Commissionaires offer work, camaraderie for Sask. veterans

When a soldier leaves the army, finding meaningful work and a purpose is vitally important.That's where the Commissionaires come in.

VeteranRobin Lane, who served for 12 years and participated in the Gulf War on theHMCSHuron,told CBC Radio'sMorning Editionthat seeing veterans, or as he put it"the old guys," out working long after their servicemade him want to be a part of theCommissionaires.

Perhaps they need some meaningful employmentand they come to us and they find it's a very, very easy transition into an organization that knows the traditions and has other veterans in it.- Colin King, South Saskatchewan Commissionaires CEO

He now works at the ReginaInternational Airport as the security supervisor.

"I really enjoy my job every day," said Lane.

The Commissionaires started as a way to employ veterans after the First World War. They hiremore than 1,000 veterans and service people across Canada every year, mainly to provide security services.TheSouth SaskatchewanCommissionairesstarted after the Second World War and now has more than 600 members.

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"The vast majority over 92 per cent of what our company makes goes back to theCommissionaires, in terms of pay and benefits," said Colin King, a retired lieutenant colonel and CEO of the South Saskatchewan Commissionaires.

He said Armed Forces veterans or former RCMP members are often looking for something to do.

"Perhaps they need some meaningful employmentand they come to us and they find it's a very, very easy transition into an organization that knows the traditions and has other veterans in it," he said.

For many of the veterans, the camaraderieof their service is reflected in the camaraderie of fellow Commissionaires.

"It's a common ground that you stand on. It's just a wonderful thing to be with," said Lane.

In addition to employment, the Commissionaires also offer a home watch programto keep an eye on property, and a senior watch program that provides checks on elderly parents and gives them company.