Falkland author is one of 18 people being honoured with the province's Medal of Good Citizenship

Photo: Contributed

Matthew Heneghan is being recognized for his mental-health advocacy and dedication to veterans.

The Falkland author is one of 18 people being honoured with the province's Medal of Good Citizenship for their contributions to their communities.

Heneghan was a medic in the Canadian Armed Forces for six years, and was ready to deploy to the Middle East, but circumstances arose and he was not able to depart with the other medics he had trained with.

Heneghan lost three friends in the conflict, something he felt guilt about because he was not able to deploy with his unit, so he was not with them during the trials of armed conflict.

Killed from his unit was Cpl. Andrew "Boomer" Eykelenboom on Aug. 11, 2006, the first Canadian medic killed in action since the Korean war.

Cpl. Michael Starker was killed on May 6 2008 and Pte. Colin Wilmot was killed on July 6, 2008.

The death of Starker hit Heneghan “really, really hard. That was really tough, those were the guys I trained and worked with and got to know really well. I was supposed to deploy with them.”

He went on to become a civilian paramedic and was diagnosed with PTSD in 2017.

Heneghan started writing down some of his feelings and those writings turned into a video aptly titled Empty Chairs.

After the loss of his mother and sister to suicide, Heneghan turned his grief into action. He wrote a poignant memoir, A Medic’s Mind, which tells the story of his journey through addiction, recovery, sobriety, confronting his traumatic past and the challenges of mental health. He frequently mails his books along with gift cards to first responders and those who may benefit from his experiences.

Heneghan has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness. He volunteers with the Memory Project, a speaker’s bureau that arranges for veterans and Canadian Forces members to share their stories of military service at schools and community events across the country. Through his speaking engagements, books and podcasts, he works to destigmatize mental health and encourage open conversations.

“These 18 people have made a profound impact on their communities and a positive difference in the lives of so many, said. By sharing their time, energy and talents, they are making B.C. a better place. Their selfless generosity is a model for us all and I thank them for it,” said Premier David Eby.

The Medal of Good Citizenship celebrates individuals who have acted in a particularly generous, kind or selfless manner for the betterment of their communities without expectation of reward. It was established by the Government of B.C. in 2015.

The incredible kindness and service of people like this years medal recipients make B.C. communities such thriving and welcoming places, said Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, and chair of the Medal of Good Citizenship selection committee. I am incredibly grateful for the dedication and passion of these extraordinary individuals. They exemplify the true spirit of community service, touching the hearts of all they meet.”