48th Veterans Services

The WW II generation of veterans has passed. However, those who served only in the reserve army, are also “veterans.”

Since the end of WWII and the Korean War, there have been several thousand individuals who have serve in the 48^th Highlanders during the 1950s, 60s, 70s, 80s and up to the present day. Not all of them will need assistance but there will be a percentage who will require support of some type. That is where our Veterans Services can be of benefit and assistance.

Also during the past 30 years, many members of our active Regiment have deployed to various overseas postings such as the Balkans and Afghanistan. Veterans Services is now involved in assisting their requirements when it involves physical and mental stress injuries.

Generally, we can be of volunteer assistance and advice to 48^th veterans and their families in the following areas:

• Obtaining military service release certificates and Veteran photo ID cards;
• Contacting Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) and identifying what programs and services the veterans would qualify for, based on their military service, whether it be aging issues or service injuries;
• Visiting and/or speaking with our aging and modern veterans to maintain their ongoing contact with the 48^thRegimental Family. This includes keeping them informed through The Falcon, and with the 48^th Highlanders Association, websites and blogs, as required;
• Assisting veteran’s families in identifying alternate medical assistance and social services in the community that are available beyond the scope of VAC;
• Contacting Sunnybrook Veterans Centre in Toronto regarding placement of qualified 48^th veterans whose families are unable to care for them any further. Sunnybrook is now open to post-War veterans on a case-by-case basis depending on need and qualification;
• Identifying 48^th homeless veterans and connecting them with housing and support services available through The Royal Canadian Legion (RCL) and VAC;
• Assisting families, when called upon, with the funeral process and VAC/RCL contact regarding deceased 48^thveterans. This includes notifying the extended Regimental Family of funeral service arrangements, and ensuring that the families of veterans have access to 48^th pipers, the Padre, and Regimental service information of the deceased, if required;
• Sending representatives to speak on behalf of the Regiment at funeral services and special events for 48^th veterans, as per the family’s request;
• Assisting families with their disbursement of veteran’s service kit (kilts, jackets, accessories) to 48^th Regimental Stores or military artifacts (personal journals, photos, medals, artifacts) to the 48^th Museum;
• Obtaining or preparing tribute/obituary articles on deceased 48^th veterans for publication in The Falcon;
• Identifying various discounts and services available in the community for veterans;
• Keeping the 48^th Regimental Family informed of new veterans services policy changes from RCL, VAC, and the federal government as they occur.

Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) on their website defines a veteran as

“Any former member of the Canadian Armed Forces (Regular and Reserves) who successfully underwent basic training and is honorably discharged”.

This definition of a veteran has been used by VAC since the early 2000s. Prior to that time only those who served in WWI, WWII and Korean War were classified as veterans. The broadening of the definition of a veteran by VAC as they state

“…recognizes the risk Canadian Armed Forces members assume by wearing the uniform and pledging allegiance.”

It is important that veterans and their families be aware of their status as a veteran and what they are entitled to in terms of services and support when they need it.

For the purposes of Veterans Affairs Canada/Royal Canadian Legion assistance and to receive benefits and services, a person must be able to prove they are indeed a veteran. When you have completed your active service, the Regiment will provide you with an official Canadian Forces Release Certificate. This is a key document that confirms your status as a veteran.

Often we hear from older retired members of the 48^th who have lost or misplaced their CF Release Certificate.  They can obtain a replacement certificate by contacting Library and Archives Canada at www.bac-lac.gc.ca, 1-866-578-7777.  It usually takes 6-8 weeks to receive your new certificate and there will be a small administration fee for processing the request.

Once you have your release certificate, and your release date was prior to 2016, we

This photo ID card includes information about your service number, rank, and record of service. The card is valuable to confirm your CF veteran status when you wish to obtain VAC/RCL services and veterans discounts/promotions through businesses in your community. Further information on the VSC may be obtained at Veterans Affairs Canada or telephone 1-833-995-0004

 On line application

If you have a Veterans Services card you are eligible for a vast array of discounts. Check out this site: Canadian Military Discounts