Two well known Quesnel citizens were given the Medal of Good Citizenship at a ceremony Tuesday morning at the Hall of Honour in the BC Parliment Buildings in Victoria.
“Paul and Terry Nichols have made a lasting impact on our community and in the lives of countless veterans. Through their ride across Canada and the Assisted Mindfulness program, they are helping bridge the gap between military and civilian cultures with education and awareness. They are helping communities in creating a solution that is more than just helping veterans,” said Cariboo North MLA and Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction, Coralee Oakes.
The Nichols have devoted themselves to bring awareness to the difficulties Canadian soldiers can face when they transition back into civilian life.They have also developed a program-Communities for Veterans Foundation to help returning veterans overcome operational stress injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder from military deployments.
“The demons that are post-traumatic stress cannot live in the light and they drag their victims into dark places. It was recognition from a stranger for my own military service that changed my life.”
“We want to give other veterans the same opportunity for connection in community where they can be brought into the light. Through this award we feel encouraged by British Columbians to carry on with our work,” says Paul Nichols.