The Royal Canadian Legion and Wounded Warriors Canada Launch National Partnership to Promote Support Services for

Canada's Veterans
OTTAWA, ON, April 11th, 2013 Mr. Gordon Moore, Dominion President of The Royal Canadian Legion, in collaboration with Wounded Warriors Canada is pleased to announce the launch of a national awareness campaign focused on the support services available at The Royal Canadian Legion Branches across Canada. The goal of this partnership is to reach out to Veterans across Canada and ensure they have access to the benefits and services they deserve. Working with Wounded Warriors Canada will ensure we connect with all Veterans and their families, says Gordon Moore. Wayne Johnston, Founder of Wounded Warriors Canada says, We are thrilled to launch this national partnership with The Royal Canadian Legion. Johnston adds, The Legion is our Veterans after-the-battle buddy, a community-based resource for soldiers and their families in need of healing from all they've endured. We will be working hard to inform our soldiers about the supports that exist in their Local legion - right across the country. The Royal Canadian Legions Service Bureau Network Service Officers can assist and represent still serving CF members, Veterans, RCMP members and their families regarding disability claims or related issues with Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) and the Veterans Review and Appeal Board (VRAB).

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Legion Service Officers provide professional counseling and representation services at all stages of the disability adjudication process under the Pension Act or the Canadian Forces Members and Veterans Re-establishment and Compensation Act, commonly referred to as the New Veterans Charter. Professional Legion Service Officers provide these services free of charge, whether or not the individual is a member of the Legion. The Legions representation role is unique in Canada in that it is mandated through legislation. Individuals who would like assistance in preparing their first application to VAC or representation with an appeal to VRAB, may receive assistance from The Royal Canadian Legion Service Officer at any stage in the disability adjudication. The Legion Service Bureau supports all who have worn the uniform and those who are wearing the uniform. As a Dominion Command Service Officer in Ottawa, Carolyn Gasser states: Not only do we prepare and submit disability claims; we also advise those serving as well as members of the RCMP and CF who have retired and their families. We can be a gateway to VAC programs, allowing Veterans to deal with one person for a variety of services. This is important for Veterans with complex cases or for those looking for direction and information on a sometimes complicated process. The Legion has local branches in every region nation-wide. Through this national partnership, the Legion and Wounded Warriors Canada will be informing Canadas new era of veterans that the Legion in their community is there to help.
- 30 For further information please contact Bruce Poulin at Dominion Command, The Royal Canadian Legion, at 1-613591-3335 ext. 241 or by cell at 1-613-292-8760 or bruce.poulin@legion.ca. For further information on Wounded Warriors Canada please contact Scott Maxwell at 1-416-806-6676 or scott@woundedwarriors.ca.