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Huron Expositor, 2016-11-09, Page 66 Huron Expositor • Wednesday, November 9, 2016 Recognized for their duties as Legion members Major from the Canadian military talks about PTSD in Seaforth Shaun Gregory Huron Expositor Last Saturday the Seaforth Legion held their annual Veteran's Banquet, Honours and Award night. The top floor was packed with volunteers and numer- ous veterans in a festivity of their milestones. "November 11 is the day that's always celebrated internationally, in Seaforth we like to honour our veter- ans that served in our partic- ular area," stated Lin Steffler, the branch's service officer. " We just give them the special recognition, we believe they need and deserve." Seaforth's establishment is nearing the 400 mark of members connected to the Legion, the night highlighted more than a 100 individuals for their dedication from five-year targets all the way up to an impressive 55 years of involvement. The climax of the night came when special guest speaker, Major George Gar- rard told his story about his tours overseas and the day- to-day battles with post- traumatic stress disorder that he developed as a result of his experiences. Serving in Afghanistan for nine months, the 55 -year- old also attended a 90 -day "operational invitational" mission in Northern Ireland which surprisingly caused the better part of his issues. "I didn't think about it until it was a problem for me," explained Garrard who has been employed in mili- tary services for more than three decades. I didn't think about it until it was a problem for me," — explained Major George Garrard who has been employed in military services for more than three decades. Realizing he had problem, Garrard said he was treated and not frowned down upon for his health concerns. "All of my commanding officers were supportive, I wasn't in any way singled out or made to feel embar- rassed," stated Garrard November 5 decked out in his uniform with beret to match. He told the Expositor the treatment lasted for five years and fortunately he has not needed any further counselling for more than 24 months. Last year he was weaned off his medication. Yet still, he said, "it's always something that will be in the back of my mind:' According to Statistics Canada, it 's believed roughly one in six full-time regular force members from Canada indicated that they suffer at least one of the following dis- orders: major depressive epi- sode, panic disorder, post- traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and alcohol abuse or depend- ence. The study was con- ducted in 2013. Steffler praised Garrard for speaking to the crowd free of charge about his past experi- ences with PTSD and rewarded his wife with flowers as well as donating an undis- closed amount of money to the Wounded Warriors, a non- profit organization. "He would not accept money to do a speech, so we donated the money to the Wounded Warriors organi- zation," said Steffler. "They deal with (soldiers) that are coming back and are wounded (or) suffer from PTSD." "It's a way of saying thank you to him for coming tonight, we gave them a gift on his behalf' goof] 11 Linda Gridzak-Watson has been connected with the Legion for 35 years, she has held numerous positions in that period of time. In recognition of her service, the Legion awarded her a Lifetime Membership. Shaun Gregory The branch service officer from the Seaforth Legion, Lin Steffler presents flowers to Major George Garrard's wife last Saturday. IIURC'H You are invited to attend these area churches ST. THOMAS ANGLICAN 21 Jarvis St., Seaforth Church Office 519-527-1522 holyspirit@tcc.on.ca Rev. Shaun Eaton - Deacon -in -Charge Sunday November 13 Worship Service at 9:30am followed by Coffee Hour Tues. Nov. 15 - Council meets at 1:30pm Fridays loam -noon Rev. Shaun Office Hours Everyone Welcome EGMONDVILLE UNITED CHURCH Worship Leader - Pastor EIIy Dow - November 13th - 10:30 Youth Sunday School 10:30 Sugar Plum Bazaar Nov. 12 Like us on facebook www.egmondvilleunitedchurch.com BETHEL BIBLE CHURCH An Associated Gospel Church 126 Main St. Seaforth 519-527-0982 Interim Pastor: Rev. Laurie Morris November 13 -11 am "Beholding God #8" Sunday School - 9:45 am November 13 - 6 pm "Behold Your God Video #9" Tuesday Evenings: Youth Group - 6:30 - 9 pm B & G Club - 6:45 pm Wednesday Evening: Men's & Ladies' Bible Study - 7 pm Cv EVERYONE WELCOME FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 59 Goderich St. W. Seaforth 519-527-0170 Rev. Dwight Nelson Lorrie Mann - Organist Sunday Worship November 13 - 11 am Sunday, November 20 Anniversary Sunday Sunday School �. Nursery Provided a Needed `' ALL WELCOME weaned off his medication. Yet still, he said, "it's always something that will be in the back of my mind:' According to Statistics Canada, it 's believed roughly one in six full-time regular force members from Canada indicated that they suffer at least one of the following dis- orders: major depressive epi- sode, panic disorder, post- traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and alcohol abuse or depend- ence. The study was con- ducted in 2013. Steffler praised Garrard for speaking to the crowd free of charge about his past experi- ences with PTSD and rewarded his wife with flowers as well as donating an undis- closed amount of money to the Wounded Warriors, a non- profit organization. "He would not accept money to do a speech, so we donated the money to the Wounded Warriors organi- zation," said Steffler. "They deal with (soldiers) that are coming back and are wounded (or) suffer from PTSD." "It's a way of saying thank you to him for coming tonight, we gave them a gift on his behalf' goof] 11 Linda Gridzak-Watson has been connected with the Legion for 35 years, she has held numerous positions in that period of time. In recognition of her service, the Legion awarded her a Lifetime Membership. Shaun Gregory The branch service officer from the Seaforth Legion, Lin Steffler presents flowers to Major George Garrard's wife last Saturday.