Order of St George Atlantic Priory

Order of St George Atlantic Priory Atlantic Priory was created in 2014, first as a Bury with three members. Our main fundraising initiative has been in support of the service dog provide

It achieved Priory status in 2016 with 15 members and now has a complement of 50 and is growing yearly.

This is one of our most incredible Member Features. This young man approached the altar in Ottawa during the 700th Inves...
06/16/2026

This is one of our most incredible Member Features. This young man approached the altar in Ottawa during the 700th Investiture and stood quietly as the then Grand Prior, Charles Hill, dubbed him with the sword. He walked away with a spring in his step and will be one of the hardest working members of the Order. His name is Barrett Tanner and here is his story.

Barrett Tanner K St G was born 12 October 2020, whelped and bred at the Canine Assistance Rehabilitation Education Services (CARES Inc.) Concordia Kansas.

His litter theme was the Supreme Court Justices and was named after Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett who was assumed office 27 October 2020, two weeks later. As a puppy he was raised at Ft. Leavenworth Correctional Facility for 6 months, then as a foster puppy raised at the Ellsworth Correctional Facility for the remainder of his puppy training.

He then was trained and socialized in the homes of Jenn Roy (Cordova, TN) and Barb Edwards (Memphis, TH). During this time he was receiving customized training by the CARES staff for meeting his impending new handler.

Paws Fur Thought does not do the “pick a dog” service but instead they coordinate a careful matching process between the veteran/first responder and a dog that's already been trained through CARES Inc. The team looks at the handler's lifestyle, daily routine, and the specific PTSD-related tasks they need; like anxiety interruption, night-terror wake-ups, or crowd blocking, and pairs them with a dog whose temperament and training fits those needs. It's less about breed or appearance and more about chemistry and practical fit for the handler's home and work environment.

01 November 2021 he was paired with his future handler, and at the end of the week training they passed the Public Access Test allowing him to immigrate to Canada. Over the next several months Barrett and his handler reported that the most used tasks were anxiety disruption and calming pressure, which helps reduce hyper vigilance and intrusive symptoms. He was also able to provide routine with the side benefit like encouraging outdoor activities and social engagement, which support overall recovery.

Easter Monday, 2023 on their daily morning walk, Barrett and his handler were subjected to a vicious attack from a dog at large, with Barrett receiving two puncture wounds on his right hind leg. Over the next 18 months they both battled back from the emotional toll that had weighed on them both.

The months following Barrett and his handler started advocating for service dog awareness and safety by engaging with the local MLA and was published by Order of the Legislature by Hansard Reporting Services Resolution No. 1204 18 September 2024 for their work. He also was made an honorary member of Legion Branch 24, Bridgewater March 2025 and the recipient of the Bamse Award presented at the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo 2025. Barrett continues to make appearances for PFT and the Order of St George, with having the honour of being Knighted at the 700th anniversary this past April in Ottawa.

Dame Natalie Gillis doing what she does best. Standing up for our veterans
06/14/2026

Dame Natalie Gillis doing what she does best. Standing up for our veterans

To all members of the Atlantic Priory who are either involved with the Jim Davis Memorial Golf Tournament or unavailable...
06/11/2026

To all members of the Atlantic Priory who are either involved with the Jim Davis Memorial Golf Tournament or unavailable for the AMM on June 27th, remember to use your Proxy Vote. We need to make sure that everyone is counted. We all received an email with the links to the Proxy Vote form

New Postulant Feature: John CrossJohn will be joining the Atlantic Priory at the Invsstiture ceremony in October.John Cr...
06/11/2026

New Postulant Feature: John Cross

John will be joining the Atlantic Priory at the Invsstiture ceremony in October.

John Cross is a retired Canadian Armed Forces veteran who dedicated 30 years of service to Canada as a Military Cook. Enrolling in 1989, he built a distinguished career supporting military operations and personnel across Canada and at sea, demonstrating professionalism, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to service.

Throughout his military career, John served at several Canadian Armed Forces bases, including CFB Gagetown, CFB Esquimalt, CFB Borden, and CFB Petawawa. His service also included postings aboard numerous Royal Canadian Navy vessels, including HMCS Algonquin, HMCS Huron, HMCS Calgary, HMCS Vancouver, and HMCS Ottawa. In these roles, he provided essential support to sailors and military members during training exercises, domestic operations, and deployments, helping maintain operational readiness through his expertise and dedication.

After retiring from the Canadian Armed Forces in 2020, John continued his lifelong commitment to service by focusing his efforts on supporting fellow veterans. Drawing upon his own military experience and understanding of the challenges associated with transition to civilian life, he became actively involved in veteran advocacy and peer support.

Today, John volunteers his time veterans with Veterans Affairs Canada paperwork and applications, helping former service members navigate often complex processes to access benefits and support services. He also serves as a Peer Supporter with the Veterans Transition Network, where he provides guidance, encouragement, and understanding to veterans facing personal and professional challenges following military service.

In addition, John serves as an Ambassador with Echelon Wellness, a veterans-focused clinic dedicated to supporting the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of former military members. Through these roles, he continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of veterans and their families.

John's commitment to service did not end with his military retirement. His passion for helping others, combined with decades of leadership, compassion, and firsthand experience, has allowed him to continue serving the veteran community in impactful ways. Whether assisting with benefits applications, providing peer support, or advocating for veteran wellness, John remains dedicated to ensuring that those who served Canada receive the support, respect, and care they deserve.

His legacy is one of service, sacrifice, and continued commitment to the well-being of others—a testament to a lifetime spent helping those around him.

One of the pillars of the Order is to support Veterans and the Veteran Community. It is so refreshing that there are bus...
06/08/2026

One of the pillars of the Order is to support Veterans and the Veteran Community. It is so refreshing that there are business owners out there that have the same mission. If you in the area and want a great meal, they will be happy to serve you and offer you a bonus. Their way of saying "thank you for your service"

Address

PO Box 112
Tillsonburg, ON
N4G4H3

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