Veterans Ombud Recognizes Military and Veteran Community Members

The Veterans Ombud, Col. (ret’d) Nishika Jardine, awarded nine deserving individuals with the 2024 Veterans Ombudsman Commendations this fall.

The Veterans Ombudsman Commendations are awarded annually to recognize and honour individuals or groups who have gone above and beyond the call to support Canada’s veterans and their families.

This year’s ceremony was held virtually on Nov. 28, 2024.

This Year’s Recipients

This year’s recipients were a mixture of five individuals, two-lifetime contribution honourees, a local organization and a national organization.

“It is a great honour to present the 2024 Veterans Ombud Commendations to this year’s recipients. The award recognizes the outstanding individuals and organizations who are making a positive impact on the lives of Veterans and their families across Canada,” said the Veterans Ombudsman in a statement.

This year’s recipients are as follows:

Sgt. Darren Reid

Sgt. Reid received the Individual Commendation for his commitment to Veterans and their families. He initiated a peer support network for families of deployed members after experiencing a difficult deployment himself, according to his Veteran Ombudsman biography. He also works through the Royal Canadian Legion to assist Veteran communities and organizes Christmas gifts for Veterans in long-term care.

Matthew Anderson

Mr. Anderson received the Individual Commendation for co-founding Helping Heroes Heal. The organization supports first responders, Veterans and military members by providing peer support, according to the biography provided by the Veterans Ombud. The organization also supports participants and their families through sport. He also created The 158 Podcast with three other Veterans to process the loss of 158 Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan.

Amanda E. Anderson

After losing her spouse, Cpl. Jordan Anderson in Afghanistan, Ms. Anderson worked tirelessly on behalf of all those who have lost loved ones and must navigate challenges with Veterans Affairs Canada. She is a leader of the Survivors Group, created to support grieving family members. For all her work, she received the Individual Commendation.

Robert Gregg Hemlow

Mr. Hemlow received the Lifetime Contribution for supporting the Veterans community since his retirement from the CAF in 2003. Over the years, he has served as an Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans in Canada (ANAVETS) service officer and a member of the Royal Canadian Legion. He has volunteered selflessly at the local Veterans Food Bank and with VETS Canada. According to his biography, he also spends time visiting Veterans at the Deer Lodge Hospital and raising proceeds for worthy organizations.

Can Praxis

Can Praxis received the 2024 Local Organization Commendation for the organization’s work since 2013 as an equine-assisted therapy provider for Veterans and first responders.

Team Rubicon Canada

Team Rubicon Canada is the recipient of the 2024 National Organization Commendation. The organization was recognized as an organization that “provides purpose and community for many Veterans who give their time to help communities nationally and internationally during disasters and humanitarian crises,” states the Veterans Ombud site. Its RIVER program was hailed for empowering participants to build their resilience.

Three RCMP community members also were recognized for their work. Edward Albert Miller and Ian Edward Atkins received Individual Commendation, with Ronald G. Mostery being present the Lifetime Contribution Commendation.

Selection Process

Each year, the Veterans Ombud chooses Commendation recipients from a pool of individuals and organizations nominated by their peers.

The selection is then made by the Ombud in consultation with the Veterans Ombud Advisory Council, according to the Office of the Veterans Ombud.

The Office of the Veterans Ombud is responsible for investigating complaints and challenges that directly correlate to Veterans Affairs Canada policies and decisions. The organization also rules out systemic unfairness.

Visit here to read learn more about the recipients.