Congratulations to PCSP Resident, Michael Pretty, Recipient of Veterans Ombudsman Commendation
We are delighted to announce that local veteran, Major (ret) Michael Pretty, has been selected for a national Veterans Ombudsman Commendation.
The intent of the Veterans Ombudsman Commendation is to recognize and honour the exceptional dedication, hard-work and selfless motivation of an individual or group’s contribution to Canada’s Veterans and their families. For a complete list of 2022 recipients, please visit:
Michael was nominated for this award by Mayor Carol McDonald on behalf of the Town. His nomination package included the following:
Major (ret) Michael Pretty is the chairperson of our Town’s Heritage Committee. Michael is not only dedicated to the heritage of our Town, but he is also dedicated to the legacy of fellow veterans. Over 10 years ago he founded a foundation, Trail of the Caribou Research Group, whose sole purpose is to find, research and commemorate fallen soldiers. His research has led to finding thousands of graves across the world of Newfoundlanders who served in various foreign wars. Simply identifying these graves was not enough for Michael so they did not stop there. They have created an annual fundraising gala, trips abroad, and a website to sell memorabilia in which all the funds are used for the creation and instalment of new headstones for each of these unmarked veterans.
This has been a tremendous amount of work all while working, raising a family, and owning other businesses. Michael also worked with our local legion to upgrade our Town War Memorial to include names that had been missing and the addition of new structures. If there is an event in the Town Michael is proud to show up in full uniform and participate and can always be counted on for outreach and ceremonies with the schools. No matter where he travels he visits cemeteries along his way to see if he can make connections to his foundation.
Sending a big congratulations to Michael for this well deserved recognition! We are so thankful for all your outstanding contributions to this town, the province, and the entire veteran community across the country.
