Minister of Veterans Affairs honours Toronto Paramedic Services Veterans Support Team

Minister Fantino presents certificates of appreciation to those who cared for Veterans during commemoration of 70^th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy

TORONTO, Nov. 12, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, along with Major-General (R) Richard Rohmer, today presented certificates of appreciation to the following members of the Toronto Paramedic Services Veterans Support Team:  

Ric Rangel-Bron Kelly Burton Lisa Muzzin Mike Wionzek John Mason Debbie Wicks

Jennifer Shield Steve Henderson Ken Cole Don Meikle Shawn Staff

These 11 paramedics were honoured for the care they provided to Canadian Veterans who travelled to France to commemorate the 70^th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy.

Quick Facts

• The Toronto Paramedic Services Veterans Support Team volunteered to care for Canadian Veterans who travelled back to the beaches of Normandy, from June 5 to 8, 2014, to commemorate the 70^th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy.
• The 11 paramedics offered care and support to the returning Veterans, many of whom were in their 90s. This included movements on and off planes and buses, ensuring Veterans were getting proper nutrition, and performing daily check-ins.
• D-Day was one of Canada's most significant and successful military engagements, and a pivotal moment of the 20^th century. D-Day and the campaign that followed in Normandy would help signal the beginning of the end of the Second World War.
• Major-General (R) Richard Rohmer, the Honorary Chief of Toronto Paramedic Services, was the special advisor to Minister Fantino on D-Day commemorative events.

Quotes

"I am truly honoured to recognize the Toronto Paramedic Services Veterans Support Team for the excellent care they provided Canada's Veterans during the commemoration of the 70^th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. It is due to their efforts these courageous Veterans were able to return to the shores of France to pay respect to their fallen comrades and reflect on their service."
The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs

"As Honorary Chief of the Toronto Paramedic Services and as the Minister of Veterans Affairs' Special Advisor for the Normandy celebrations of the 70^th anniversary of D-Day, I am highly proud of the exceptional assistance of every one of the Toronto paramedics who donated their expertise, time and aid to the Veterans of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, who traveled to Juno Beach for the celebrations on June 6, 2014."
Major-General (R) Richard Rohmer, Minister's Special Advisor and Honorary Chief of Toronto Paramedic Services

"On behalf of the Toronto Paramedic Services' Veterans Support Team, I thank Minister Fantino for taking the time to join us today. It was truly an honour to provide care and support to the Second World War Veterans who commemorated the 70^th anniversary D-Day and the Battle of Normandy."
Chief Paul Raftis, Toronto Paramedic Services

Associated Links

• D-Day and the Battle of Normandy
• Toronto Paramedic Services
• World Wars Commemoration

SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada

Barbara Mottram, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs, 613-996-4649; Media Relations, Veterans Affairs Canada, 613-992-7468