One of the most revered military names in Canada, General (Retired) Rick Hiller, will be the keynote speaker May 22 at the inaugural Heroes' Gala, organized by Brandon Salutes as a fund-raiser for Project Hero.

Project Hero raises money for post-secondary scholarships for children of fallen Canadian soldiers. Both Brandon University and Assiniboine Community College are partnering with Brandon Salutes in putting on this gala at the Victoria Inn.

“The folks at 2PPCLI made it happen,” said Steve Morrison, chairperson of Brandon Salutes. “He (Hillier) has some friends there (2nd Batallion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry at Shilo).

Project Hero was started in 2009 by Gen. Hillier and Honorary Lt. Col. Kevin Reed.

Hillier is the former Chief of the Defence Staff for Canadian Forces — the highest military rank in Canada. A native of Newfoundland and Lab-rador, Gen. Hillier joined the Canadian Forces in 1973 and quickly rose through the ranks. He commanded troops from the platoon to multi-national formation levels within Canada, Europe, Asia and the U.S.

His biography says Hiller was appointed as Commander of the Canadian Army and in October, 2003, was selected as the Commander of the NATO-led International Security Assistance force in Kabul, Afghanistan. He was named Chief of Defence Staff in February, 2005 and retired in July, 2008.

“It's such a nice tie-in to have him as our keynote speaker,” said Morrison. “After all, he was the founder of Project Hero and that's what this gala is raising money for.”

Tickets for the event, at $75 each, are going well, said Morrison, adding that he expects sales will pick up now that Hillier's name has been ann-ounced as the featured speaker.

“He's got a book out and he's a regular on the speakers' tour,” Morrison said. “I hear he's very good, very dynamic. He speaks from the heart.”

Gen. Hillier is “very close to the soldier on the ground,” said Morrison. “He speaks his mind and he's very well respected among the men (of the military).”