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Army, Navy, and Air Force Veterans Unit 284 president William Spencer is the oldest living veteran on call.

Photo courtesy Richmond Sentinel Videos

Richmond Stories: Veteran shares stories

By Matthew Cheung

Published 10:34 PDT, Fri March 31, 2023

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Millions of Canadians have proudly served their country, putting their lives on the line. Army, Navy, Air Force Veterans (ANAF) Unit 284 President William Spencer sat down with Richmond Sentinel interviewer Jim Gordon to discuss his journey in the armed forces and the importance of the ANAF.

Jim Gordon (JG): I understand that the 76th anniversary of the ANAF just passed. Can you tell our readers a bit about that special moment?

William Spencer (WS): We were proud to be one of the units, for the veterans here in Steveston. Twenty years ago, there (were) two Army, Navy, Air Force clubs here, but because of financial reasons they had to close one down (unit) 285. This being a nice building, we’ve been able to survive and carry on the veterans’ legends and what they stood for.

JG: The last two years have certainly been challenging for everyone. How has Unit 284 been able to survive?

WS: Even with government’s support (we didn’t get a whole lot of money) it’s been a struggle to survive and support the community with what little we have. When we opened our doors, we tried to get the message out to the public, that you are welcome. The younger generation don’t know that you don’t need to be (a member of the) military to come into this facility. It’s a great place for socializing. We have all types of different events, card games, billiards, darts, live bands on Saturdays, and the biggest dance floor in Richmond.

JG: It is definitely important to bring up the fact that many people want to come (here) but think they need a membership or to be a veteran.

WS: We don’t push membership, but it is a private club. Visitors are welcome to come in and check it out. Membership is only $50 (of which) $32 goes to command.

JG: Something else many (people) don’t know is the amount of charity work and your involvement in this community.

WS: We have our meat draws on Friday and Saturday to raise money to support Richmond including the Richmond Hospital, but there are agencies like Heart and Stroke (Foundation) and (BC) Cancer that don’t have an office in Richmond, so we still support those as well.

JG: Where do you see things going in the next five years?

WS: We are trying to reach out to the younger (members), the ones that are aging out of cadets and the ones that are coming back from different conflicts.

JG: The soldiers returning from Afghanistan are the new veterans. Is your club trying to find ways to reach out to them as they are a new generation of vets?

WS: We’ve been trying, the only stoppage today would be the Privacy Act. We’ve been trying to get a hold of veterans out there (as they may not know) how to contact anyone or even clubs to get help.

JG: What can someone do who wants to get involved? Is it a matter of reaching out to your local MP, to say ‘I want to help get these younger people into this place?’ Is that a good start?

WS: Yes or the Veterans Affairs have an office downtown and any social services are a good help. We’re registered with them, to help anyone looking for housing or support, or even medical devices like hearing aids.

JG: Let’s talk about your life and history. How did you become involved in service to one’s country?

WS: We’d have to go back to 1973, I was in Vancouver and joined the Navy Reserves (HMCS) Discovery at Stanley Park. I graduated from that and went into the regular Navy and wanted to train in radar sonar, they told me it would be 10 to 12 years. At 18, that sounded like a lifetime. I returned home to Ontario, and I decided to join the Army there. I wanted a career (as a) field engineer, they said the only opening was infantry, but in a couple of years I could transfer out. There was no transfer, so at five years I left and moved back to Vancouver. I didn’t realize at the time that I signed a document saying I’m on call for the next conflict (the Gulf War, Kuwait War, Iraq, Falklands, Afghanistan and now Ukraine). I’m the oldest living veteran on call.

JG: At what point does being on call end, at a certain age or if you have a fit body?

WS: You’d think there would be an age limit, (but there isn’t). For someone at my age I give blood every two weeks or every month depending on the situation.

JG: Do you have any last words, that you want to say to our readers that want to come in to your club?

WS: It’s open to the public and we’re looking for volunteers because our club and our events are basically run by volunteers. The only paid staff is the cook and bar staff, so if anything that needs to get done, it’s all done by volunteers. We’re always looking for support, it’s hard work but fun.

For the full video interview visit www.richmondsentinel.ca/videos