Doug Whorrall is a proud Korean War vet who has dedicated his senior years to spreading the message about Canada's inspiring legacy of heroism and valour on the battlefield.
He joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1949 with the Royal Canadian Signal Corps. He spent 14 months overseas in 1951 and 1952 serving with the Royal Canadian Signal Corp.
This week on November 4, 5 and 6 he is visiting schools in Spruce View, Elnora, and Penhold, as well as the Innisfail Middle School and Innisfail Junior/Senior High School to talk about why it is so important not to forget the sacrifice 60 years ago made by Canadian men and women who served their country in Korea.
“What is nice about this year is that it is the Year of the Korean Veteran. In previous years they've had a peacekeeper or a Second World War veteran, but this year when they go around with the group it will just be Korean veterans,” said Whorrall, who was instrumental in leading the local celebrations earlier this year when the federal government set aside a special day for Korean veterans.
“Everybody will actually realize that in fact there was a Korean War and that it actually prevented a third world war,” he added. “If it wasn't for the Korean War we would have ended up with a third world war because of the communists.”
But for Whorrall, who recently turned 82 years old, there is even more to do for today's young.
In 2009, Doug and his wife Joyce created a bursary to help and honour young men and women who are members of Penhold Air Cadet Squadron #7.
The bursary represents their commitment to the youth of today through the Penhold Squadron #7 air cadet program, and recognizes performance excellence.
Each year the couple gives away $3,000 that is broken down towards four awards. Staff at Penhold Squadron #7 finalizes its selection of names for the awards. They are then forwarded to the Whorrall Bursary Committee for final review. This year's winners were announced on Nov. 1 at the seventh annual Royal Canadian Legion Innisfail Branch 104 Veterans Supper.
The Doug Whorrall Award for $1,000 goes to the cadet that enhances the aims and objectives of the cadet organization through community involvement. The 2013 winner was Sgt. Gerrard Tyson.
The Joyce Whorrall Award, which also has a monetary value of $1,000, is given to the cadet that demonstrates the highest calibre of community involvement, particularly with veterans. The 2013 winner was F/Sgt. Jarrod Crashley.
The Top Cadet Award, which has a value of $500, is awarded to the cadet who shows the best attributes of the cadet program, including dress, leadership and attendance. The 2013 winner was WO2 Thulien Nash, who was unable to attend the supper. Lt. Bruce Heaton, of Penhold Squadron #7, accepted the award on Nash's behalf.
And finally, a $500 Staff Appreciation Award goes to the cadet who makes a special effort to being the best he or she can be in the program. The 2013 winner was Sgt. Austin West.
“The cadets of the Penhold air cadet squadron will benefit by maintaining a higher standard in our youth of tomorrow,” said Whorrall. “There is also the benefit of using the bursary as an incentive tool in recruiting new cadets.”
