Raymond Richard Hessler is a retired Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Veteran who has served in Germany, Egypt and Cyprus in addition to Canadian postings. Following his military service, Mr. Hessler became actively involved with The Royal Canadian Legion (RCL) where he continues to serve in numerous capacities, including assisting the Service Officer. Due to his history of working with community, church and legion and the charitable work he does, Veterans Affairs presented Mr. Hessler with a “Veterans Commendation Award”. The Honourable Erin O’Toole, Minister of Veterans Affairs, presented the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation to Mr. Hessler and twenty others on July 14, 2015.
Since serving in uniform, many of Canada’s Veterans continue to provide outstanding service to their country, their communities and their fellow Veterans. To formally recognize the contributions of these outstanding Canadians, the Governor General authorized the creation of the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation.
The Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation was created in 2001 by warrant of the Governor General and with the approval of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Government of Canada is proud to recognize those who honour the sacrifices and contributions of our nation’s heroes. “Canadians sincerely appreciate those who devote their time and efforts for Military Veterans. Canada’s Armed Forces Veterans have served our nation with valour, pride and distinction around the world, and so it is an honour, in turn, to serve them once they are out of uniform. The desire to devote countless hours in the service of Veterans deserves great praise.” -The Honourable Erin O’Toole, Minister of Veterans Affairs.
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.
In April, 2001 Her Majesty the Queen approved the design of a special bar to be worn with decorations to be known as the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation. The Governor General has issued a Warrant creating this award, and the governing policies call for it to be “…awarded to individuals who have performed commendable service to the Veteran community and /or individuals who represent commendable role models for their fellow Veterans.” The Commendation is intended primarily for Veterans, but may be awarded to non-Veterans as well.
The Commendation consists of a certificate, a lapel pin for civilian wear and a bar for wear with decorations. The design is a gold maple leaf resting on a red poppy, a flower long associated with the sacrifices of war, with the Royal Crown on the top of the pin. The Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation is worn below official decorations on its gold bar. It can be worn on a recipient’s blazer, formal wear, etc. on occasions when it is appropriate for medals to be worn. The lapel pin may be worn at any time on civilian dress.
Mr. Hessler was the key person who spearheaded the committee to build the cenotaph in the City of Chestermere which stands proudly in Anniversary Park. Also, he was recently recognized by the city for his tireless volunteer activities. Mr. Hessler was the co-chair of the Royal Canadian Legion’s poppy committee and the Seniors’ foot clinic where he arranges for registered nurses to attend to local Veterans. During Veterans Week, Mr. Hessler regularly visits schools to speak with youth about the significance of Remembrance Day.
Other organizations that Mr. Hessler remains active in are Army, Navy and Airforce Veterans’ Association, Peace Keeping Association, RCEME Regimental Association and KOCR Regimental Association. Locally, you can find Mr. Hessler as a valued member with Chestermere Whitecappers and participating in the City of Chestermeres Remembrance Day ceremony.
Congratulations Mr. Hessler and thank you for your service!
