Edwin Switzer Memorial Royal Canadian Legion Branch 78 honours members, special guest shares actions of Sioux Lookout born solider and why he deserves the Victoria Cross

Tim Brody - Editor

The Edwin Switzer Memorial Royal Canadian Legion Branch 78 recognized the service of its members on March 12 in the Upper Legion Hall, during its Membership Appreciation Dinner.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this was the first time since 2019 Legion Branch 78 in Sioux Lookout has held the Membership Appreciation Dinner, which was attended by approximately 60 Legion members.
Following dinner, which was prepared my members of the Legion Ladies Auxiliary, special guest Giselle Drew Walsh, Board Member of the non-profit organization Valour in the Presence of the Enemy, shared with those in attendance the heroic actions of a Sioux Lookout born soldier, Pte. Jess Larochelle.
The Governor General of Canada’s website states of the circumstances and actions which earned  Private Larochelle Canada’s second highest military honour, the Star of Military Valour: “On October 14, 2006, Private Larochelle of the 1st Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group was manning an observation post when it was destroyed by an enemy rocket in Pashmul, Afghanistan. Although he was alone, severely injured, and under sustained enemy fire in his exposed position at the ruined observation post, he aggressively provided covering fire over the otherwise undefended flank of his company’s position. While two members of the personnel were killed and three others were wounded in the initial attack, Private Larochelle’s heroic actions permitted the remainder of the company to defend their battle positions and to successfully fend off the sustained attack of more than 20 insurgents. His valiant conduct saved the lives of many members of his company.”
Private Larochelle received the Star of Military Valour for his actions on March 14, 2007.
Valour in the Presence of the Enemy, whose mission is to educate on the heroic experiences of Canadian soldiers and advocate for veterans rights, feels Private Larochelle deserves the Victoria Cross, for his actions.
General Rick Hillier, a Board Member for Valour in the Presence of the Enemy, interviewed Private Larochelle in 2001.
Drew Walsh, who is also MCpl in the Loyal Edmonton Regiment, told those present at the Membership Appreciation Dinner, “I have personally never heard the General speak so highly of someone, as I have him of Jess Larochelle.”
She added, “Though we have not had the Victoria Cross awarded since World War II, the next highest medal of valour is the Star of Military Valour, and that has been awarded to approximately 20 soldiers – including Jess.”
A petition for Private Larochelle to receive the Victoria Cross ran from Nov. 2, 201 to March 2, 2002 garnering 14, 129 signatures.
Drew Walsh said people could also write to their local MP about the Victoria Cross being awarded to Private Larochelle posthumously. Private Larochelle passed away on Aug. 30, 2023.
Legion Branch 78 President Kirk Drew said he would love to see Private Larochelle, who was born in Sioux Lookout in 1983, receive the Victoria Cross posthumously. “This kid, from Sioux Lookout, who was born here, lived here for 5 ½ years before he moved away. His family were military members,” he shared.
Following the presentation by his daughter, Drew Walsh, Legion Branch 78 President Kirk Drew read out the names of Legion Branch 78 members being recognized for their years of service to the Legion.
Drew said, “The Legion has suffered in its membership because of the pandemic. We’ve gone from 180 down to about 100 right now. We’re trying to build it back up.”
Legion Secretary/Manager Megan Brohm explained that Legion membership is open to any Canadian citizen or citizen of an Allied nation who is 18 years of age or older. There are four main types of membership categories: 
Ordinary Membership - Includes still serving and retired military, reservists, RCMP, police officers, Canadian Coast Guard, and others.
Associate Membership - Includes parents, spouses, widows, widowers, children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces and/or nephews of a person who is or was eligible for Ordinary membership.
Affiliate voting Membership - Includes Canadian citizens or Commonwealth subjects from an Allied nation who support The Royal Canadian Legion’s aims and objectives and are not eligible for ordinary or associate membership.
Affiliate non-voting Membership - Includes non-Canadian citizens of non-Commonwealth subjects from an Allied nation who support The Royal Canadian Legion’s aims and objectives. 
Brohm said any person interested in learning more about The Royal Canadian Legion and Membership options can visit www.legion.ca or contact the local branch office at 807-737-3232.

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 78 membership pin recipients.