“HIGHWAY OF HEROES” IN HONOUR OF FALLEN SOLDIERS, TO BE DEDICATED ON STRETCH OF TRANS-CANADA HWY IN BC, BY MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION

Honour House — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

NEW WESTMINSTER, B.C.- A stretch of the Trans-Canada Highway between LANGLEY and ABBOTSFORD, BC, will officially be dedicated as "Highway of Heroes" in memory of B.C’s thirteen fallen Canadian Forces Members who lost their lives in Afghanistan and in honour of their families who have received Memorial Silver Crosses. The official dedication ceremony will be made by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to three Silver Cross Families at Honour House, 509 St. George Street in New Westminster, BC at 10am on Thursday June 9th, 2011.

In 2007 the Ministry of Transportation dedicated a stretch of Highway 401 in Toronto as "Highway of Heroes." The Ubique Unit of the 3rd Canadian Army Veteran Motorcycle Units (3rd CAV), a group of Veterans and supporters that ride motorcycles and support communities, set a goal last year to see that a "Highway of Heroes" was also dedicated in the West. "It is important to salute the sacrifices of the fallen men and women who have given their lives in Afghanistan and honour the Silver Cross Families they have left behind. We have 13 Silver Cross Families in BC alone and having a "Highway of Heroes" on each coast is necessary to recognize the contributions of the fallen and the great loss to our country. At the same time, it is important that we offer support to the CF members and families of those serving in the Canadian Forces and that is why the 3rd CAV has chosen to donate the proceeds of our annual motorcycle ride to Honour House and the Military Family Resources Centre (MFRC)" says Barry Drews, Vice President of 3rd CAV Ubique Unit. The 3rd CAV, worked together with Honour House Society, and the Honourable Joan McIntyre, MLA: West Vancouver-Sea to Sky, to make this highway dedication a reality.

Honour House is a "home away from home" for Canadian Forces members, First Responders (Fire, Paramedics and Police) and their families, while they are receiving medical treatment in the Metro Vancouver area. "I am thrilled that the "Highway of Heroes" in BC will be ready in time for the "Ride for the Fallen" on June 11th. Honour House Society is extremely grateful that the 3rd CAV has chosen to donate the proceeds of this event to our organization. It is important that we are able to help and honour the heroes who serve and have served our country, as well as their families. This is the ultimate goal of Honour House" says Allan De Genova, President of Honour House Society.

Representatives and elected officials from all three levels of government will be in attendance. Silver Cross Families will be available for interviews on-site after the ceremony on June 9, 2011, by appointments made in advance only.

For more information please contact Melissa De Genova, Communications Liaison & Director, Honour House Society: (604) 767-8731 or [email protected]">[email protected]

PARKING AND EVENT ACCESS:

Public Parking is available on 6th Street. Due to the size of this event, St. George Street will be closed between 4th and 6th street to accommodate Canadian Forces and first responder vehicles

TWU Donates $10,000 to Honour House

Honour House — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

On January 13th, the Telecommunications Workers Union (TWU) donated $10,000 to Honour House. John Robinson, representing more than 500 members of TWU Local 60 (Shaw Cablesystems), presented the cheque to Don Vandervoort, Vancouver Regional Construction Association Coordinator of the Honour House Project, with John Appleby, Treasurer of Honour House Society, looking on. Also pictured are TWU Local 60 members (l-r) Steve Foreman and Larry Pliner. The presentation took place at Honour House, 509 St. George St., New Westminster.

John Robinson presenting the cheque to Don Vandervoort with John Appleby - Photo credit: Cliff Lemire

The Legion Foundation Luncheon

Honour House — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

On Friday, December 10th, at the Legion Foundation luncheon, the BC/Yukon Command Royal Canadian Legion, generously presented Honour House Society with a cheque for $17,666.95. The cheque was gratefully received by Honour House Vice President Jim Stanton and Director Joel Camley. The Royal Canadian Legion has been a partner with Honour House since our inception and continues to lead the way in their donations. All of the Honour House Society Board and members gratefully express their thanks for this ongoing support.

Honour House Annual General Meeting

Honour House — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Annual General Meeting of Honour House Society was held at New Chelsea Gardens on December 1st, 2010.

Two founding Directors took their leave and Howard Blank was elected by acclamation to the Board of Directors. President Alan DeGenova told the AGM that Mr. Blank, who operates Vancouver’s River Rock Casino Resort, is anenergetic businessman who will lead a renewed fund raising effort tocomplete and furnish the Honour House interior early in 2011.

Members attending the AGM were informed that Cam Cathcart has decided to step down from the Board. Cam left Honour House after more than four yearsof volunteer service, remaining on the Board until Honour House opened onNovember 10, 2010. He told the AGM he was “delighted and honoured” to bepart of the official opening and that it was now “time to make way forsomeone with new ideas and new energy” on the Board.

Cam has agreed to serve on the Honour House Advisory Panel and will continue his outreach activities including Honour House presentations to various organizations, and liaising with the Royal Canadian Legion, the VeteransTransition Program and New Chelsea Society.

President DeGenova informed the meeting of the earlier resignation of Brian Archer, another founding Director, following his appointment as ExecutiveDirector of the Legion Foundation. Like Cam, Brian will stay on as a memberof the Advisory Panel. Both Directors were thanked for their contributionsin making Honour House become a reality

Re-elected to the Honour House Society Board of Directors were AlanDeGenova, President; Jim Stanton, Vice-president and Secretary; JohnAppleby, Treasurer, and Michael Flanigan, Larry Kerr and Joel Camley asDirectors.

W5: Capt. Trevor Greene, in his own words

CTV W5 — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Click to watch the video on CTV .

On March 4, 2006, I was attending a meeting with village elders in the remote village of Shinkay, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan.

