Another local recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee, Athabasca resident Karl Kopan, was honoured on Feb. 2 at the Jefferson Armory in Edmonton.
The medal was presented by Lieutenant-Colonel Rob Kamphuis, Commanding Officer of the Regional Cadet Support Unit (Prairie),
Captain Kerry Walker of the Regional Cadet Support Unit (Prairie) said Kopanís citation was ìfor exceptional leadership and devotion in delivering a high quality cadet training experience in Athabasca; his ability to foster positive relationships with stakeholders and volunteer work with Scouts Canada and the community Ö reflected well on the Canadian Cadet organization.î
Kopan joined the Canadian Forces in 1992 and has since worked with youth in Calgary, Yorkton (SK), Saskatoon and Athabasca.
He is currently the Commanding Officer of the 230 Athabasca Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron and plays an active role in the Athabasca community.
ìThere are many worthy recipients of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and I am honoured to be included among them,î said the Yorkton, SK native in a written statement. ìWhen I look at the medal it reminds me of the many great people and youth I have been fortunate to work with over the years.î
Major Michael Lagace of the Regional Cadet Support Unit (Prairie) described Kopan as a ìwonderful officerî who is ìvery dedicated to the cadet program.î
He said that the cadets are ìvery happy that he was nominated and received his award.î
ìIt is easy to continue volunteer work when you love what you do and you thrive from working with others to make our communities a little better,î wrote Kopan.
ìI hope to continue this involvement and will use my past experiences, and this recognition, to motivate myself and others to keep working for our youth,î he concluded.
