Mission resident Barry Drews was presented with a commendation for service to Canada’s veterans Thursday in Vancouver.
Drews is the son of a veteran and helped get the Highway of Heroes dedications for the Trans-Canada Highway. Drews also helped organize the Memorial ride for the Fallen, which saw 1,000 motorcyclists ride from Vancouver to Chilliwack to raise nearly $10,000 for wounded veterans.
Drews is currently president of the 3rd Canadian Army Veterans Rome Unit, and is active in a number of other veteran causes, including fundraising initiatives for the Wounded Warriors Foundation, the Military Family Resource Centre, the George Derby Centre, and Honour House.
He also helps veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder by providing counselling and assistance in finding the right type of long-term care.
He participates in the annual cenotaph service for Silver Cross families and Remembrance Day services, laying wreaths on behalf of CAV Motorcycle units. Since 2008, Drews has liaised with Veterans Affairs Canada to ensure that veterans belonging to CAV Motorcycle units have the opportunity to participate in the Salute to Veterans event put on during half-time at the BC Lions football game each