As usual, I had removed my helmet as a sign of respect. A centuries-old tribal custom, pashtunwali, dictated that as a guest of the village, I would be protected.

As I began to speak to the elders about their basic needs, a young Taliban insurgent crept up behind me and swung an axe deep into my skull. The attack was the signal for an ambush.

Through the hail of bullets, medic Shaun Marshall reached my side and was astounded to find me still breathing. After fighting off the attack, my platoon gathered around me and implored me to hang on to life.

Fate kept me alive and the love of my then-fiancé Debbie and daughter Grace kept me going. Eight hospitals later, fate and my two favourite girls are still by my side on my long road to recovery.

Conventional medical wisdom holds that little recovery is possible two years after a severe traumatic brain injury. It's been four-and-a-half years since the axe fell and my resolve to walk is unshakeable. That resolve has been bolstered by an outpouring of heartfelt support by Canadians from all walks of life.

In July 2010, surrounded by close friends and family, I stood by my wife's side at our dream wedding. This was possible because in late 2008, after the original "Peace Warrior" documentary aired, I was contacted by a renowned orthopedic surgeon.

Despite a previous prognosis that I would never walk again because of my badly contracted feet, Dr. Norgrove Penny operated on them and has made it possible for me to stand and work towards my goal of walking. Without that surgery, my dream to walk again would have been stillborn.

Coincidentally, Dr. Ryan D'Arcy, a neuroscientist, also saw the documentary and made contact. In May 2010, I became the subject of a study to track the reorganization of my brain, after the axe severed all my motor functions. The results from three functional MRI's to date show that different parts of my brain are taking over functions for the grey matter lost in the Afghanistan desert.

Debbie and I are working on a book about our epic journey, which is due for publication by HarperCollins in early 2012.

Chilliwack Fraser Rotary Club

Honour House — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Directors Cam Cathcart and Jim Stanton made their presentation to the Chilliwack Fraser Rotary Club on Wednesday, November 24th at noon about the origins and current status of Honour House and our plans for the future.

Cam and Jim at beginning of presentation

The presentation was very well received and 13 new members were enrolled.

Chilliwack Rotarian Gerry Enns and Honour House Director Cam Cathcart

Honour House Opens

Honour House — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

In front of a large crowd of first responders, troops and supporters, Capt Trevor Greene officially dedicated our 10-room, fully accessible home on Wednesday November 10th, at 509 St. George Street, New Westminster, BC. This capped four years of effort by the Honour House Board, the construction industry and hundreds of volunteers.

It is anticipated that Honour House will be fully operational to start receiving guests in mid-January 2011.

Honourary Patron Trevor Green and his wife Debbie Lepore with VIP Guests

Director Cam Cathcart MC’d the day. VIP guests included Col Bryan Gagne, Commander 39 Brigade Group, New Westminster Police Chief Lorne Zapotichsky, New Westminster Fire Chief Tim Armstrong and Vancouver Construction Association Director Don Vandervoot.

Afghanistan and Peacekeeping veterans were in attendance.

Fanfare trumpeters from Vancouver Fire & Rescue, Royal Westminster Regiment and 15 Field Artillery Regiment.

Directors Jim Stanton and Cam Cathcart hold the official Honour House flag, designed by vexilologist Arthur Hughes.

Honour House President Al DeGenova spoke about the challenge offered to him to get Honour House up and running by then Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) General Rick Hillier. After four hard years work, Al presented his framed CDS Challenge coin for permanent display in the House.

Rich Coleman, Solicitor General and Housing Minister spoke about the need for places like Honour House and how the province of British Columbia committed $2 million to make the purchase of the property and land a reality.

Mayor Wayne Wright has been an ardent supporter of Honour House from the moment he found out about it. He and his council and staff have been unstinting in having the Home renovated in record time. Pat Buchannon was our official piper.

An Honour Guard comprised of members of the BC Ambulance Service, New Westminster Fire & Rescue Services, New Westminster Police Service and Royal Westminster Regiment emphasized the important role of first responders and our Armed Forces in Canada.

After declaring Honour House open, Captain Greene presented Al DeGenova with a souvenir Afghanistan Campaign coin.

Media coverage was extensive. Guests had an opportunity to view the interior of Honour House.

Doormat at entrance to the House

An upstairs bedroom, fully accessible, with ensuite bathroom.

Beautifully furnished and appointed common living room.

Dining room.

Don Vandervoort receives Lifetime Achievement award by the VCRA

Honour House — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Honour House Board members attended the Annual Awards dinner of the Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VCRA) on Wednesday, October 27th.

Honour House was given an opportunity to display the working drawings of the House and was given prominent recognition by members of the Association.

Don Vandervoort, who sits on the VRCA Board has been a driving force developing the relationship with Honour House, was give a Lifetime Achievement award by the VCRA.

Well done, Don.

Don Vandervoort

UBC’s Veterans Transition Program receives $1.37 million from the BC/Yukon Command of The Royal Canadian Legion

UBC — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The University of British Columbia has received $1.37 million from the BC/Yukon Command of The Royal Canadian Legion to expand its Veterans Transition Program (VTP). The only program of its kind in Canada, the VTP assists former members of the Canadian military in their transition back to civilian life. The funding will help create a new professorship and train counselling psychologists to deliver the program.

It is estimated that up to 30 per cent of returning soldiers are traumatized in active combat. They experience symptoms such as nightmares, sleeplessness and an inability to concentrate, making them prone to isolation and overuse of alcohol and drugs. Veteran soldiers are also twice as likely to commit suicide as non-veteran civilians.

“The Legion understands that our new veterans need care and attention,” said David Sinclair, President of the BC/Yukon Command of The Royal Canadian Legion. “Through partnerships with the University of British Columbia and other like-minded agencies, the Legion will be there and ready for our returning men and women in uniform.”

