Ottawa, Ontario – Cheryl Gallant, M.P. for Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, was pleased to attend the Minister of Veterans Affairs Ceremony in Ottawa, where Renfrew resident Dean Black was awarded a Commendation from the Honourable Erin O’Toole, Minister of Veterans Affairs.
“I am very proud join Minister O’Toole, the recipients, their family members and loved ones in celebrating excellence in Veterans advocacy and care today,” said MP Gallant. “Dean Black selflessly dedicated 30 years of his life to the defence of Canadians, and has not let up in retirement, tirelessly working for the health and livelihood of our Air Force Veterans and their families.”
Lt. Col (Retired) Dean Black served for 30 years in the Canadian Armed Forces as a tactical helicopter pilot and senior defence analyst. Since his retirement, Mr. Black has served as the Executive Director of the Air Force Association of Canada. In this position, he has been responsible for working with the Federal Government to promote the objectives, and gain help for the membership of the Air Force Association.
There were 28 recipients of the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation at the July 10th, 2015 ceremony. Recipients included former Petawawa resident, Amazing Race Canada alumni, and now Ottawa City Councillor, M.Cpl (Retired) Jody Mitic, as well as 57 year volunteer with the Royal Canada Legion, and 1982 Pembroke Citizen of the Year, Percy Price.
Many of Canada’s Veterans continue to provide outstanding service to their country, their communities, and their fellow Veterans. To formally recognize these contributions, Veterans are awarded a Ministers of Veterans Affairs Commendation.
The Commendation is awarded annually to individuals who have contributed in an exemplary manner to the care and well-being of Veterans or to the remembrance of the contributions, sacrifices and achievements of Veterans. While the Commendation is primarily given to Veterans, non-Veterans can also be commended.
For more information on the Commendations, or for a nomination form please, click here.