On Wednesday evening, Comrade Bob Hannah was honoured with the Meritorious Service Medal, the highest award the Legion can present to its members. Hannah, centre, is presented the honour by Drumheller Legion President Deb Bolduc, left, and is joined by Max Carr, who “helped” Hannah run for his first presidency.
A member of the Drumheller Legion received the highest honour that can be bestowed a member on Wednesday night, earning the Royal Canadian Legion Meritorious Service Medal.
Bob Hannah has been a member in good standing for 32 years, but his service goes well beyond.
He was honoured and humbled to receive the award.
During his tenure with the Legion, he served as Drumheller Branch #22 president for three terms. He was also active provincially and at the Dominion Command level. From 1997 to 2006, he served as chair on every Provincial Command committee except sports. At Dominion Command, he served on the leadership committee in 1997, sports in 2006 and veteran’s services and seniors in 2003 and 2005.
“Comrade Hannah is always willing to go out of his way to help out any branch needing his help. He is always willing to visit any branch hosting a function and to be the guest speaker if requested. He is an outspoken advocate of the Legion in is entirety,” states his nomination.
In some ways, Hannah stumbled into his role. In fact, Max Carr, who was on hand for the presentation, submitted Hannah’s name for president without Hannah’s knowledge.
“I was working at the penitentiary and these people were coming by saying ‘I hear you’re going to run for president,’” he said. “I came down here and I asked to see the slip where I had signed, and they showed it to me.”
He said he was prepared to rip up the form, but Bud Hansen and another Legion member concerned about the future of the institution, talked him into letting his name stand.
“Seeing as I got in as president here, I decided to keep going!” he laughs.
The Legion saw some difficult times, but it was able to pull itself through the lean years and rebuild its membership and finances.
The Meritorious Service Medal is the highest award that can be granted to Life, Ordinary, Associate or Affiliate Voting Members.
Branch#22 Legion President Deb Bolduc explains the local branch makes an application, and works its way through the Provincial Command all the way up to Dominion Command for approval.