UBC’s Faculty of Education received $1 million to create The Royal Canadian Legion Professorship in Group Counselling and Trauma, a position that will oversee the long-term success of trauma repair through group counselling. Another $374,000 will be used to provide training for five counselling psychologists to deliver the VTP, allowing the program to expand to include first responders, police, fire and RCMP, and to be extended across British Columbia and potentially Canada.

“We are grateful to The Royal Canadian Legion for its generous gift,” said David Farrar, UBC’s Provost and Vice President Academic. “The new professorship will further UBC’s leadership in generating and applying new knowledge here in B.C., nationally and internationally.”

By the time Canada withdraws from Afghanistan next year, between 25,000 and 30,000 soldiers will have served there. These young soldiers will be trying to make sense of their military experience and its impact on their lives.

“Our soldiers go to war healthy, but when they come home they often need help to return to a healthy state of mind,” said Marvin Westwood, a professor in the Counselling Psychology Program in UBC’s Faculty of Education.

“The VTP was developed to address the invisible wounds of our soldiers so they can function and have healthy relationships with their families, friends, at work and with themselves.”

Established in 1997 with funding from the BC/Yukon Command of The Royal Canadian Legion, the VTP is a group-based program facilitated by Westwood and Dr. David Kuhl, an associate professor in UBC’s Faculty of Medicine.

The VTP is offered to returning soldiers as an early intervention. Soldiers work together with a team of psychologists, counselors and a physician to help one another recover from what they have experienced. Close to 200 veterans have gone through the program so far.

“It’s not simply a healing program,” says Tim Laidler, 25, who participated in the program and is returning to the VTP as a paraprofessional to assist other soldiers with their transition. “It’s about transitioning soldier skills into civilian skills, regaining what you may have lost overseas and building on your abilities.”

Follow-up research has shown that participants in the VTP have fewer trauma symptoms and gain personal confidence. They have improved relationships with their spouses, partners, children and families. In addition many participants access new work environments and careers.

“The Faculty of Education is committed to using our research expertise to promote the well-being of the community,” said Jon Shapiro, Dean pro tem of the Faculty of Education. “The expansion of our program, through these funds will ensure the sustainability of the VTP and enhance the strengths of our Faculty.”

The funding was announced today at the kickoff of the annual Poppy Campaign at Vancouver’s City Hall, where the first Poppy was pinned on Mayor Gregor Robertson. Donations from the Poppy Campaign fund the VTP and other programs and services for Canadian veterans and their families.

In addition to the funding announced today, the BC/Yukon Command of The Royal Canadian Legion has annually funded a chair since 1978 that partially supports the head of the Department of Family Practice in UBC’s Faculty of Medicine. Dr. Martin Dawes, the newly appointed head of the department, now holds that chair. Individual Legion Branches also support programs at UBC. Since 1980, the Mount Pleasant Legion Branch #144 has donated almost $1 million to the Department of Family Practice to fund a position in community geriatrics. For more information, visit: www.bcyuk.legion.ca

Helmets for Heroes

Honour House — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Firefighters, paramedics and police officers throughout the BC Lower Mainland hit the pavement on October 23rd and 24th in the “Helmets for Heroes” program to raise funds for Honour House.

“Heroes” signboards drew public attention to the fund raising program

Honour House Director Cam Cathcart with Vancouver Fire & Rescue Service and BC Ambulance

Honour House Director, Joel Cley, engages the public

Paramedic Troy Gienger at Burrard and Robson

Police and firefighters greet the public

Police, fire and ambulance vehicles were positioned on the streets to attract public attention

Helmets for Heroes Media Kick Off

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The media kick off for “Helmets for Heroes” was held on October 21 at Fire Hall #1 in New Westminster and was a great success. It started with the arrival of Air 1 the police helicopter and the Air Ambulance.

A good day was had by all in support of the firefighters and paramedics “Helmets for Heroes” find-raising campaign taking place October 23 and 24 throughout BC communities.

Click here to view photos.

Thank A Soldier by Peter Holley

Honour House — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Holley was asked to sing the Canadian National Anthem at an event in Niagara Falls honouring the Canadian Forces. At the time, he wished he had a song of tribute to offer. He didn’t. So he wrote one.

The song is called Thank A Soldier and is his way of expressing his gratitude to those who serve.

Running Room Cheque Presentation

Honour House — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Honour House Vice-President Jim Stanton and Director Cam Cathcart, received a cheque from Jerry the Manager of the UBC Running Room store and Neil, Race Manager in the amount of $1860 from monies raise at the September 15, Honour House-Running Room race/walk.

Discussions are already underway for next years’ event.

Left to right, Neil, Jerry, Cam and Jim

Running Room cheque

Richmond Chinatown Lions Club

Honour House — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Director Jim Stanton made a presentation to the Richmond Chinatown Lions Club on Tuesday, October 20th. It was very well received by attending Lions and seven members joined the Society.

Honour House Vice-President Jim Stanton and Lions Club President Lucy Chan

L to R: Alfred, Richmond MLA Linda Reid, Lucy, Jim

Richmond Lions Club Director, Alfred Woo

Honourable Cause

Sandra Thomas, Vancouver Courier Friday, March 20, 2009 — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Charity described as Ronald McDonald House for soldiers

Sitting in the Courier’s boardroom last Friday afternoon surrounded by pamphlets, copies of emails, news articles, drawings, files and a large black binder, it’s obvious former park board commissioner Allan De Genova is on a mission.

De Genova, who has often been compared to the Energizer Bunny, is determined to see a facility built that will provide temporary housing for the families of wounded Canadian military personnel and local first responders being treated in Vancouver. Honour House, as it’s been dubbed, is that place.

“It will be similar to how Ronald McDonald House operates, except for adults,” says De Genova of the charity that provides temporary housing for families of sick children. “It will be a home away from home for these people as their loved ones recover.”

