ranks, and service histories. There are still spots available on our Ontario programs for the upcoming fall. For more info, contact [email protected].

August 9th is National Peacekeepers' Day here in Canada. A ceremony will be held this Sunday in Ottawa to honour the 125,000 Canadians who have participated in peacekeeping missions. Canada has sent Canadian peacekeepers to 12 international efforts all over the world since 1948.

The Veterans Monument located in the Memorial Park of Sudbury, Ontario is being refurbished this week. The Irish Regiment monument will be under construction only for a few days, with a new plaque installed by the end of the week.

Sgt. Rob Nederlof, a mechanic in the Canadian Armed Forces, plans to cycle from Edmonton, AB, to Regina, SK, to raise money for veteran mental health programs. His "Prairie Thousand" tour will last from August 11th to 19th. The serving soldier has PTSD after serving three tours overseas in Bosnia and Afghanistan, and also knows people with the disorder who require support. The army mechanic’s PTSD has affected him significantly over the years, but cycling has helped him focus on supporting others.

French Foreign Legion veteran Marcus Jefferson is walking 27,000km across Canada, from Tuktoyaktuk, N.W.T., to St. John’s, Nfld., to raise awareness for mental health. Along the way, he has stopped in several communities to share his story and message of hope.

Le tout premier magazine pour les vétérans par les vétérans fête ses 1 an ce mois-ci ! Le Vétéran magazine publie une édition tous les premiers du mois en ligne. Il est produit exclusivement en francais et contient un editorial, un dossier du mois, et plusieurs reportages sur divers sujets présents et passés.

As we observe Korean War Veterans Day, we honour the thousands of Canadians who fought in Korea and commemorate the 516 Canadian lives that were lost in the fight for peace and freedom.

Richmond Arthur Deck, a Saskatchewan-born WWII veteran, received France’s highest honour, the Knight of the Legion of Honour, on July 18 in Langley, BC. At 103, Deck is the latest Canadian veteran to receive recognition from the French government.

“What you and your comrades, vos amis, vos frères d’armes, decided to do, your absolute courage, it goes beyond words,” Nicolas Baudouin, the Consul General of France in Vancouver, said in his remarks. “So I’ll simply say this: From the bottom of my heart, thank you, du fond du Coeur Richmond Arthur, merci. Our gratitude is everlasting.”

Former Trooper Ed Marshall turned 100 years old in December 2023. To mark the milestone, Marshall decided to raise money for children with a skydive he dubbed “The 100 Year Jump”. By the time he climbed aboard the Cessna aircraft, he had raised over $90,000 for SickKids Hopsital. The last time Marshall had jumped out of an airplane, he was in his 20's, and training with the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion. Family members and friends were waiting near the landing area, cheering him on. SickKids was enormously appreciative for the donation, which will go towards the highest priority needs at their hospital. "Kids are our future and so we have to look after them" Marshall, said. Thank you for your service, Marshall. Blue Skies!

On July 6th, Minister Fraser, on behalf of Ministers on Petitpas Taylor and Blair, announced an investment in five new projects to commemorate the No.2 Construction Battalion; the first and only all-Black battalion-sized formation in Canadian military history. Their commitment to the war effort was steadfast, despite the racism they experienced at home. $124,000 was announced to build memorials & exhibits, to support education, organize community events and research projects in Nova Scotia.

A few weeks ago, we wished Veteran John Hillman a happy 105th birthday. We're sad to share that he peacefully passed away on Monday morning. Every year, John would walk one lap around his house for each year of life, to raise funds for children. In 2023, he raised 460,000$ for Save the Children Emergency Fund. John leaves behind a legacy of his incredible efforts and generosity of spirit and we offer our deepest condelences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace.

The Stampede parade takes place in Calgary July 5th-14th where veterans cruise on an impressive float. Coding For Veterans mission is to help veterans transition from deployment to employement in software development & cybersecurity. Their 12 months program are offered free of charge to veterans. The graduates paraded on the float hoping to bring awareness to the programs.

Veterans Affairs Canada has launched a new employment strategy: Service after Service: The National Veterans Employment Strategy aims to increase employment opportunities for Veterans, with the goal of facilitating a smoother transition from military to civilian life.

“Each year, serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces become Veterans. They have the skills, dedication and leadership needed across the workforce. To support them as they take on a new form of service, our government is introducing a National Veterans Employment Strategy. This strategy aims to reduce employment barriers for Veterans, which will contribute to a successful transition to life after service and to their overall well-being.
” -Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Veterans Affairs.

The Royal Canadian Air Force flew a CC-13oH Hercules aircraft over a veteran's home this week in celebration of his centennial birthday. Earl was a radio operator during the Second World War, and he turned 100 on July 3rd. We wish him a happy birthday, and many more to come!

Our Transition Skills Course deals with trauma, goal setting, relationships, mental health, and resilience. It’s five days at a retreat centre and offered across Canada. VTN serves CAF and RCMP veterans, all ages, ranks, and service histories. For more info, contact [email protected].

Happy ! Today, we pay tribute to those who have served and continue to serve our country, reflecting on their bravery and dedication under the Canadian flag.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, July 1st holds significance as Memorial Day, honouring the 700 soldiers of the 1st Newfoundland Regiment who lost their lives at Beaumont-Hamel during the First World War’s Battle of the Somme.

Islanders gathered in Charlottetown, PEI, to celebrate the RCAF's 100th anniversary, honouring relatives who served. A rare and restored Canso aircraft was flown in from Alberta for the celebrations.

Are you a veteran interested in sharing your perspective on your health and well-being? Veterans Affairs Canada invites veterans to share their opinions to help improve services and support for all veterans. The anonymous online survey is open until July 8, 2024. https://veterans.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0PPgzarpat9eaQm

Today is PTSD Awareness Day, when we acknowledge the challenges faced by veterans with PTSD as they transition to civilian life. Through understanding, conversation, and support, we can shed light on PTSD and ensure that veterans receive the care and assistance they need.

For more information on our programs for veterans, email [email protected]

Here is a list of resources for veterans and loved ones to help navigate PTSD: vtncanada.org/resources

Are you a woman still serving or veteran from the Canadian Armed Forces or Royal Canadian Mounted Police? The new Ministerial Women Veterans Council is looking for members who can share their experiences and help inform on how to better meet the needs of all women veterans. Deadline to apply is June 28, 2024. For more info, visit https://veterans.gc.ca/en/about-vac/what-we-do/women-and-2slgbtqi-veterans/vac-women-veterans-council

Today is National . We salute Canada’s First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples and their contributions to our military history.

On Saturday, June 8, Muskoka Artist Greg Hammond presented his piece “Honouring Herman Stock” to Chief Phillip Franks of Wahta First Nation. “Honouring Herman Stock” is a tribute that captures the spirit, valor, and legacy of a young man from the Wahta First Nation who was killed 80 years ago on D-Day, when he landed on Juno Beach during the liberation of France.