Captain (ret'd) Andrew Gough is a Canadian Armed Forces veteran and medically retired Police Sergeant. In 2019, he took part in a campaign within his police service that challenged the stigma of mental health challenges. The ‘Stronger Than You Know’ campaign shared his and others' stories of mental health struggles to combat the idea that these challenges are a sign of weakness. Through his experiences, he learned that asking for help is a sign of true strength. He received the Sacrifice Medal for injuries sustained by hostile action/act of terrorism while deployed in Tripoli, Libya during Operation LOBE in 2014. These injuries, along with a career of being exposed to and involved in dangerous and traumatic situations, led to his diagnosis of C-PTSI in 2015. He is also a mental health advocate and was named the 2019 Canadian Mental Health Association Middlesex “Champion of Mental Health” for his work and openness to share his story of injury and recovery as an emergency services member.
V-EH! also received the "Champion of Change" award from Canada Beyond The Blue in 2022. Mr. Gough was recently awarded the Minister of Veteran Affairs Commendation, the Police Association of Ontario's Police Hero of the Year award (2024) and His Majesty King Charles III's Coronation Medal (2025).
A service dog extraordinaire, Riggs helps Andrew live a full and productive life. A White Shephard born in 2015, Riggs is specially trained to pick up on displayed signs of stress and provide physical cues to Andrew to help control moods and response. In addition to that, and his wide array of ever-changing neck bandanas, Riggs has the uncanny ability to always smile for the camera.
MCpl (ret'd) Greg Wing is a thirteen year veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces having served as a Land Weapons Technician with two tours to Afghanistan in 2003 and 2006.
He is a public relations specialist dedicated to supporting mental health initiatives and awareness
Elizabeth Gough is at her husband’s side and greatest support as they both work to help veterans and everyday heroes. She is an experienced policy professional in the human services sector. Skilled in strategic leadership, policy development, analytics, project management and community planning, she is focused on developing high performance systems with meaningful outcomes. Outside of her work life, she is a dedicated community volunteer and leader on a number of initiatives dedicated to sport and women’s causes.
Elizabeth is currently a MBA Candidate at the Ivey School of Business.
Corey Hatt is the owner/operator of MadHatter Industries. His personal mission is to raise mental health awareness and prevent any more suicides from happening in our communities. “Mental health impacts us all, not just the person affected by it. Whatever issues people are dealing with, I want them to always know that they aren't alone. There is a community here that will always support you.”
Lisa Mason, a CPA, CA with extensive experience working with charities and non-profit organizations. She is skilled at process development, financial reporting and strategic decision making. After losing her brother, Sgt John R Little, in 2021 to suicide she has become passionate about finding ways to help veterans and first responders with their mental and physical wellness.
Kimberly Biback is an experienced Corporate Relations Director and Media Specialist. Guided by a belief in living a life of purpose and service to others, she builds meaningful partnerships that honour the sacrifices of veterans and first responders and create lasting impact.
Kimberly leverages her career experience to create opportunities that strengthen resources, expand outreach, and amplify awareness for veterans and first responder support. Kimberly strives to ensure that the contributions of the veteran and first responder community are honoured, and their needs are met long after their service ends.
With over 25 years of service in Security and Law Enforcement, Amanda has dedicated her career to protecting and supporting her community. Her work on the front lines of public safety has been defined not only by professionalism and courage but also by a deep compassion for othersespecially veterans and first responders who, like her, have experienced the demands and sacrifices of service.
After a duty-related incident led to diagnoses of PTSD, anxiety, and major depressive disorder, Amanda turned her focus toward advocacy and peer support. Drawing from her own experience, she is committed to helping fellow veterans and first responders navigate the complex systems of care and find the resources they need.
Guided by purpose and shaped by lived experience, Amanda continues to serve with a strong sense of hope and a vision for a more compassionate, resilient community.
