Lost Veterans Initiative Field Notes No.6

Volunteer researcher Bobbi Foulds Ever a Thought for Our Veterans

Bobbi Foulds began volunteering as a researcher with the Last Post Fund in October, 2018. Prior to that, she was, and continues to be, an active member of the Edson, AB Legion. That’s where she met Kyle Scott, who first spoke to her about the Last Post Fund and encouraged her to get involved as a volunteer.

Kyle Scott says of Bobbi that when she puts her mind to something, “Nothing gets in her way! She is dedicated and determined, and for her as for me, she appreciates being able to take on the research at her own pace and rhythm. Bobbi has done, and continues to do, great things.”

Indeed, Bobbi Foulds has contributed, through her research, to the marking of well over 200 previously unmarked graves through the Lost Veterans Initiative, as well as volunteering time to help train new volunteers.

The Indigenous Veterans Initiative (IVI) holds a special place in Bobbi’s heart, in part due to her Métis heritage. Through marking unmarked Indigenous Veterans’ graves, offering traditional name inscription, and offering a choice of culturally appropriate symbols, the IVI contributes to reconciliation, restoring the dignity of commemoration to these forgotten Veterans that is rightfully theirs.
Her efforts have led to the discovery and marking of Indigenous Veterans’ graves throughout Alberta and British Columbia including Alberta Métis, Okanagan Indian band, Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc (Kamloops) and Nazkaldi Whuten First Nation, BC.

LPF Vice-President West and UMG subcommittee chair Colonel Randy Brooks, CD (Retired) has worked closely with Bobbi Foulds on the Lost Veterans Initiative, and qualifies her as a tour de force, stating “A tour de force is defined as "an unusually strong, skillful or creative performance". If a person could ever be described as a tour de force...that person would be Bobbi Foulds!”

While we were preparing this tribute to Bobbi, who is one of our top researchers, we learned that she is confronting a tremendous personal challenge as she battles stage 4 cancer. Dear members, we ask that you hold her in your thoughts and prayers as it is our turn to show her the support that she has so generously shared through the years with us and with the community of Veterans.

 

Field Notes is a newsletter dedicated to highlighting the work of Last Post Fund volunteer researchers contributing to the Lost Veterans Initiative. If you are interested in finding out more about the Initiative, please contact Last Post Fund at info@lastpost.ca or by calling: 1-800-465-7113.