Annual Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendations Presented at CFB Esquimalt

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper, with files from the Government of Canada  

Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt welcomed Minister of Veterans Affairs Jill McKnight on May 11 for the presentation of two Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendations. The commendations were presented to Reverend Brian Evans of Nanaimo and Lieutenant-Commander (LCdr) (ret’d) Paul Seguna of Victoria.  

Minister of Veterans Affairs Jill McKnight (right) presents award recipient Reverend Brian Evans (left). Photo: S1 Jordan Schilstra, MARPAC Imaging

The Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation, which includes a certificate, a lapel pin for civilian wear, and a bar for formal decorations, is awarded to individuals who have made outstanding volunteer contributions supporting veterans or preserving the memory of their service and sacrifice. The commendation was first established in April 2001, with awards presented annually to selected recipients.  

For both recipients, the recognition reflects decades of work rooted in service long after their formal careers ended. 

Commendation recipient Reverend Evans has served as chaplain to multiple Royal Canadian Legion branches since the early 1990s, including Tisdale, Yorkton, ON, and Nanaimo. Over the years, his presence has become a constant at remembrance ceremonies, funerals, and memorials, offering comfort and prayer in moments of loss or reflection. Beyond the Legion, he also serves as a chaplain to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), where he provides emotional and spiritual support to members during critical incidents and periods of high stress. He is also a frequent speaker at schools, where he speaks about remembrance, service, and the human cost behind uniformed duty.  

Minister of Veterans Affairs Jill McKnight (right) presents award recipient LCdr (ret’d) Paul Seguna. Photo: S1 Jordan Schilstra, MARPAC Imaging

Commendation recipient LCdr (ret’d) Seguna has dedicated his post-military life to preserving and sharing Canada’s military history. Following a 46-year career in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), he has become a driving force behind remembrance and education initiatives across Vancouver Island. LCdr (ret’d) Seguna has spent the past eight years contributing to the University of Victoria’s Royal United Services Institute Oral History Project, which now houses more than 700 recorded interviews with veterans and service members. He also volunteers with the Naval Association of Canada and the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum, where he supports commemorative events, public outreach, and historical education. 

Together, Reverend Evans and LCdr (ret’d) Seguna represent two distinct, complementary forms of service — one grounded in spiritual care, the other in historical preservation. Both continue to strengthen the connection between veterans, their communities, and the stories that define them. Bravo Zulu to both recipients on this significant honour.