MPP Oosterhoff Recognizes Local Poppy Chair as Recipient of New Provincial Award Honouring Exceptional Veterans

December 3, 2025

Beamsville – Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West, is recognizing Cmdre. Terry Miller, Poppy Chair of Branch 612 of the Royal Canadian Legion in Beamsville, as a recipient of the new Ontario Veterans Award for Community Service Excellence. The first-of-its kind award honours individuals for exceptional and ongoing service to their communities, such as work to help veterans re-integrate into civilian life, supporting those dealing with ongoing mental or physical injuries, or other broader community-building initiatives.

“On behalf of Premier Ford and the Ontario government, I congratulate Cmdre. Terry Miller as a local recipient of this high distinction,” said MPP Oosterhoff.

“As a veteran with over twenty years of service and as Poppy Chair and Veteran Services Officer at Branch 612, Terry has served fellow veterans and our local community with exemplary effort.”

Each year, Ontario branches of the Royal Canadian Legion nominate one veteran who has demonstrated significant and sustained contributions to their community through exceptional work. Cmdre. Miller was presented with a provincial certificate and official pin at a local ceremony in the Community Hall of Branch 612 in Beamsville last week.

“I am honoured and humbled to receive this provincial award,” said Cmdre. Miller.

“With the care and support of Branch 612, we have been able to assist many members of our community.”

Ontario is home to approximately 149,000 veterans and each year, approximately 9,000 Canadian Armed Forces members are released from military service.