Langley veteran Robert Thompson received the King's Coronation Medal earlier this month by the Army Cadet League of Canada's B.C. branch.
The 66-year-old said he felt "honoured" but more importantly hopes it encourages his cadets.
"It's an honour to be recognized... but it's about the accomplishments. I hope it's another example for my cadets that you do get rewarded for what you achieve," he said.
Thompson was an army cadet himself as a teenager, before joining the army.
After his over 30-year career serving with the Canadian Armed Forces, overlapping with 15 years as an instructor at St. John Ambulance, he has been involved with army cadets across the Lower Mainland.
He estimates he's taught more than 1,000 students first aid, and said that alone can make an impact within a community.
"The reward I get is hearing these stories when kids come up to me years later saying, 'I used what you taught me and helped [someone].' Seeing them successful in life is good, hearing those stories just warms my heart; so you know you've made an impact," Thompson shared.
The army cadets is the oldest and one of Canada's most extensive youth programs, where Thompson's commitment has significantly contributed to its success, said Elisabeth Mortlock, executive director of the B.C. branch.
"Robert has significantly impacted the Army Cadet Program by embodying the mission, vision, and goals of the ACLC, and positively influencing the community and volunteers with the ACLC BC Branch," Mortlock told The Star.
Thompson is the B.C. branch director and member of the 2277 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps in Langley and the 1922 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps in Aldergrove, and also works with the Surrey Army Cadets.
He also volunteered with the Canadian Red Cross and the Erris Volunteer Fire Association.
"His unique qualities, skills, knowledge, and willingness to help others make him deserving of the King Charles Coronation Medal," Mortlock said.
"His positive influence on the community, both within the ACLC and in his home community, is a source of pride for us all."
She added her thanks to Thompson for his service and volunteer work within the community.
