On Wednesday, Feb. 13 a Legion general meeting turned into a small banquet as they invited Stan Latkowski, a STARS representative, to dinner. Here the Legion presented a cheque for $5,000 to STARS.
Road conditions prevented some out of town Legion members from attending; but, there were still 11 members in attendance.
STARS stands for Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society. It is a medical helicopter service which recently began last year in Saskatchewan. They are a non-profit organization, which runs a service that is quite costly. Flying from Regina to Arcola and back to Regina costs $5,400; but, the service is an important one therefore they appreciate any support they are able to rally.
Since the second week in February STARS has responded to over 200 missions between the bases in Regina and Saskatoon according to Latkowski. They have already had a number of emergency calls to the area and have transported patients to Regina.
When called to a mission the team can be in the air between eight and 10 minutes.
Latkowski also explained that STARS is impressed with the hospital in Arcola, that the facility is impressive, and is more than adequate to help STARS complete their missions in the area. Though emergency services are temporarily suspended the facility is still the preferred area to pick up patients, Latkowski explained.
Latkowski also stated that testimonials for Saskatchewan should be up on the STARS website by the end of March. Currently ones from other provinces are available.
Following the supper and presentation to STARS the Legion moved into its regular monthly meeting, which in itself was very special. Out of approximately 90 applicants there were four people in all of Saskatchewan who were awarded the Legionnaire of the Year award.
One of these four members chosen for the award was Jack Wilson. Wilson joined the Legion in 1999 and has been actively involved ever since. He has held the positions of Sergeant at Arms, second VP, first VP, and President of the branch.
Following the closure of the Arcola Legion branch Wilson took it upon himself to coordinate the poppy campaign there. He is always a ready volunteer and has dedicated himself to offering time, resources, and labour to various projects the Legion has taken on. The other Legion members credited Wilson with being a large part in keeping the Carlyle Legion going.
When presented with the award Wilson was taken aback as it was completely unexpected.
Wilson humbly accepted saying, "This is a surprise. I don?t know what to say except I just thought it was just all in a day's work."
