We wanted to share this wonderful photo of Joann Walton, Branch Service Officer, and Anne Marie Smith, Veteran Liaison — two familiar faces at Branch 256 who share a very important commitment: supporting Veterans and keeping them connected to their Legion and their community.

Our Service Officer, Joann, is often a first point of contact when a Veteran or their family needs assistance. She can help identify available supports, provide guidance, connect Veterans with trained Legion Service Officers for assistance with Veterans Affairs Canada benefits and claims, and help ensure that no Veteran has to navigate these systems alone.

Joann was also recently awarded the Royal Canadian Legion Meritorious Service Medal, the highest award given, recognizing her outstanding and dedicated service to the Legion. It is a well-deserved honour for someone who has given so much of herself in service to our Veterans and our Branch.

Our Veteran Liaison, Anne Marie, is herself a Royal Canadian Air Force veteran. She brings that personal understanding and experience to her role, helping maintain the important connection between our Veterans and the Branch. Through outreach, conversation and connection, Anne Marie helps Veterans stay engaged with their Legion community and helps connect them with programs, activities and resources.

Between service and support and connection and outreach, Joann and Anne Marie help put one of the Legion’s most important commitments into action:

Veterans supporting Veterans.

If you’re a Veteran or a family member who isn’t sure where to turn or who to speak with, come and talk to us at Branch 256. Sometimes the most important first step is simply knowing that someone is there to listen. 

Mt. Benson Branch 256 — Nanaimo
Lest We Forget

Photo courtesy Kim Rogers
BC/Yukon Command of the Royal Canadian Legion The Royal Canadian Legion – National Headquarters