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Ponoka Legion celebrates its members’ accomplishments

Awards were handed out to the dedicated members of Legion at its awards banquet
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There were many special awards to hand out during the Ponoka Legion’s awards banquet Oct. 20 such as the certificate of appreciation that Jonathan Cameron (Cam) Kerr received. Cam poses with Legion president Barb Olsen. Photo submitted

Ponoka Legion members held a night of celebration for the hard work of its members.

Held Oct. 20, the annual awards evening is a special time for a Legion that is extremely busy in the Town of Ponoka.

Co-organizer for the event Craig Paterson (Dorothy Houghton was the other organizer) said the evening is an opportunity to recognize the people who put in many hours for the organization. It’s also a time to recognize those who have been with the Legion for a while.

Pins were handed out for every five years a member is part of the Legion.

“We’re giving out several five year pins, all the way up to one individual who is getting a 55 year pin,” said Paterson of J.R. Anderson’s 55 years.

The Legion’s longevity and success can partly be attributed to opening up its membership to not only ordinary members (former military) but also to associate members (family of veterans), and affiliate members who have no connection to the military but want to join as a service.

The main function of the Legion continues, however, and that is to support veterans of Canadian forces.

“The public has recognized what a valuable and what an outstanding heritage we have,” said Paterson.

The big awards of the evening were passed on to Marlene Ferguson who earned a Branch Service Medal, for her dedication to the Legion.

Ferguson has been a dedicated 24-year associate member for the Legion putting in many hours. “Just having the Legion at heart and doing as much as possible,” said Ferguson.

She was completely surprised by the nomination and said it’s just something she has always enjoyed.

“I was a Legion brat. I was brought up at the Legion with my dad,” said Ferguson.

“It’s not a job for me. It’s fun.”

She is proud to be able to be part of the legacy of her father. “I just know he’s looking down and smiling at me.”

Legion president Barb Olsen also received a special award, a lifetime membership. Olsen has been with the Legion for the last 45 years.

“I joined my dad’s Legion in Calgary,” said Olsen of her start.

The work of the Legion is something she would like to continue. A prime example of that was when the organization took a big trip to Europe to tour old battle sites.

“There are people that are still doing memorial services every week in remembrance,” said Olsen.

“Our role of the Legion is to support the veterans and their families.”

She wants to continue that legacy, not just of the Legion, but of her parents. Olsen’s father was in the navy and air force in the Second World War, and her mother helped build airplanes during that time.

The other big award of the evening went to Jonathan Cameron (Cam) Kerr who received a Certificte of Appreciation for his involvement over the years.



jeff.heyden-kaye@ponokanews.com

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During the Legion Awards banquet, president Barb Olsen (right) received a Lifetime Member award from Dorothy Houghton, who also received her 25-year Ladies Auxiliary pin. Photo submitted
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Wendy Peavoy, Ladies Auxiliary command past president, poses with Madam Isabel Odgaard, who received her 50-year pin and medal. Photo submitted
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Legion president Barb Olsen presents Marlene Ferguson with the Branch Service Medal Oct. 20 during the Legion’s awards banquet. The medal is presented to a member who has done their part to help the organization. Photo submitted
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The Ponoka Legion held its annual awards supper Oct. 20 with special recognition going to several members including members of the Ladies Auxiliary. Here (l-r) Wendy Peavoy, Ladies Auxiliary command past president, poses with Madame Marlene Ferguson who earned a Branch Service Medal, Madam Isabel Odgaard, who received her 50-year pin and medal and Helen Churchill, the Ladies Auxiliary Sgt. at Arms. Photo submitted