British Columbia residents recognized for their volunteer service to Veterans

By Samantha Allen

Published: March 3, 2022 | 9:54 PM GMT

Canadians have many reasons to show gratitude to our Veterans. Their sacrifice has helped us enjoy the lives we live today. They’ve helped establish and maintain peace around the world. Recognizing these contributions, many Canadians dedicate time and effort to commemorate Veterans and their service.

Today, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, awarded the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation to the following British Columbia residents in recognition of their contributions in service to Canada’s Veterans:

Corporal (Ret’d) William H. Costain, Richmond, British Columbia
Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel Donald Graydon Foster, North Vancouver, British Columbia
Jenny Michelle Konkin, Vancouver, British Columbia
Ronald Archie Lundin, Oliver, British Columbia
Staff Sergeant (Ret’d) Joseph L. MacDougall, Qualicum Beach, British Columbia
Lieutenant Yvonne Melo, Fort Fraser, British Columbia

Each year since its creation in 2001, the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation has been awarded to deserving Canadians who have improved the care and well-being of our Veterans or honoured the sacrifices they have made. Close to 1,200 individuals from across provinces and territories have been awarded the Commendation over the past two decades.

Quotes

“The Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation is the highest honour I can bestow and I am extremely grateful for the wide and varying array of volunteer work they’ve undertaken. These six British Columbians have done tremendous work that is making a difference, all while not expecting to be recognized. And for me, it’s even more important when it’s helping and honouring the folks who’ve served our country.”

The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence

Quick facts

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.
Since 2001, close to 1,200 people have received this award.
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.

About Samantha Allen

Samantha Allen is a seasoned journalist and senior correspondent at TDPel Media, specializing in the intersection of maternal health, clinical wellness, and public policy. With a background in investigative reporting and a passion for data-driven storytelling, Samantha has become a trusted voice for expectant mothers and healthcare advocates worldwide. Her work focuses on translating complex medical research into actionable insights, covering everything from prenatal fitness and neonatal care to the socioeconomic impacts of healthcare legislation. At TDPel Media, Samantha leads the agency's health analytics desk, ensuring that every report is grounded in accuracy, empathy, and scientific integrity. When she isn't in the newsroom, she is an advocate for community-led wellness initiatives and an avid explorer of California’s coastal trails.