OLDS – A local Korean war vet and two of his nephews were honoured for their military service during a ceremony in the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 105.
Richard Paul Godin, 91, served in the Korean War in 1952 and 1953.
One nephew, Richard Charles Godin of Wainwright served in the navy. The other, Barry Fairlie who lives near Edmonton, served with the airborne forces.
All three received quilts of Valour from Royal Canadian Legion Branch 105 Sgt.-At-Arms Leslie Manchur and Quilts of Valour representative Lana Butcher of Calgary on May 25.
Quilts of Valour-Canada began in 2006 when Lezley Zwaal of Edmonton presented quilts she had made to three injured Afghanistan veterans as a way to thank them for their service.
Since then, 22,730 quilts have been presented, according to the organization’s website.
All three men received individually designed quilts and were wrapped in them by family members. They thanked everyone involved.
Afterward, Richard Paul Godin was interviewed by the Albertan.
Godin signed up in Edmonton and ended up in a tank squadron of the Lord Strathcona’s Horse unit.
Asked if he saw any nasty fighting, he said, “I saw a bit, but not too much.
“The Chinese and the North Koreans, they made an advancement on us and we held them off.”
Godin said he didn’t get wounded, but “I got the sh-- scared out of me, that’s about all.”
“It was interesting, but I don’t think I’d want to do it again.”
Godin spent three years in the armed forces, then switched careers. He worked for gas companies in Alberta and B.C.
He retired about 25 years ago.
Godin suffered a heart attack and was hospitalized. His sister came and cared for him, then persuaded him to move to Olds where she lives. He’s lived in Olds ever since.
“She and her son live right next door,” he said.
Godin was asked if he’d recommend the military as a career.
“Yeah, it makes a better person out of you,” he said.
“It shows you how to look after yourself, your physical being and do your washing and cooking.”
