The Legion supports vets – and the whole community

HEART OF QATHET

The Royal Canadian Legion is an organization that was formed after the First World War by veterans, for veterans. It’s where we could gather in a safe and welcoming atmosphere. And to foster the remembrance of the sacrifices that were made.

Michael Koestlmaier CD Warrant Officer (Ret’d) is the President of the Branch 164 of the Royal Canadian Legion. He served three tours of duty in Afghanistan, two of which were in direct combat. After 22 years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces he retired to Powell River.

DUTY, TRADITION & RECONCILIATION: Legion President Michael Koestlmaier retired to qathet after three tours of Afghanistan.

How and when did you start working with the Legion?

Michael • I started with the Royal Canadian Legion upon my retirement from the Canadian Armed Forces in 2018 following 22 years of service.

What attracted you to this organization?

Michael • I was attracted to the Legion as a Veteran, I felt that the organization was created by Veterans for Veterans so that we would have a place to gather likeminded individuals to have a comfortable place to gather in a safe place where we are accepted for what has been sacrificed for Queen/King and country.

What part of the work is the most satisfying?

Michael • I find that Veterans having a place to gather and connect, reminisce, is of the utmost importance. Seeing a welcoming atmosphere where we Veterans are accepted is paramount to our mission.

What part of the work do you find the most challenging?

Michael • The most challenging thing we face is in educating the general public and even our own membership on Veterans issues and the treatment of Veterans in the general public. Specifically, the social and interpersonal issues with regards to the re-integrations following years of service at home and abroad.

What do you wish other people knew about the work the Legion does?

Michael • I would love the community to know how much the Legion does outside of coordinating Remembrance Day services. We are a cornerstone of the community. Annually, we donate in excess of $25,000 directly back to the community in the form of donations to local organizations and bursaries to youth for post-secondary education. We are undertaking to not only preserve our past, but realize we need to look to the future as well.

Had you been involved in charitable or caring work before? What got you started?

Michael • Aside from holding leadership positions within the Army and caring for the welfare of my subordinates and crews, the Legion has been my first exposure to charitable and or caring work.

How has the Legion changed your life?

Michael • The Legion has re-ignited my sense of duty to our country and that there is an ongoing sense of duty that cannot be extinguished since I retired from military service.

Do you bring any unique skills to this organization?

Michael • Through my military training I feel I have brought a sense of tradition, organization and open dialogue. Also, a sense of giving back to this great land where we enjoy the freedoms that we Veterans have fought so hard to preserve.

Have there been benefits from volunteering with this agency that you didn’t expect?

Michael • The most unexpected benefit I have discovered is that we can have a voice and lead the way with regards to reconciliation. Moreover, that we are getting our face back into the community and promoting the work we do for the community and nation as a whole.

What would you say to other people who might be thinking about volunteering?

Michael • We would like to welcome anyone and everyone who would like to volunteer with our Branch with the knowledge that they are not just helping the local community, but fostering and keeping alive the memories of those that have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. To echo the words of Sir Winston Churchill, “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.” I would also like to note that everyone, regardless of status, is welcome in our branch. We openly welcome new-comers, visitors and anyone who wishes to enjoy our family friendly atmosphere.