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Queen’s University’s Alice Aiken (Rehabilitation Therapy) has been awarded the Legion of Honor Bronze Medallion by the Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation, based in the United States, for her work as director of the Canadian Institute for Military & Veteran Health Research (CIMVHR). The award commemorates an individual’s extraordinary contributions to the well-being of others at the national or world level, to world peace, or to inter-faith and inter-ethnic understanding.

“The Four Chaplains’ Legion of Honor Bronze Medallion recognizes and honours outstanding members of society who have given unconditional service to community, their nation and humanity,” says Dr. Aiken. “I accepted this award with great pride and determination to continue the work of CIMVHR.”

In 2010, Dr. Aiken co-founded CIMVHR to support research and new policies, programs and practices to improve health outcomes for military personnel. Since its founding, CIMVHR has grown to become a focal point for more than 35 Canadian universities and more than 1,000 researchers and clinicians working to address the unique health research needs of the Canadian military.

CIMVHR recently hosted the sixth annual Military and Veteran Health Research Forum in Quebec City. Over three days, more than 180 researchers – representing 40 Canadian universities as well as centres from around the globe – gave presentations on eight key areas, all focusing on former and current military members and their families. The eight themes were: mental health research and rehabilitation, physical health and rehabilitation, social health and well-being, latest health technologies, transition to civilian life, occupational health, gender differences in health, and the ethics of health care.

Each year, the Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation presents a maximum of six Bronze Medallions, which are the second highest award in the foundation’s Legion of Honour program. Nominations are made by past recipients, church and government leaders and leaders of civic, fraternal or veterans’ organizations.

Founded in 1951, The Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation recognizes the principles of selfless service to humanity without regard to race, creed, ethnicity, or religious beliefs. The foundation is named in memory of four U.S. Army Chaplains who gave their life vests to others and perished when their ship, the USAT Dorchester, was sunk off the coast of Greenland on Feb. 3, 1943.