Warrant Officer (Retired) Maria Leonor Damude, CD, is nominated for her 18 years of service with The Royal Canadian Legion and her dedication to the wellbeing of her fellow Veterans.
During her tenure, she has held numerous executive positions, including the role of President of the Sir Arthur Currie Legion Branch #116. Commonly referred to as “The Legion Lady,” she is well known and respected in the community. She volunteers for the Poppy Committee and has served as Poppy Chairwoman for eight years. She often accompanies the Service Officer on visits to Veterans’ homes to help identify issues of safety and mobility. This allows her to facilitate access to the Poppy Trust Fund to address the issues.
Together with her husband, she initiated the Veterans Transportation Program through the Victoria Order of Nurses (VON). Unique to Ontario, the program uses the Poppy Trust Fund to pay transportation costs using the VON taxi service for Veterans and/or dependents who need to attend medical appointments. Currently in its sixth year, this program has been well received by those who need it most.
As chairperson of the Military Service Recognition Book for the Branch, she has submitted approximately 130 biographies of Veterans from Strathroy and the surrounding region. She is quick to introduce herself to Veterans and get their stories to add to the book.