Veterans, Comox Valley community leaders and businesses came together for VinoSpa Speaks Out, A Veteran鈥檚 Perspective, on Wednesday, Nov. 1.

The sold-out audience heard stories and learned of the challenges faced by families and veterans as they transition back to civilian life.

Keynote speaker Sgt. Maj. Tim Turner (retired) provided a first-hand account of his military experiences.

Turner joined the Canadian Army in 1985 and served a variety of missions both peacekeeping and wartime. Turner recounted stories from his military life ranging from deeply tragic to memorable camaraderie among those involved. He spoke candidly about the difficulties of returning home and trying to adjust to a 鈥榥ormal鈥� life.

鈥楥ivilian translator鈥� Karen Turner shared her intense and sometimes funny life experiences with her 鈥榮oldier husband.鈥� Karen is a proud Canadian Military spouse of 40 years, and the proud mother of a Canadian infantry soldier and search and rescue technician. Karen kept the home fires burning for both of her soldiers through natural disasters at home and seven tours of war abroad.

RCMP Cpl. Tori Cliffe and Sgt. Mike Rude (retired) joined the Turners on the panel providing a broader perspective.

鈥淭hat room was full of caring people,鈥� said Rude. 鈥淚 left 40 Knots Winery a better person because of that event and the people that were there鈥︹��

Event producers Chrissie Bowker of CB Projects and Brenda Hetman-Craig of 40 Knots Winery were extremely pleased with the event.

鈥淚t was a very emotionally impactful day for all involved,鈥� said Bowker.

Funds raised were donated to the Operation Pegasus Foundation. For more information or to make a donation go to www.operationpegasusfoundation.com

To contact Mike Rude of Rude Awakening go to www.linkedin.com/in/mike-rude-a0b02894/

For information on upcoming editions of VinoSpa Speaks Out contact:

Brenda Hetman-Craig - 40 Knots Winery brenda@40knotswinery.com

Chrissie Bowker - CB Projects projects@chrissiebowker.com