11/05/2026
Mass Resignation of Sarnia Legion Executive Committee
During the last few weeks, Branch 62 has been in turmoil. There are two opposing sides at a time we should be united as one team.
When a small group of people goes after a respected Veteran and community leader like Les Jones and prompts him to resign his Life Membership with the Legion, you know there is a major problem.
It’s no secret Branch 62 generated millions of dollars during the Catch the Ace, half of it being donated back to the community. What is happening now is a tale as old as time. An organization suddenly comes into a lot of money, and the infighting begins. Maybe some of you have experienced this in your own families.
I did some research and found two legion branches, Hepworth Shallow Lake and Gravenhurst, that were experiencing a similar situation: us versus them attitudes.
Both of their Executives resigned en masse. At that time, Ontario Command Executive said “This Executive has built this Legion back to what it is. They have been very successful with their community supporters and fundraising. Fiscally, they are responsible and are just tired because of a few naysayers and there is something wrong at every turn.”
When Ron Realesmith, Les Jones and I became Executive members of Branch 62 over 10 years ago, the membership was declining. There were financial problems, the building was in disrepair, and the Branch was heading into insolvency. Following years of hard work and fostering community relations, Branch 62 is now a viable business. Membership has increased significantly, we have attained financial stability, and the building has had major repairs and upgrades.
Then why is Ontario Commands treatment of Sarnia Legion so different?
Instead of praising our hard work and initiatives, Ontario Command seems to be favouring the naysayers of Branch 62, a small group who led the Sarnia Legion’s earlier demise.
Provincial Command suspended our President during our busiest time of the year leading into Remembrance Day, as well as Branch 62’s 100th anniversary. Via a conference call with the executive amd Provincial First Vice President, Les Jones, a life member and veteran, requested to delay the President’s suspension until after Remembrance Day as not to affect the branch. The Executive Director and the 1st Vice President were rude, offensive, and condescending. So much so that Les Jones resigned his position. Further comments from disgruntled naysayers led to Les Jones surrendering his Life Membership. He and I are disgusted with this small group of backward thinkers. It’s deplorable behaviour.
Article 3’s, or formal complaints, have been levied against Sarnia Legion President, me, and Comrade Paul Grech, another veteran. All the complaints are petty, filled with fabrications, exaggerations and hearsay. I wonder what the Provincial Command’s agenda is and who is driving it? Most of us were lambasted by the abrupt appointment of a Board of Trustees. But the small group of naysayers were not. There were smiles in the room, so some members were privy to that secret.
The Board of Trustees said they were there to help. Help who? Not us. Are you not aware of the angry outbursts of yelling and shouting by the naysayers at the May 13, 2026 election when Comrade Ron was re-elected to the position of President. Were you aware that Wes Moore attacked and physically assaulted Ron that night? In fact, Wes was ejected from the meeting. Conveniently, the minutes do not reflect this. This is the same man who assaulted our President because he didn’t get his way and is now the person driving a campaign of hate and lies against the President and I.
The Board of Trustees’ presence has actually increased the toxic environment at Branch 62. As of this letter, the newly appointed President of Branch 62 has engaged in disrespectful behaviour towards me and other board members. She has only ever been appointed and never elected. In fact, she’s only been a Legion member for 3 years. Whereas Ron, Les and I have been members for a combined total of 75 years! Les and I are Veterans.
The community and most members truly support and appreciate what the three of us have accomplished and we gratefully appreciate their support. Now that Les has resigned, and Ron is suspended, I am the only one left. Since there is no I in team, I resign my position as President of Branch 62 immediately.
John Surins
Acting President, Sarnia Legion Branch 62