The facility will house the families of soldiers wounded in Afghanistan as well as the loved ones of injured first responders such as fire, police and ambulance personnel.

De Genova says more than 1,000 military members have been injured since Canada began its peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan in 2002, with just over 400 wounded in action. And it looks like those numbers will continue to grow. Two weeks ago, Prime Minister Stephen Harper spoke to CNN’s Fareed Zakaria regarding Canada’s efforts in Afghanistan saying, “We’re not going to win this war by just staying… we are not ever going to defeat the insurgency.”

A media spokesperson with the Department of National Defence told the Courier this week that information regarding how many Canadians soldiers have been injured in Afghanistan since 2002 falls under the Privacy Act and can’t be released. According to DND 2,832 military personnel are serving in Afghanistan at this time.

De Genova felt compelled to get involved after attending a 2006 benefit concert, Salute to Our Troops in Afghanistan, sponsored by the Royal United Services Institute of Vancouver (RUSI Vancouver). The event focused on the needs of Canadian troops, both those overseas and those returning home, and raised awareness about young injured and wounded veterans receiving care or rehabilitation in Vancouver area medical facilities and the difficulty their out-of-town families have in finding temporary housing during their care.

A month later during Remembrance Day ceremonies at the cenotaph at Victory Square, De Genova was inspired to take the reigns for Honour House in cooperation with the Mainland B.C. Military Family Resource Centre and RUSI.

“Remembrance Day isn’t all about World War I and World War II,” De Genova says. “Some of our most recent soldiers have also lost their lives or been injured.”

De Genova then turned to Cam Cathcart for advice. Cathcart, chair of the Vancouver Remembrance Day Observance Committee and director of ceremonies at Victory Square, had previously advised De Genova when he spearheaded the park board-driven redevelopment of the Downtown Eastside park. And then De Genova, being who he is, used every connection he had to go straight to the top and contacted General Rick Hillier, then Chief of Defence Staff of the Canadian Armed Forces, about the project.

“Rick said he thought the plan looked good, but he’d need more information before he could support it,” De Genova says. “He said I could either meet him in Ottawa or wait until he came to Vancouver to talk about it. There was no way I was going to wait so I flew to Ottawa.”

De Genova says the meeting went well and Hillier, now retired, is a “patron” of Honour House.

The Honour House dream will be one step closer to reality next week with a public event at the Seaforth Highlanders Armoury on Burrard Street. Special guests attending the ceremony, sponsored by RUSI Vancouver, include retired Capt. Trevor Greene, who will unveil the Honour House logo.

In 2006, Greene made headlines across the country when he was gravely injured in Kandahar, Afghanistan, while meeting with village elders. Greene had removed his helmet in a show of respect when he was struck in the head with an axe. The brain injury he suffered as a result of the attack immobilized his legs and affected his speech and mobility in his hands. Greene, who lived in Vancouver at the time, was determined to recover and his rehabilitation efforts and willingness to speak publicly about them have made the 43-year-old an inspiration to many, including De Genova.

Retired army Capt. Trevor Greene, seen here with fianc? Debbie Lepore at their Nanaimo home, will unveil the Honour House logo. Photograph by: Photo courtesy Bill Keay/Vancouver Sun

Greene told the Courier he’s proud to be an inspiration to De Genova and Honour House. During a phone interview earlier this week from his new home in Nanaimo, which he shares with fianc?e Debbie Lepore, Greene speaks slowly, but clearly. His thoughtful comments make it difficult to connect the man on the line to the soldier who survived that horrific axe attack in 2006.

Greene has no idea how many soldiers have been injured in Afghanistan so far. What he does know is how helpful a place like Honour House could be to injured soldiers and their families.

“It’s important to be close to loved ones and soldiers benefit from having family close by as they recover,” says Greene, who’s writing a motivational book about his story. “I think having family close by is as important to rehab as physio is.”

And Greene should know. The dedication of Lepore to Greene’s recovery has been, and continues to be, well documented.

Greene, an honourary patron of Honour House, says Lepore was at the receiving end of many of his angry outbursts as he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. “I had extreme anxiety and yelled at Debbie a lot,” Greene says. “It was uncontrollable.”

Greene says it’s those “invisible injuries,” such as post-traumatic stress disorder that often go undiagnosed in soldiers. He adds Honour House could prove an invaluable resource for family members dealing with the fall out of psychological trauma. “[The soldiers] don’t know what’s wrong, but their families can tell something’s wrong,” he says. “At Honour House, the families will be able to get them the help they need.”

Lepore says Honour House would also be a big help to families who live outside of Vancouver, where many B.C. soldiers are treated and attend rehabilitation.

“And it will be a way for them to be with their families at the same time,” she says.

Lepore says because they lived in Vancouver at the time of Greene’s attack, she had a place to stay while her fianc? fought for his life at Vancouver General Hospital. She adds it was Greene’s Maritime-based parents who needed a place while visiting their son in Vancouver.

Lepore notes there is a house at Jericho Garrison dedicated to military families, but it’s often booked. Compassion House is a small two-bedroom bungalow equipped with a kitchen, available to families for $20 a night. Families who can’t reserve the home typically have no option but to stay at a hotel.

RUSI Vancouver president Jim Stanton says Greene’s family was the inspiration for the initial Compassion House at Jericho.

“But then another injury occurred and we had another family looking for a place to stay,” he says. “We thought, ‘What’s going to happen as more soldiers get injured?’”

It was then RUSI members came up with a concept for a project like Honour House and the 2006 fundraising concert was organized. He adds that’s when De Genova took on the project. “Al’s a human dynamo,” Stanton says.

