One of the volunteers from the JDF Search and Rescue, a group based in Sooke that provides inland waters and ground search and rescue services to the entire JDF electoral area, has been nominated as a military hero.
Nicholas Kerr, who was raised in Metchosin and currently lives in Langford, is one of three Canadian finalists selected to represent the Toronto Blue Jays at the 2013 All-Star Game.
“There were calls out to nominate people who we thought of as military heroes for the contest,” wrote in Erin Wilson. “I nominated Nicholas to represent the Toronto Blue Jays (his favourite team).”
“Nick, he is a true warrior that has a heart of gold,” Wilson continues. “Nick is caring, able, and capable of helping people in need. He recognizes these attributes in himself and has acted upon them countless numbers of times. For the amount of time that I have known Nick, he has been constantly learning to further his skills in search and rescue, first aid, etc. It is truly admirable when you meet a person who does everything they can to be prepared to help strangers. I am in absolute awe of Nick for what he has done and continues to do for our country.”
Submissions were qualified by judging criteria that included personal and professional accomplishments, military service and acts of heroism, and contribution to the community.
Successful contestants were selected based on personal and professional accomplishments, military service and acts of heroism, and contribution to the community.
According to the Major League Baseball’s contest website, Kerr’s contributions include saving a civilian’s life after a car accident, serving as a member of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry and winning several Canadian Forces National Sports awards. He served in Afghanistan and joined the Avalanche Control Operation Palaci (AVCON). He is a member of the Canadian Forces Reserves and volunteers extensively in the community.
You can vote for Kerr at the Major League Baseball website at http://mlb.mlb.com/tribute/2013/. Voting runs until June 30th, and the winners will be announced “on or about July 13” according to the “Official Rules” of the contest. The names of Contest Winners will be listed at www.tributeforheroes.com “on or about” July 12, 2013.