By Roger White

Wounded Warriors fundraiser helps those who help us

Nov 6, 2017 | 12:00 PM

If you ever wondered if your contribution to the Wounded Warriors actually makes a difference, just ask Ray Knowles of Meota.

Knowles served in the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry from 1972 to 1989. He continued his military service working in logistics with the Navy from 1989 until his retirement. During his tenure in the Armed Forces, he was part of a United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Middle East between Israel and Egypt in 1974, a Cyprus mission in 1978 and he served three consecutive tours in Rwanda from 1994 to 1995.

On Saturday night, Knowles and over 100 other people attended the Wounded Warriors Battlefords branch’s annual fundraiser at the Don Ross Centre. Attendees included Saskatchewan Lieutenant-Governor Vaugh Solomon Schofield, Canadian Country Music Hall of Famer Blake Emmons, and legendary performers The Good Brothers.

Knowles said he suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the Wounded Warriors organization has made a tremendous difference in his life.

“I feel like I belong to something special because these men and women have the same dirt on their boots as I had,” he said. “I don’t feel alone anymore and I’m eternally grateful.”  

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Knowles said there is a stigma attached to PTSD because it is a mental health condition. Many people are reluctant to talk about it.

“You look okay on the outside but inside, man it’s scary I’ll tell you,” he added. “There are so many triggers that could set you off smells, crowds, barbecues, noises and it can come out of the blue.”

Saskatchewan Lieutenant-Governor Vaughn Solomon Schofield was also in attendance on Saturday night and said the Wounded Warriors is an organization that is near and dear to her heart.

“Having a chance to honour these people and try to give a little bit back to them in return for the sacrifices they and their families have made for us warms my heart,” Schofield said.” I’m proud to be here in North Battleford for this event.”

All funds raised from the Wounded Warriors event will enable participants and their families to attend the annual Wounded Warriors Weekend held in Slave Lake Alta., August of 2018.

The Wounded Warriors was started in 2012 when Blake Emmons and many volunteers organized a weekend for veterans and their families who were affected by PTSD. One weekend in August, Wounded Warriors gather to support one another and hear speakers and engage in dialogue with others from around the world. The weekend is not only military veterans, but first responders such as fire fighters, police, ambulance drivers and tow truck drivers as well.

roger.white@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @RJWtheReporter