The initial plan was to build Honour House at the Jericho Garrison, but uncertainty about the future of the land, including a First Nations land claim, made it impossible. Now, he adds, the provincial government has committed to providing a piece of property. De Genova confirms Housing Minister Rich Coleman has promised the society some property and it’s simply a matter of when he’ll honour that commitment. De Genova’s wish for Honour House to be up and running is Remembrance Day 2010.

Stanton says De Genova was able to secure society status for Honour House, which is close to achieving official charitable status, while helping compile an impressive list of patrons, advisers, board of directors and sponsors.

Besides Hillier and Stanton, members of the board include Cathcart, John Appleby, chair of the advisory board for the Centre of Excellence in Sustainability, Infrastructure and Transportation at BCIT and Brian Archer, a member of the Canadian Forces Liaison Council. Other advisers include retired military officer Vic Coroy, Dr. John Blatherwick, who retired as the city’s medical health officer in 2007, Globe and Mail columnist Christie Blatchford, Ted Hawthorne, president of Columbus Long Term Care Society and lawyer Joel Camley, who is acting as legal council to Honour House Society.

De Genova says the estimated cost of the project is $2 million, but he’s like to raise another $3 million for a trust. So far he’s raised $800,000 in in-kind donations from sponsors such as the Royal Canadian Legion, Johnsen Archer Chartered Accountants, Ameba Communications and Walter Francl Architects.

Vancouver architect Walter Francl says he was so impressed with De Genova’s proposal he’s donating the services of his firm to plan Honour House. Early drawings show a two-level building with a laundry room, library, community kitchen, media centre, outdoor decks and administrative office. The 10,000 square-foot facility will also include 10 furnished suites and a quiet room or chapel.

“When Al told me about it I thought, this needs to get done, this needs to happen,” says Francl, who notes he’s one of a team of people who’ve come on board with the project. “At first it seemed like it was going to be hard to complete, but now it looks like it’s going to happen.”

Francl, who has experience designing units to accommodate people with physical disabilities through B.C. Housing, says he can’t estimate the dollar worth of his donation.

“But it’s two to three weeks of work, after I had it cleared with the Architectural Institute of B.C.,” he says. “You actually aren’t allowed to work for free without permission.”

While creating the design, Francl says the most important consideration was accessibility.

“But I also want it to be as much like a home as possible,” Francl says. “That was absolutely key.”

Stanton says when complete, besides being a location for military families to stay and personnel to heal, the project will facilitate two other programs. The first includes a joint partnership with BCIT, through which veterans’ military skills can be used towards civilian credits at the school. The second includes helping veterans return to civilian life in partnership with the UBC/Royal Canadian Legion Veteran’s Transition Program.

Dr. David Kuhl, a co-leader of the transition program since its inception in 1997, says there’s a great need for a local facility like Honour House.

“There are a lot of military personnel returning from Afghanistan with post- traumatic stress disorder,” Kuhl says. “But there’s also a lot who have other responses from being exposed to warfare who don’t have all the criteria to meet the medical diagnosis of PTSD.”

Kuhl says it’s common for military personnel returning from areas of conflict to suffer from symptoms such as anxiety, depression and nightmares, which fall under the diagnosis of occupational stress injuries. Through their work, Kuhl and transition program founder psychologist Marv Westwood, a professor in the Counselling Psychology Program at the University of B.C., explore the psychological effects being a soldier or peacekeeper in areas of conflict have on military personnel. Some struggle to live with the horrors of what they’ve seen and the things they had to do in order to protect themselves and fellow soldiers.

According to a CBS News investigation, in 2005 alone at least 6,256 American veterans committed suicide. That’s 120 each and every week, in just one year. The Courier was unable to confirm Canadian statistics.

Kuhl and Westwood, advisers to the Honour House project, have been assisting soldiers who served during various conflicts, including battles in the Middle East and the former Yugoslavia. One of the former soldiers who attended the transition course at UBC was Machinegunner Tony Spiess, a Seaforth Highlander from Vancouver who served during the controversial 1993 Battle Of Medak Pocket in the former Yugoslavia. Last year, Spiess told Vancouver Sun reporter Douglas Todd that during the mission his company was shelled by Croatian militia and he was forced to return machinegun fire, killing 27. Spiess also recalled walking into a Serbian village to see burning corpses everywhere, including those of two teenaged girls tied to chairs who had been raped, shot and then set on fire. According to Spiess, the girls’ bodies were still smoldering when the Canadian soldiers arrived.

Kuhl says often soldiers and veterans will only recount the horrors of war when they’re drinking.

“A lot of the work we do is residential and takes place after hours,” says Kuhl, who adds 160 soldiers have taken part in the program. “That’s when they spend time talking to each other and try to normalize what they’ve gone through. They’re used to going to bars and getting medicated with alcohol. We help them tell those same stories without alcohol.”

Kuhl, an associate professor at the UBC Department of Family Practice, says he and Westwood also work with the spouses, partners and children of soldiers and veterans. He notes it’s important that spouses and partners be aware of what their military mate has gone through. He adds because the residential program includes retreats for military personnel of between three and four days, he and Westwood are in constant search for appropriate locations. Honour House could answer that need.

“I do this work because I feel like I owe it to the people in the military who serve for us,” Kuhl says. “And I do it for their children who are also deeply affected by what their parents have gone through. Honour House would be a perfect place to work with them.”

Read Vancouver Courier Story

Honour House Public Service Announcement on CTV

Honour House — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Helmets for Heroes Promotional Video

Honour House — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This is the Promotional Video for the October 23rd and 24th 2010 “Helmets for Heroes”

A Pledge Drive by First Responders throughout British Columbia to complete the funding for Honour House: the first ever House designed to take care of first responders and their families during treatment.

Running Room – Honour House Race / Walk Event

Honour House — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Approximately 200 runners and walkers participated in a 5K run or 2.5 K walk at the new Running Room store on the University of BC campus, Vancouver, on the evening of September 15th.

