The family of slain war veteran Greg Matters is calling on the public for assistance.
A coroner's inquest has been called into the incident that started with Matters - suffering from physical injuries and severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after military duty in Bosnia - surrounded by RCMP. Police eventually opened fire on Matters, killing him.
The details will be dissected during the inquest coming this October. Unlike a court proceeding, witnesses will be questioned and evidence presented in a non-adversarial way. The majority of questions will be asked by the coroner's legal counsel, but each affected party also has the opportunity to examine.
"I am humbly asking for your help to raise funds to help pay for a lawyer at the coroner's inquest into Greg's death," said Lorraine Matters, the fallen soldier's mother.
"With your support we will be able to provide direction and have the opportunity to make recommendations around the identification and treatment of PTSD and the training of RCMP officers in contact with people suffering from this injury," Lorraine Matters added. "We need a voice to help save the lives of our sons and daughters who have vowed and dedicated their lives to protect us and our country."
At the time of Matters's death, said his mother, he was "receiving treatment for PTSD and was making tremendous progress." He was enrolled in university with the intention of obtaining a degree to be a counsellor "so as to help other veterans make the transition from work to civilian life," said Lorraine.
Anyone wishing to donate to the Matters's legal fund can do so at the Spruce Credit Union (downtown or Hart branches). Cheques and money orders are acceptable as well as cash deposits into the following account: #100 763 888. A PayPal account is also being set up for electronic deposit.
"We thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts and appreciate every bit of support," Lorraine said.
