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Sundre man given national award

A Sundre-area man has been honoured for the work he has done for veterans over the years.
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Harvey Shevalier

A Sundre-area man has been honoured for the work he has done for veterans over the years.

Harvey Shevalier was one of eight Albertans who have been given the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation.

“It is indeed an honour to receive such an award, especially for something that one thoroughly enjoys doing. The recognition is great, but the outcome of it to our veterans is the greater end,” Shevalier said.

The commendation includes a bar that can be worn on a veteran’s blazer, a lapel pin for civilian wear and a certificate. It is given to people who have “contributed to the care and well-being of veterans and to the remembrance of their contributions, sacrifices and achievements.”

Red Deer historian Michael J. Dawe also received the award for the work he has done with archival requests for Remembrance Day.

Shevalier served with the Canadian Forces for 35 years and describes himself as “70-plus.” He has been posted all over Canada, as well as Germany and Cyprus. He retired as a Canadian Forces Chief Warrant Officer, but has remained active in the Royal Canadian Legion, working at five branches across Canada.

Shevalier has been branch president, district commander for the Alberta/Northwest Territories Command and he has been elected command vice-president and president. He is the immediate past president of the command and the honours and awards chairman, with the Alberta/Northwest Territories Command Headquarters.

He served on the Dominion Command executive council for five years in the membership and public relations committees.

He said he keeps working with veterans and the military because of “job satisfaction and I’m helping those who helped us have the way of life we have the opportunity of living today.”

The Royal Canadian Legion has awarded Shevalier with life membership, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Palm Leaf. He has also received the Order of Military Merit for service above and beyond in the military.

Shevalier lives on an acreage outside of Sundre with his wife of 22 years, Helen. Between Shevalier and his wife, they have 11 children, 22 grandchildren and one great grandson.

sobrien@www.reddeeradvocate.com