213 The Royal Canadian Legion MANITOBA & NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO COMMAND www.mbnwo.ca SWAN, Melvin Andrew PEACETIME Melvin was born on February 27, 1959, in Ashern, Manitoba, is a proud Ojibwayspeaking Anishinabe Canadian Forces Veteran. He joined the military at eighteen, serving honourably for ten years with 26 Field Regiment, 2PPCLI B Company and as an MP in Comox. After retiring in 1988, Melvin faced legal challenges, filing a Human Rights Case against discrimination during his military career, which he won in 1994. Melvin’s life took a turn in 2012 when he suffered a stroke, experiencing a spiritual rebirth and enduring a challenging healing process. Despite the setbacks, he attended the Veterans Transition Network in 2018, graduating from the program. Throughout his life, Melvin contributed to various programs, including creating the Bold Eagle Program in Manitoba, supporting indigenous initiatives, and mentoring youth. He worked as a probation officer, car salesman, and held leadership positions in veterans’ associations. His spiritual journey involved traditional healing ceremonies, reinforcing his devotion to the Anishinabe people and gratitude to the Creator. Melvin continues to wear his spirit Thunderbird with pride and honour. He is a fifteen-year member of The Royal Canadian Legion Prince Edward Branch 81. SYSLAK, Carl John WWII Carl enlisted at the recruiting station on Fort Street, Winnipeg, on February 12, 1945. He was sent to Fort Osborne Barracks and was issued a uniform and other things a young soldier needed. He got a haircut, needles, and was ordered to report to Camp Borden, Ontario for his basic training at A11 CMGTC which ended the last part of April. He took advanced training as a machine gunner but was never sent to a unit as the war ended. He spent the summer at Borden, then was discharged on November 19, 1945, at Fort Osborne Barracks. Carl returned home to farm with his parents. He married Bertha Hutton on October 26, 1946. Four children blessed this marriage, three boys and one girl. They retired from farming in 1983. Carl carpentered with Fervick Construction for several years. He enjoyed fishing and snowmobiling. Carl joined The Royal Canadian Legion Minnedosa Branch in 1945. TAYLOR, James Stanley WWI James was born on December 10, 1890, to Charles and Hannah (Chowen) Taylor in Avonbank, Perth, Ontario. He was working as a farmer in Manitoba and his aunt, Mrs. Margaret Reilly, was living in Neepawa. He enlisted with the 174th Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force and served overseas as a Lance Sergeant in France with the 54th Battalion of the Canadian Infantry. James was discharged on June 8, 1919. He married Hazel Lister on June 28, 1929 in the Lansdowne Municipality (east of Neepawa). James passed away on May 9, 1988, in Black Diamond, Alberta and was buried at the Highwood Cemetery in High River, Alberta.
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