A London man is among a dozen other Ontarians recognized today for their service to veterans. Gregory Thomas Childs, a retired member of the Canadian Armed Forces, was in Toronto to receive the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation from the Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs. The award pays tribute to citizens who provide support to veterans and their families and who promote greater awareness of the sacrifices and achievements of Canada's veterans.
In addition to Childs’ many contributions with the Essex and Kent Scottish Regiment, he was honoured for his work with Quilts of Valour Canada. He has presented twenty-five quilts to Second World War, Korean War and Afghanistan veterans across Canada. He is also compiling a database of regimental and non-regimental veterans of the Second World War and the Korean War to establish suitability for foreign decorations. Since 2000, he has organized the annual Field of Valour Dinner for the Essex and Kent Scottish and invited the southwest Ontario community to honour Second World War and Korean War Veterans. Childs also helps veterans submit application forms and pension requests.
The Commendation consists of a certificate, a lapel pin for civilian wear and a bar pin for wear with decorations. Created in 2001, the Commendation is awarded to individuals who have performed commendable service to veterans, or those who represent commendable role models for their fellow veterans.
