A Pleasantville man is being recognized for his work in the Veteran community. Roger Purnell will receive the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation during a ceremony in Halifax on Tuesday. (June 29th)
Purnell served in the United Kingdom's Royal Marines Commando from 1964-1979, with tours of duty in Borneo, Malaysia and Indonesia. He immigrated to Canada in 1991 and became active with the Navy League of Canada and The Royal Canadian Legion. He served as Zone 13 Commander of The Royal Canadian Legion until 2009 and was subsequently elected to District "E" Commander supervising 18 branches of the South Shore of Nova Scotia. Purnell serves on the Executive of Branch 24 and was President from 2002 to 2005.
Purnell's achievements include organizing many commemorative events such as the "Support our Troops Rally," "Family Forces Day," and a massive rally in June 2008 called the "Red Rally Support our Troops Day." He also assisted in the organization of the First Special Service Force- Devil's Brigade Reunion which was held in August, 2009 and will be involved with the Legion's Biennial Convention scheduled to be in Halifax in 2012. In 2005, Mr. Purnell devoted countless hours to developing The Veteran's Memorial Park in Bridgewater,
Purnell will be one of 12 people from Nova Scotia and Newfoundland to receive the award this year.
