"For what these brave woman and men do for us, I've always thought this is the right thing to do for them." - IVP Joe Maloney
Governor General of Canada Julie Payette presents the Meritorious Service Cross (Civil Division) to IVP Joe Maloney Dec. 12 in Ottawa, Ontario. MCpl Vincent Carbonneau, Rideau Hall © OSGG, 2017
Honor recognizes Helmets to Hardhats initiative
INTERNATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT Joe Maloney has been presented Canada's Meritorious Service Cross for his work in founding the Helmets to Hardhats (H2H) program, which helps Canadian Armed Forces veterans find careers in the building trades when they leave the service. Governor General of Canada Julie Payette presented the decoration during ceremonies in Ottawa, Ontario, Dec. 12.
Created by Queen Elizabeth II, the Meritorious Service Decorations recognize Canadians for exceptional deeds that bring honour to the country. Past recipients have tackled poverty in their community, improved education opportunities for children in Canada and abroad, or raised awareness of important causes and issues.
Maloney was the driving force in launching the H2H program in 2003 while he worked in Washington as Secretary-Treasurer of the Building and Construction Trades Department of the AFL-CIO. When he returned to Canada after his term was over, Maloney designed a Canadian version of the program, which started in 2007.
"Our veterans are the backbone of our country," Maloney said. "They're ready to sacrifice themselves for us every day they're on duty. But returning to civilian life can be tough. We think H2H is one way of showing our appreciation for the work they do on our behalf. For what these brave woman and men do for us, I've always thought this is the right thing to do for them." Maloney was named to receive the award by former Governor General David Johnston, who was succeeded by Julie Payette Oct. 2, 2017.
"This is an extraordinary honor for IVP Maloney, and it reflects very positively on our Brotherhood," said IP Newton B. Jones. "Joe's leadership in creating Helmets to Hardhats, both in the United States and Canada, has opened the door to careers in the building trades for countless military veterans. We're extremely proud of Joe and happy that he has received this recognition."
