"Soldier On" indeed

The Torch told you over a year ago about Sgt Andrew McLean and his selfless work developing the "Soldier On" program to rehabilitate injured and wounded CF members through sports (BBS, ahead of the curve yet again). McLean and the "Soldier On" program were also profiled by Brian Williams on the TSN program Spirit of the Game (Episode 2).

Well, it seems Sgt McLean is starting to receive some of the recognition he so richly deserves for his work, as it was recently announced he will be one of this year's recipients of the Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons King Clancy Award:

Awarded annually at the Great Valentine Gala, it recognizes individuals whose outstanding accomplishments have helped to increase public awareness about the potential of disabled people. Through their perseverance and dedication, these individuals have inspired others, especially the disabled, to become active and contributing members of our society. We congratulate them.

Sgt McLean is now a SAR Tech, but before joining that elite group, he was part of another tough bunch: the Royal Canadian Regiment. So it's only appropriate that he's planning on taking one of his regimental brethren to the awards ceremony with him - MCpl Jody Mitic. If you don't know Jody's story, you can read about him at this link, and see some inspiring pictures here. "Soldier On" is certainly a godsend for him.

For you motorcycle enthusiasts out there, you can read more about Jody's adventures here, and here too.





BZ to Sgt McLean and to MCpl Mitic. "One team, one fight" as a friend of mine south of the border likes to say.