News archive

After 10 years in the military, a service-related injury left one Veteran unable to continue his military career. BDR. (Ret) “Gunner” Low struggled with the transition from the structure and camaraderie of the military to a civilian career. For years, the change left him feeling lost, alone, and missing the life of service he knew.  It was through his local Legion Branch that Gunner found purpose, a sense of brotherhood and support. Gunner wrote us his story and agreed to allow us to share his experience.

“The first time I walked into Legion Branch #285 Centennial in Calgary, the then President, an ex military member, welcomed me with open arms. I had joined looking for friendship and for a way to give back. I had no idea the Branch also would give so much back to me.

It wasn’t long after joining that I started to get involved. At first, I served on the Legion honour guard and colour party, supporting memorial services for Fallen Veterans and non-Veterans. Honouring the Fallen through a Poppy service was always both surreal and humbling. After some time, I was appointed as the Branch Sgt at Arms and sat on the Executive Committee. The more I contributed to the Branch, the more I started to find myself, and the feeling of loneliness started to fade. But life came with setbacks, and Legion Branch 285 was also there to support me.

In 2020, while starting trade school and performing Sgt at Arms tasks at the Branch, I fell and severely broke both bones in my lower left leg. I was not able to walk, but I did not want to give up my Legion duties. The Branch President went out of his way to help me continue performing the Sgt at Arms role while I was learning to walk again.

In 2021, a combination of health issues, going back to school and Covid shutdowns took a toll on me. The Branch President, fellow Legion honour guards, and the Branch Padre all reached out to check in to make sure I was ok and if I needed anything. Those simple phone calls meant so much.

In 2022, I faced more obstacles. I was officially diagnosed with PSTD, recovering from alcohol addiction, finishing my last two years of school, and underwent two hip replacements after a series of complications. For the second and third times in two years, I had to learn to walk after my surgeries. Yet even through all this, I wanted to stay active at the Branch. The Branch President and honour guards, again, went out of their way to help me so that I could continue to volunteer. Even when I had to step away from my duties, I attended Branch ceremonies and activities where possible and was proud of the incredible work Branch 285 did for Veterans, Remembrance and the community.

I am grateful for the friendship and opportunities Branch 285 offered me. It was through their help that I became a Legion advocate, and found purpose supporting Veterans, honouring the Fallen and raising awareness around PTSD. And although I still struggle, I feel grounded and supported by the friends I made there.  Looking back, if it wasn’t for the friends that I connected with during my time at Centennial Branch 285, I would be a lost Veteran still.”

Thank you, Gunner, for sharing your Legion experience with us. And thank you for your service to Canada and your service to the Legion.

If you are a Veteran or family of a Veteran who has not yet joined the Legion, we offer a free first year of membership. Join today and get to know your Legion.