Falkland veteran and author receives provincial Medal of Good Citizenship

The province is awarding 18 people with the Medal of Good Citizenship, including a veteran and author from Falkland. Matthew Heneghan from Falkland is receiving the award for mental health advocacy and his dedication to veterans, according to a release from the province. Heneghan was a medic in the Canadian Armed Forces as well as a civilian paramedic. He wrote a bestselling memoir called “A Medic’s Mind” in which he talks about his battles with PTSD, addiction, and more.  "When I was first informed that I'd be receiving this prestigious honour, I was moved to tears. Not because I felt deserving, but because others believed that for me. It is very humbling, and I am very blessed to have such wonderful people in my life," Heneghan said in a message. Premier David Eby said this award is about celebrating people who have contributed to their community. "These 18 people have made a profound impact on their communities and a positive difference in the lives of so many," Eby said in the release. "By sharing their time, energy and talents, they are making B.C. a better place. Their selfless generosity is a model for us all and I thank them for it." READ MORE: iN VIDEO: Meet the dinosaurs in the Fraser River, and who is protecting them https://infotel.ca/newsitem/in-video-meet-the-dinosaurs-in-the-fraser-river-and-who-is-protecting-them/it106013 The other 17 recipients are Louise Allen, Helen Campbell, Bill Erving, Janice Dallaire, Mary Daniel, Dale Douglas, Murray Stewart, Rabiah Dhaliwal, Donna Furneaux, Steve Hamilton, Jim Kojima, Christopher Lee, Reihaneh Mirjani, Margaret Mubanda, Lawrence Napier, Thelma Rodriguez, and Carla Stephenson. "The incredible kindness and service of people like this year's medal recipients make B.C. communities such thriving and welcoming places," Minister of Tourism and chair of the Medal of Good Citizenship selection committee Lana Popham said in the release. The award ceremonies will take place throughout August and early September.  "I am incredibly grateful for the dedication and passion of these extraordinary individuals. They exemplify the true spirit of community service, touching the hearts of all they meet," Popham said. Click here to find out more about the award. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/celebrating-british-columbia/honours-and-awards/medal-good-citizenship Click here for the Amazon page for “A Medic’s Mind.” https://www.amazon.ca/Medics-Mind-Mr-Matthew-Heneghan/dp/B08TZ7DKHZ To contact a reporter for this story, email Jesse Tomas mailto:jtomas@infonews.ca  or call 250-488-3065 or email the editor mailto:news@infonews.ca . You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom mailto:tips@infonews.ca  and be entered to win a monthly prize draw. We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. SUBSCRIBE to our awesome newsletter here https://infotel.ca/newsletter .