HONOURS & AWARDS AT BRANCH 270

On Tuesday May 26, 2026, during our monthly General Meeting, the branch held an Honours & Awards ceremony to present several Legion Years of Service pins, Certificates of Merit, Past Office medals and Bars, and the Legionnaire of the Year 2026 Award to Comrade John O'Hara.  Congratulations to John and to all the recipients!

Legion Years of Service pins were presented by Branch President Kari Malmström (left) and 1^st Vice President John O'Hara (right) to Comrades George Sinclair (15 years) and Ken Cadeau (20 years).  Congratulations!

Legion Years of Service pins were presented by Branch President Kari Malmström (left) and 1^st Vice President John O'Hara (right) to Comrades Sharrin Sawchuck (5 years) and Paula Brown (for Shaun Brown 5 years).  Congratulations!

Legion Years of Service pins were presented to Comrades Gaëtanne Robinson (10 years) and Meredith Orr (10 years).  Congratulations!

Legion Years of Service pins were presented to Comrades Bob Gourlie (25 years) and Linda Tucker (15 years).  Congratulations!

A Legion Years of Service pin was presented to Comrade Dennis Olsen (45 years).  Congratulations!

Legion Years of Service pins were presented to Comrades Robert Vivian (50 years) and Glenn King (50 years).  Congratulations!

A Legion Years of Service pin was presented to Comrade John O'Hara (25 years).  Congratulations!

Congratulations to Gaëtanne Robinson and Henny Risebrough who were awarded Certificates of Merit recognizing their volunteer work in support of the Coldwater Branch monthly Veterans Coffee Break.  Ladies' Auxiliary President Donna Packer was also recognized for the same reasons, but was not at the ceremony.  Left-to-right: Kari Malmström; Gaëtanne Robinson; Henny Risebrough; and John O'Hara.

Congratulations to Comrade John O'Hara (right) who was presented a Branch Service Medal with Veterans Service Officer and 1^st Vice President Bars, by Branch President Kari Malmström.

Congratulations to Branch President Kari Malmström (left) who was presented his Past President Medal by Branch 1^st Vice President John O'Hara.

Congratulations to Comrade Paula Brown (center) who was presented a Branch Service Medal and a Membership Bar,

Congratulations to Margaret-Anne Murray (center) who was presented a Past Officer Medal with Secretary Bar,

Congratulations to Comrade Barry Gougeon  (center) who was presented a Past Officer Medal with Sergeant-at-Arms Bar.

Congratulations to Comrade Al Myre  (center) who was presented a 2^nd Vice President Bar,

In commemoration of the Royal Canadian Legion's 100^th anniversary, members of the current Branch Executive were presented the Legion's Centenary Medal.  Recipients inattendance were, left-to-right: Barry Gougeon; Cheryll Barr; Al Myre; Gaëtanne Robinson; Kari Malmström; Anne Frankish; Paula Brown;  Henny Risebrough; Margaret-Anne Murray; Norm Marion; and John O’Hara.  Missing from the photo are Debbie Southorn, Brenda Price, and Carry Brouwer.

Congratulations to Comrade John O'Hara (right), who was presented the Branch Legionnaire of the Year award by Branch President Kari Malmström.

Over the past few years Comrade John O'Hara has selflessly offered his time, knowledge and experience for the betterment of the Branch, its members, and the Coldwater community.  Indeed, he has consistently done so with thoughtfulness, diligence, and commitment. He is a dedicated member of Branch 270 and is highly deserving of the Branch Legionnaire of the Year Award.

John volunteered early on to serve on the Executive, and quickly advanced to the position of 1^st Vice President. In addition to his responsibilities in that role, he has taken on the duties of Honours and Awards Chair, Branch Service Officer, and Zone Youth Education Officer, while also leading the Branch Complaints Committee. He has served as a liaison with the local Sea Cadets and Air Cadets, ensuring that relevant information was brought back to Branch 270.

John's contribution to the Branch and to the Legion's activities over the past year has been simply outstanding.  And so, we are pleased to award Comrade John O'Hara the 2025 Legionnaire of the Year Award.