Canadian Walk for Veterans Advisory Board

Allan Plett

Allan served with the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada from 1973-1987 and attained the rank of Warrant Officer. Upon retiring from the military he began a career as a Paramedic with the BC Ambulance service where he served for almost 25 years from 1988-2013. During that time he was recognized by the New Westminster Police Board for Bravery and BCAS with the Executive Directors award for bravery. With a passion for motorcycles, in 2009 Allan joined the Canadian Army Veterans Motorcycle Unit and volunteered in many leadership roles including Operation Officer for Western Canada from 2016-2020. In 2017 Allan was invested into the Order of St. George and served in various capacities on the Order Board of Directors and the Foundation Board of Directors culminating in his appointment as Prior of both the Cascadia Priory and Prairies Priory where he continues to lead the positive growth and success of the organization.

Dr. Matthew Kane, Ph.D

Matt joined the military at age 17 as a mechanic in the Royal Canadian Navy. He transferred to Military Intelligence and was commissioned from the ranks. Matt quickly found a passion for his work in Military Intelligence and was involved in various operations in the Middle East, Somalia, the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Aden, and the BC coast. Matt’s final job in the military was leading an intelligence cell conducting operations against Taliban Improvised Explosive Device financiers, suppliers and makers. After sustaining numerous injuries in the line of duty, Matt left the military in 2014 where he went on to complete a Master’s Degree in Psychology in which he studied deception detection, and then completed a Ph.D. in 2018. He lives in South Surrey BC with his wife and daughter and is an entrepreneur owner of Solaris Intelligence.

Marc Burchell

Marc is one of the Co-founders and Co-national Organizer of the Canadian Walk for Veterans, founded in 2018. The son of a Second World War veteran, he spent over 40 years working in the retail fashion industry, ending up as a partner in Suzanne’s, a chain of 52 ladies fashion stores across western Canada. Over the past 15 years he has been very active in his community as a member of the White Rock (BC) Economic Development Committee, Volunteer Consultant for White Rock-South Surrey Hospice Society, Volunteer Consultant for Peach Arch Hospital Auxiliary Society, Past- President of Equitas Disabled Soldiers Funding Society, Director and Treasurer of Sources Community Resource Centers and Founding Director & President of the Surrey-White Rock Community Engagement Society. Marc currently lives in South Surrey BC with his wife Dodi, has 2 sons and 4 grandchildren.

Liz Grevatt

During the last seven years as President of the Philipsburg Legion, Liz along with an outstanding Executive has re-establish the Legion within the community. More importantly we have re-connected with the Veteran community in our area. Along with the Legion, Liz is a member of Breakfast Club of Canada and Avante Woman’s Center.

Christian Lane

The grandson of RAF and RCAF veterans, Christian is a 20-year law enforcement officer and regional manager with specialization in enforcement, investigations and intelligence. He is a recipient of the Peace Officer Exemplary Service Medal and member of the board of directors for the Canadian Peace Officer Memorial Association. In 2021, Christian founded Team Ten Eight, Canada’s podcast dedicated to those who serve and sacrifice to keep us all healthy, safe and secure. He has a passion for community contribution and has served as a member of a mayoral task force, a mentor with Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver and ran as a candidate for city council. Christian lives in Abbotsford with his wife, Robyn.

Team Ten Eight = www. teamteneight.com

Gene Kushnir, CD, AdeC

Gene completed his undergraduate degree in Edmonton, and while starting his professional career, he enrolled into the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve with the Cadet Instructors Cadre working with the Air Cadet Program. Gene completed a masters degree from the Royal Military College of Canada and he continued his professional career in Ontario until returning to Alberta in 2012. Gene has worked at 5 different Air Cadet Squadrons, 2 Summer Training Centers and has been Commanding Officer 4 times in his 24 year career. He currently serves as the Commanding Officer of 604 (Moose) Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron and serves as an Honourary Military Aide de Camp to the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta. In his civilian career, Gene works for the City of Calgary as a Business Process Consultant. Gene has been a member of the Order of St George since 2010 and is now the Deputy Prior of the Prairies Priory and thrilled to support the 2022 Walk for Veterans.

Tara Diaczyk

Tara leads the Canadian Walk for Veterans, overseeing its national strategy, growth, and execution across Canada. She works closely with partners, Team Leads, and local organizers to bring together communities from coast to coast in support of the military and Veteran community.

With extensive experience in program leadership, stakeholder engagement, and mission-driven communications, Tara is passionate about strengthening connection within communities and creating meaningful opportunities for Canadians to show their support. She is committed to expanding participation, deepening engagement, and ensuring a consistent and impactful Walk experience nationwide.

Tara’s work focuses on fostering unity, raising awareness around Veteran mental health and well-being, and helping build a national movement where Canadians stand shoulder to shoulder in recognition of those who have served.

Terry Kelly, Former Honorary Colonel

Born in Newfoundland, Terry Kelly lost his sight at age two due to a rare hereditary cancer. A celebrated musician, he has released seven albums, performed with Symphony Orchestras across four continents, and is best known for his iconic song “A Pittance of Time.” He performed for Canadian troops in Afghanistan as a member of Team Canada Afghanistan.
Terry’s accomplishments have earned him the Order of Canada, honorary doctorates, the Canadian Country Music Association’s Humanitarian Award, and induction into the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame. As a professional speaker, he has motivated tens of thousands to overcome adversity and live life to the fullest.