The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command LEST WE FORGET 115 1925. On the 1st of September 1926 in Victoria, B.C., the most solemn Articles of Faith were signed by Sir Percy Lake, thus creating the Tuberculous Veterans Section (TVS) of the Canadian Legion. The TVS gave the Legion its financial start by providing $10,000.00, which in the early 1920's was considered a large amount of money. The TVS also made available to the Legion a number of very experienced service officers who had proven their value in dealing with thousands of claims, and who were familiar with veteran's legislation. For many years, the Chief Pension Officer of the TVS was the Director of the Dominion Service Bureau. The TVS Section, like the Legion as a whole, has lost a number of members through attrition. Tuberculous veterans are effectively 10 years older than the veterans of a similar age because of the ravages of tuberculosis on their bodies. So not only are tuberculous veterans relatively older, but many are weaker health-wise, and therefore, membership is diminishing faster than normal, like old soldiers simply fading away. However, pride in their legacy is not fading away; it remains sound in the willing hands of comrades that are left. Tuberculosis Most Canadians have little concern for tuberculosis because of the relatively low incidence in Canada. This was not always the case, however. In the 1930s and 1940s sanatoriums existed throughout the country to accommodate afflicted citizens and a very large number of WWI and WWII veterans for the two to five years it took to effect a cure. With new drugs developed in the 1950s, efficacious treatment could be administered on an outpatient basis and everyone thought the disease was finished. A reality check would show that in other parts of the world, where overcrowding and poor sanitation exists, millions of new cases of tuberculosis develop every year. In fact about one third of the world population is infected with mycobacterium tuberculosis, which explains why physical examination and chest x-rays are required for all immigrants to Canada. Members of the present Canadian Forces serving abroad are especially susceptible to respiratory diseases and tuberculosis, including new strains which are resistant to drugs in the current formulary and greatly prolong treatment. Activities The four existing branches in Vancouver, Calgary, Saskatoon and Saint John are very much in tune with the purposes and objects of the Legion. Moreover, history, tradition and the threat posed by tuberculosis and related respiratory diseases dictate an expanded purpose for the care and welfare of respiratory disabled veterans. In addition to the Poppy Campaign, Remembrance Ceremony, service work, community and social events, TVS branches focus on supplemental activities directed towards persons with respiratory conditions. Service Officers are available at any time to assist with veterans’ needs and to offer advice in any situation that arises. Sick and visiting committees keep a special eye on veterans and community members who suffer respiratory problems, and also those members and veterans who need special attention or simply a visit to indicate that the Legion still cares. Concerned for treatment, relief of suffering and for arresting the spread of tuberculosis, much effort goes into fund raising. All four branches maintain contact with the Canadian Lung Association and direct available funds for hospital respiratory apparatus and other specialized equipment for community care. The Vancouver branch works with the TB Veterans Charitable Foundation to fund programs for respiratory technician training and for research into new drugs to fight mutant strains of tuberculosis. Furthermore, our youngest citizens, children with respiratory ailments are not forgotten. TVS branches place Spinoza bear kits, which feature personalized voice recordings that bring comfort to children facing critical illness. Education continues to be a TVS priority. Strict criteria are applied to ensure support only goes to deserving students. Bursaries and scholarships totaling more than $50,000.00 per year are awarded at both the national and branch levels for the children and grandchildren of TVS members. Membership Recognizing that membership is drawn from tuberculous veterans, their families or those closely associated with treatment or research, one can understand that there is both good and bad news with regard to numbers. The inevitable passing of older members continues to compound, and the national current membership is down slightly to 550. Fortunately the new, younger members, many children and now grandchildren of tuberculous veterans, or past beneficiaries of our scholarship and bursary programs, show interest in the TVS and have become active in the branches. Present The Tuberculous Veterans Section is grateful for the Legion framework which has protected the traditions and special interests of tuberculous and respiratory disabled veterans through the Dominion Executive Council and Veterans Service and Seniors Committee. The Dominion Service Bureau has changed immensely and the number of TB cases has dwindled since the Tuberculous Veterans Association had provided the first Director. However, the pension needs of TVS veterans continue to be well served. The TVS Section is looking forward to continuing the special relationship with The Legion which has existed for 80 years. DR. HAROLD ANDERSON MEMORIAL BRANCH 78 T.V.S. - T.V.A. (...Cont’d)
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