Running Room Founder and President, John Stanton, would like to see this become an annual event, so we may be coming back to our volunteers next year.

Volunteers from the Legion, Honour House and the Royal United Services Institute assisted in race registration and acted as race marshalls. It is through volunteer time like this that we are able to move the dream of Honour House into reality.

Kin Canada announces the creation of the Portraits of Honour National Tour

Honour House — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The hand painted Portraits of Honour 10′ x 50′ mural features the faces of the 151 Canadian Forces troops who have lost their lives while serving in Afghanistan.

The Portraits of Honour National Tour will travel across Canada starting June 1, 2011.

For more information, visit www.portraitsofhonour.ca or call 1-888-9-HONOUR

NEWS FLASH! Honour House Honorary Patron Married

Honour House — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

True to his promise, the Honorary Patron of Honour House, Trevor Greene, this summer stood to exchange marriage vows with Debbie Lepore and later danced with his bride at the wedding.

Members of the Honour House Society are delighted with the news of Trevor’s ongoing recovery and extend congratulations to Debbie and Trevor on the happy occasion in Nanaimo, BC on July 24, 2010.

Here is the story as reported in The Province and all BC newspapers on August 13, 2010.

Nanaimo soldier who survived axe attack in Afghanistan dances at his wedding

Trevor Greene, who was told he’d be confined to a bed after an axe attack in Afghanistan, stands up to marry his fiance

By Dustin Walker, Nanaimo Daily News August 13, 2010

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Trevor Greene has recovered enough from a brain injury that he danced with his wife Debbie at their July wedding. Photograph by: Dustin Walker, Nanaimo Daily News

NANAIMO — Exchanging vows at the altar with her longtime fiance was once too much for Debbie Greene to even imagine.

Trevor Greene was fighting for his life in hospital after suffering massive brain damage in March 2006 when he was struck in the head with an axe while serving with the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan.

Trevor Greene has recovered enough from a brain injury that he danced with his wife Debbie at their July wedding. Photograph by: Dustin Walker, Nanaimo Daily News

Doctors said he would spend his life confined to a bed.

They were wrong.

On July 24, Trevor was even able to stand up — supported by a set of parallel bars — to marry his sweetheart in front of about 120 friends and relatives in Nanaimo.

Trevor’s recovery from brain injury has inspired an award-winning documentary and attracted hundreds of letters from people who have been touched by his story of courage and perseverance.

But it’s really a love story.

“I’d never thought we would get to where we are today,” said Debbie, smiling at her husband in the living room of their home in Nanaimo.

Debbie has dedicated herself to Trevor’s rehabilitation since he returned to Canada.

After making it through an agonizing first year of recovery at Vancouver General Hospital, Trevor focused on regaining abilities most medical professionals said he would never get back: using a keyboard, standing and, hopefully one day, walking.

Now the newlyweds are writing a book to inspire others who are facing challenges in their lives that seem insurmountable.

“If I can do it, anyone can,” said Trevor, his voice soft but clear. “I love being a role model.”

Just one year ago, Trevor wouldn’t have been able to stand for his wedding.

He even stood on his feet for their first dance; the song was You Sexy Thing by Hot Chocolate.

The couple met in Vancouver in 2001 and were together for five years before Trevor was called to Afghanistan. Their daughter Grace was one year old at the time.

Trevor was part of a platoon of Canadian soldiers attending a routine meeting with Afghan village elders when the attack occurred. He had removed his helmet as a sign of respect when he was ambushed from behind by a youth swinging an axe.

After spending a year in the Vancouver hospital, he worked toward recovery at the Halvar Jonson Centre for Brain Injury in Ponoka, Alta.

By the fall of 2008, Trevor’s most severe medical problems were under control, and the family moved to Nanaimo, where Debbie’s sister was living.

They transformed their garage into a gym, where Debbie coaches her husband through his 2 ½ hour workout that takes place five or six days each week. That’s on top of other muscle and voice exercises.

Trevor, from Sydney, N.S., can now pull himself to a standing position from his wheelchair, wheel himself around their home, type with one hand and can even drink wine.

“That,” he jokes, “is the important one.”

A new program helps war veterans move on to the next stage of their lives

Jessica Barrett — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Alex Hargott gives the impression of being an old soul. At 25, he has a boyishness about him that stands at odds with his manner of speaking — a confident, folksy cadence injected with archaic turns of phrase you might expect to hear from a much older man. But as conversation progresses, another theory about his seemingly advanced maturity suggests itself: Hargott deployed for an eight-month tour of duty in Afghanistan when he was 23, and there are probably few things like being in a war zone to make someone grow up fast.

Read the entire story on WestEnder

Following an eight-month tour of duty in Afghanistan, Alex Hargott has enrolled in BCIT’s School of Business under the Reservist Re-entry Program. Credit: Doug Shanks

Travelling Flags

Honour House — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Honour House Society assisted Heather Garrison in coordinating The Travelling Flags visit to Royal United Services Institute Luncheon and visit to New Westminster City Hall, a uniquely Canadian tribute to Canadian Forces members who have died in Canada.

Sadly, Heather and her husband Jim added the 151st CF member fallen in Afghanistan, Sapper Brian Collier to The Travelling Flag. Jim devoted four hours to writing each fallen soldiers name on the fifth Travelling Flag.

Angela MacIsaac, military spouse, whose husband works for the Canadian military, came up with the idea of sending a Canadian flag from city to city where events are held to support Canada’s military.

The white section of the flag has the names of the 151 Canadian Forces members who have been killed.

The flag is accompanies by two Journals, in which Canadians can record their thoughts and messages to the fallen and their families. People can write their comments and names on the red sections of the flag. In addition to the original flag, there are now four additional flags bearing the names of our fallen heroes.

