Ep. #263. Andrew Gough, V-EH!

www.V-EH.ca Andrew Gough is a Canadian Armed Forces veteran, serving reservist and police officer. In 2019, he took part in a campaign within his police service that challenged the stigma of mental health challenges. The ‘Stronger than you know’ campaign shared his and others' stories of mental health struggles to combat the idea that these challenges are a sign of weakness. Through his experiences, he learned that asking for help is a sign of true strength. He received the Sacrifice Medal for injuries sustained by hostile action/act of terrorism while deployed in Tripoli, Libya during Operation LOBE in 2014. These injuries, along with a career of being exposed to and involved in dangerous and traumatic situations, let to his diagnosis of PTSD in 2015. He is also a mental health advocate and was named the 2019 Canadian Mental Health Association Middlesex “Champion of Mental Health” for his work and openness to share his story of injury and recovery as an emergency services member. ​Mr. Gough remains an active member of the Canadian Armed Forces as a Platoon Commander and holds the rank of Sergeant as a police officer. About V-EH! Veterans and Everyday Heroes was born out of need. A police officer, diagnosed with an Operational Stress Injury (OSI) needed a service dog to help him with daily living and couldn’t afford the $20,000+ cost. Andrew Gough decided to help because he knows first-hand the incredible impact of a service dog to someone living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Simply put, his service dog, Riggs, saved his life. With wife, Elizabeth, Riggs and a team of volunteers at his side, Andrew organized his first ‘Comedy: It’s for the dogs’ event in London, ON in 2019, and raised more than $14,000 towards the purchase of a service dog for a fellow officer in need. And V-EH! was born. It aims to help veterans and everyday heroes – all front-line responders – live better lives with the support needed to manage mental health challenges or with acts of kindness that promote wellness. ALL proceeds from fundraising raised go directly to supporting veterans and first responder improve their lives and ease the struggle toward wellness. Examples of assistance provided includes: Contribution and fundraising mentorship of approximately $60,000 toward the purchase of three service dogs needed to provided much-needed support with daily living. Providing acts of kindness to those to promote wellness such as care packages to deployed veterans and returning soldiers, fitness programs, sponsorships and comfort items. Join us in supporting the everyday heroes in our community by contributing, participating in one of our online auctions, buying our swag or attending an event.