This story is a part of Branch 25’s on-going National Legion Week campaign.

Christine Philipson
Ordinary (Veteran) Member since 2009

Christine’s service began at the age of 15 as a volunteer musician with the Lincoln & Welland Regiment Band.  She would later become a paid musician with the band until she was 20, when she transitioned to regular forces.  Christine would serve the Canadian Forces from 1986 to 2004 in a variety of roles over multiple postings.  Upon retirement from the regular forces, Christine continued her involvement with the Lincoln & Welland Regiment Band – something that she continues to do to this day.

Christine originally joined the Legion to have like-minded people who speak the same language as me.  As she got involved in her branch, Christine was drawn to organizing the annual poppy campaign and supporting the poster and poetry contests because she felt it was most important to ensure that all never forgot the supreme sacrifice that so many made – particularly the children.

Ordinary (Veteran) membership is open to any Canadian citizen or Commonwealth subject who is of federal voting age and whose service was terminated under conditions other than dishonourable or for reasons of misconduct and who served or is serving in:

• the Canadian Forces or His Majesty’s Forces, including Regular or Reserve Forces under class “C” service;
• the Forces or Underground Forces of any of His majesty’s allies in any war, conflict or police action in which Canada was involved (Provincial or Dominion Command approval is required for underground service);
• an actual theatre of war in any of the non-military services, during any war in which Canada was involved (i.e. Merchant Navy);
• His Majesty’s Reserve Forces including Cadet Instructors on Cadet Cadre, for not less than one year;
• The Royal Canadian Mounted Police or The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, for not less than one year;
• the Forces of a country while that country was a member of NATO or NORAD in alliance with Canada;
• the Forces of the United States;
• the Vietnam War in the Forces of the United States, Australia, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea or South Vietnam and who was a Canadian citizen or Commonwealth subject at time of service;
• the Canadian Coast Guard as an officer or crew member, and who has two or more years of active service on the high seas or inland waterways; or
• a city, municipal or provincial police force, as a police officer, for not less than one year.