For more information on the Travelling Flag project go to: [email protected]">[email protected]

The flags and Journal will be donated to the Canadian War Museum when they complete their journey.

Honour House Director, Cam Cathcart, Vancouver Area Flags Coordinator, Heather Garrison, Honour House Director, Jim Stanton. Note: Everyone wore red to honour the fallen

Pins and badges of organizations and regiments who have signed the flag or written in the Journal. Note the new Afghan veteran pin.

Original flag and new flags on the wall and tables at the Bessborough Armoury

39 Bde Group Public Affairs Officer Capt. Chris Poluton and Honour House Director, Cam Cathcart

Close up of a portion of the Original flag

“Journal of Remembrance,” citizens write down their tributes to our fallen warriors

Celebrate the Official Re-opening

Honour House — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Honour House Director Cam Cathcart (l) joined New Chelsea Society General Manager Pat Buchannon (c) and Jim Howard, First Vice President New Chelsea Society (r), to help celebrate the official re-opening of their expanded offices on July 23, 2010.

Honour House Society is proud to be a full partner with New Chelsea Society in the operation of Winch House in Vancouver.

HMCS Vancouver Namesake Presentation

Honour House — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Honour House Director Cam Cathcart congratulates Admiral Tyrone Pile, CMM, CD, Commander, Maritime Forces Pacific, at Vancouver City Hall following a ceremony at which the Admiral presided over the HMCS Vancouver Namesake Presentation to the Mayor and City Council as part of the 2010 Canadian Navy Centennial.

The presentation took place on July 20, 2010. Photo by Mits Naga

BC Commissionaires presents a cheque for $1100

Honour House — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Allen Batchelar, President & CEO, of BC Commissionaires presents Honour House Vice-President Jim Stanton with a cheque for $1100.00 to support Honour House.

These funds were generated at the Commissionaires Golf Tournament last month. A big thanks is extended from Honour House to the Commissionaires.

Vice-President Stanton speaks to Burnaby-Deer Lake Rotary Club

Honour House — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Jim was accompanied by Heather Garrison where he gave the Burnaby Rotarians a briefing on Honour House. Heather spoke about the Travelling Flag program (www.thankasoldier.net)

The presentations were very well received and some good follow-up work is possible with a related charitable organization.

Jim and Heather Garrison received a print of appreciation from the Deer Lake Rotary Club

(Left to right) Rotarian Adrienne Bruce, Heather Garrison and Jim Stanton after the Honour House presentation

Jim Stanton delivering the Honour House PowerPoint presentation

Vice-President Jim Stanton invited to meet Queen Elizabeth in Ottawa

Honour House — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I was delighted to accept the invitation to attend the garden reception to have an opportunity to meet Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh on Wednesday, June 30 at Rideau Hall, the official residence of the Governor General, Michaëlle Jean.

I have attached a quick presentation of my experiences on that whirl-wind trip. Click on the images below to skip through each slide.

Download PowerPoint

Fund Raising Seminar held in Vancouver

Honour House — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Honour House Board of Directors, Al De Genova, Jim Stanton, Cam Cathcart, Larry Kerr, John Appleby and invited guests Charlotte Anderson, David Bassett, Mike Shardlow and Ken Hague attended a day-long fund raising seminar lead by Rob Peacock of Peacock Philanthropy Inc. in Vancouver on June 19th, 2010.

The workshop and lunch were generously hosted by David Bassett of Macquaire Private Wealth Inc.

Rob took the team through a series of exercises to show how to set up a philanthropic program that works.

As a result of this session, we are now better organized to move forward with our fund raising plans in a strategic, coordinated manner.

Click to view photos

Honour House attends Royal Canadian Legion, Annual General Meeting, Winnipeg

Honour House — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Honour House Vice-President, Jim Stanton and Director Cam Cathcart spoke to the Royal Canadian Legion Annual General Meeting in Winnipeg on June 16th to a capacity crowd of more than 1100 Legion delegates from across Canada.

Cam brought greetings from President Al De Genova and outlined the progress we have made from inception to renovations of our new property.

Jim presented a dynamic PowerPoint show which complimented and highlighted Cam’s remarks.

Delegates expressed strong support for Honour House and were impressed with the quality of housing and furnishing that the veterans, first responders and their families have access to in Winch House and Honour House.

We were invited to come to the next Legion AGM in Halifax in 2012 to bring them up-to-date on what happens after we open.

Veteran Don Cameron a WW2 British Columbia Regiment tank commander was one of the stars of the Convention. At age 92 Don travelled on his own from BC to WInnipeg and was then going to visit his extended family in Ontario after the convention

Netherlands Remembrance Day Ceremony, Vancouver, May 4, 2010

Wed, 05 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Honour House was invited to attended the Netherlands Remembrance Day Ceremony at Victory Square on 4 May 2010.

The Ceremony was held to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Netherlands by Canadian and other Allied troops during World War II.

An address was delivered by Netherlands Consul General HH Driesser, Sgt. Kennedy of the Seaforth’s played the lament. A moving Dutch Remembrance Day tribute was read by Lini Grol. Following a prayer of remembrance, Bdr. Toth of the 15th Field Regiment played Last Post, followed by two minutes of silence and then Reville.

While “Abide With Me” was played, wreaths were laid by various dignitaries, including Honour House Director Cam Cathcart on behalf the the Vancouver Remembrance Day Committee.

Bdr. Toth and Sgt. Kennedy

Honour House Director H/Maj. Cam Cathcart laid a wreath on behalf of the Vancouver Remembrance Day Committee

Two World War Dutch veterans laid a wreath on behalf of their comrades

Honour House Vice-President Jim Stanton, Honour House Directors, John Appleby and Cam Cathcart

Cam Cathcart @ CBC Radio One

Honour House — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Cam Cathcart, Honour House Director and Communications Chair, with Stephen Quinn, Host of Vancouver’s CBC Radio One “On The Coast” share a laugh before going on-air on Tuesday, April 27 2010.

