VANCOUVER ISLAND, BC, Jan. 13, 2014 /CNW/ - Wounded Warriors Canada is honoured to announce that Lieutenant-Colonel (retired) Chris Linford has joined the organization, becoming its first ever National Ambassador.
Colonel Linford recently retired from the Canadian Armed Forces following a distinguished 25 year career. He joined as a Nursing Officer in 1988 and has deployed on several domestic operations as well as three operational tours overseas to the Gulf War, Rwanda and Kandahar Afghanistan. He transitioned to a Health Services Operations Officer in 2000 and went on to command 1 Field Ambulance in Edmonton from 2007-2009 and was the Executive Officer deployed with the NATO Role 3 Combat Hospital in Afghanistan from 2009-2010.
He was originally diagnosed with PTSD in 2004 - 10 years post Rwanda. He has battled this injury and spoken publicly about his journey to help reduce the stigma that often prevents others from coming forward to get the help they deserve. Colonel Linford and his wife Kathryn continue to travel across Canada speaking to veterans and families about the impact of PTSD on the military family.
Colonel Linford stated, "Wounded Warriors Canada is on the right track to bring understanding to all Canadians of the injuries veterans sometimes acquire, as well as provision of several great resources for the veterans themselves to assist them to truly getting back their physical and mental health. It is a great privilege for both Kathryn and I to help in any way we can."
Scott Maxwell, Executive Director of Wounded Warriors Canada, commented, "This is a very proud day for our organization. Colonel Linford's personal triumph - to PTSD and back - is an incredible success story and one that we want to help reach every CAF member in need."
"Colonel Linford's depth of knowledge about the impacts of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder on both the service member and the family is invaluable to our organization's focus on mental health. His guidance and support of our national program delivery, combined with his ability to help us further reach those in need of care, will be extremely helpful. It is a distinct honour to have him join our organization as National Ambassador," said Maxwell.
About Wounded Warriors Canada:
Founded in 2006, Wounded Warriors Canada is a non-profit organization that helps Canadian Armed Forces members - be they regular force, reservists or retired - who have been wounded or injured in their service to Canada.
Through a wide range or programs and services, they help find solutions where gaps have left our soldiers in need. Currently, their primary focus is on mental health and, particularly, the staggering impact of PTSD, perpetrated by Operational Stress Injuries. Overall, however, their mandate is to help any Veteran in need as they transition to civilian life.
Image with caption: "Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Chris Linford (CNW Group/Wounded Warriors Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140113_C8221_PHOTO_EN_35460.jpg
SOURCE: Wounded Warriors Canada
Scott Maxwell
[email protected]
1-888-706-4808
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