For his unwavering service spanning more than three decades, Comrade James “Jim” Sherwood, of Brighton, has received the Royal Canadian Legion Lifetime Membership Award.
His colleagues – Branch 100 President and retired OPP staff sergeant Glenn Irving, 1st vice-president Michael French, and 2nd vice-president Duane Bach – were among those who recently gathered at the legion to formally present the award to Sherwood.
Irving tells us more.
Sherwood, who is now retired after 40 years in the military, has also served some 30 years in the Royal Canadian Legion, with his last decade of service in Brighton.
Described as an “outstanding legionnaire” and “exceptional volunteer,” legion members say you can find Sherwood helping often in all areas at the branch.
This even applies to the morning he received his award, notes Irving.
When he’s not tackling repairs in the building, cooking, cleaning or helping the ladies’ auxiliary, you might find Sherwood helping the ways and means committee folks – and these are just a few examples.
Irving says Sherwood is more behind-the-scenes – but it’s volunteers like Sherwood who make the difference at the legion, and in the community, too.
For Sherwood, whether he’s helping with maintenance around the building or in the kitchen, he says he continues to answer the call because of what the legion stands for.
And simply put: “That’s why I try to help out all I can.”
“Whatever they need, they give me a shout and I give them a hand … (I’m just) doing what I can.”
The Brighton legion currently has 550-plus members – but volunteers are always in demand and new energy and ideas are welcomed, notes Bach.
There are also hopes of growing in the years to come. When talking growth, this also includes the dream of a new, ground-floor building one day to promote more accessibility and inclusivity.
The legion’s mission is to continue the remembrance of those who gave their lives for freedom, to look after veterans and their families, and those who are still serving, while also helping in the community and being “good neighbours.” The legion accomplishes this through its fundraising efforts and support for seniors, youth, essential local services and organizations dedicated to community wellbeing, et cetera.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)