During his CBC Radio appearance a few days after the Honour House ground breaking ceremony Cam stressed to Quinn and his audience the needs of Canada’s new generation of veterans, what Honour House will offer them and their families, and acknowledged the generous assistance to Honour House by a wide range of supporters.

Honour House Dedications Ceremony

Honour House — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

On April 24th, an official sod-turning ceremony was held at our new location on 509 St. George Street, New Westminster, BC.

Honour House Society President Al De Genova, New Westminster Mayor Wayne Wright, LCOL Doug Poitras Royal Westminster Regiment and Rear Admiral Tyrone Pile, Commander, Maritime Pacific officially dedicated the House.

Renovations have begun on the property, an Open House has been held with local residents and it is anticipated that the House will be open for business during Veteran’s Week in November 2010.

Here’s the series of official pictures taken by Ashleigh Young.

Wielding the ground breaking shovel on April 24, 2010: (l to r) LCol Doug Poitras, CO, Royal Westminster Regiment; Rear Admiral Tyrone Pile, Commander, Maritime Pacific; Mayor Wayne Wright, City of New Westminster; Allan De Genova, President, Honour House Society.

Braving a cold rain, supporters witnessed the ground breaking ceremony.

Mayor Wayne Wright welcomes Honour House Society to the City of New Westminster, BC.

City of New Westminster Wayne Wright and Honour House Society President Allan De Genova welcome supporters to Honour House.

Legion Foundation President Gerry Vowles (left) presents $60,000 cheque to Honour House Society President, Allan DeGenova.

Salute to our Afghanistan Veterans

Honour House — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Left to right: John Appleby, Cam Cathcart, Mrs Point, Lt. Gov Point, Lt.Gov's ADC

Honour House Vice-President President Jim Stanton and Directors John Appleby and Cam Cathcart had the opportunity to meet with BC Lt. Gov. The Honourable Steven L. Point, OBC and Mrs Gwendolyn Point at the “Salute to our Afghanistan Veterans” event on April 14th at the hotel Vancouver.

Following in his footsteps

Story by Kate Dubinski, The London Free Press Canoe.ca/news — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Afghanistan

From this vantage point in the Panjwaii District in Afghanistan, Sean Wilson views the place where his brother, Trooper Mark Wilson, was killed by a bomb in 2006. Military brass pulled strings to give Sean the rare opportunity to travel “outside the wire” at Kandahar Airfield, where he’s working six months as a civilian at the military base. (Special to QMI Agency)

Sean Wilson talks like a soldier. The Londoner talks about being “inside the wire” and his “tour” in Afghanistan, his mission.

Often, Wilson walks the perimeter of Kandahar Airfield and looks to the southwest. Past the village, the locals, the sheep and the camels, he can make out the Panjwaii District, where his brother, Trooper Mark Wilson, was killed in October 2006, and where fierce fighting continues today.

“I like to just ponder, and think of the great work our soldiers are doing in the name of peace, to help the people of Afghanistan try to get back on their feet, so they can help themselves.”

Wilson is in Afghanistan for six months, working as a civilian with the Canadian Forces Personnel Support Agency (CFPSA) that operates the many shops and the Tim Hortons at Kandahar Airfield.
Last week, Wilson got a chance most soldiers’ families never do. Strings were pulled to allow Wilson, 38, to go beyond the perimeter to see the approximate spot where his brother, 39, and a father of two boys, was killed.

“I was asked by my higher-ups if I would like to go outside the wire on official CFPSA business.
I nearly cried, I was so happy,” Wilson wrote in an e-mail from Kandahar.

“I was given the chance to see the forward operating base (that) Mark was working from before he died . . . It was amazing, to say the least. I was able to look through binoculars and see, roughly, the exact place Mark was killed. I was approximately three km from the accident site.”

Wilson credits Maj. Cindy Tessier and Gen. Walter Natynczyk, Canada’s chief of defence staff, for making his dream come true.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I, as a civilian, think I would see the area in which Mark was killed. The military has gone above and beyond with me.”

Trooper Mark Wilson was a member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons. He was killed when his armoured vehicle was struck by a bomb.

He was the 40th Canadian soldier killed in the Afghanistan mission, and the only Londoner to die in that country. In London’s long military history, Wilson is likely also the first soldier killed in combat overseas to be given a funeral and burial here.

For his younger brother, the work in Afghanistan – serving soldiers who served with his brother — is a pilgrimage.

“I believe it took me a year after Mark’s death to realize he was not coming home,” Wilson said in his e-mail.

“I was very sad, upset and angry, not at the military, but just due to the fact that we had lost Mark . . . I felt I had to do whatever I could, to go as far as I could go, to honour my brother, who we all dearly loved. I felt I would not be happy, could not move on in my life, until I reached my goal of trying to help our forces and the people of Afghanistan, like my brother Mark did.”

Talking to Afghans about his brother has given Wilson a new perspective on his brother’s death.

“They said how sorry they were but all I could think . . . was that my family lost Mark, but they have lost so much as well,” Wilson wrote.

Wilson considered joining the reserves a couple of years ago but his mom asked him not to. “We have already lost Mark. I cannot lose any other children,” she told him.

Wilson works seven days a week, alternating between the four retail shops on the base that sell everything from toiletry to clothing, electronics and snacks and the Tim Hortons that’s the busiest outlet within the base.

He began his time in Afghanistan in January, and will be back in London in early July. Since arriving in Kandahar, Wilson said, the airfield has begun to feel like home.

“I obviously miss my family, but this six months is whipping by and I am trying to take in as much as possible, because someday soon I will look back and say ‘Was I really there?