Meet Dale Horton — Our October Sheepdog of the Month

Dale Horton - Military Veteran, Veteran Advocate

Some people serve their country. Dale is still serving the people who served alongside him.

Dale spent 11 years in the Canadian Army as an infantry soldier with the Calgary Highlanders and Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI), including time in the former Yugoslavia. For him, joining was never really a question. The Horton family has a long military history, and Dale's own story started in 1982 as a Calgary Highlanders cadet at Mewata Armoury. He calls his years with 1 PPCLI some of the best of his service. But the Highlanders are where it all began, and they've been part of his life ever since.

Today Dale gives his time to the Calgary Highlanders Regimental Association, helping veterans stay connected to the Regiment and to each other. He works on the Kit Shop, events, and communications. All of it comes back to one thing: belonging. Leaving the military can mean losing touch with the people who understand you best. Dale knows reconnecting doesn't have to be complicated. In his words, "Sometimes it starts with an invitation to lunch, a conversation or someone remembering your name." His message to veterans, whether they left last year or decades ago, is simple. You belong.

Ask Dale what the Sheepdog Mentality means and he'll tell you it's about being someone others can count on. Paying attention. Looking out for people. Knowing when to step forward and when someone just needs you to listen. And he believes that responsibility doesn't end when the uniform comes off.

How does he stay grounded? Yoga. It's taught him to look after both his body and his mind, and it keeps him steady through the pressures of everyday life.

And the surprise? Leaving the Army didn't end Dale's time overseas. He went on to spend several years working in Bosnia as a civilian contractor, and also worked in Iraq.

Next time you're in, please raise a glass to this remarkable man. Thank you for your service, Dale, and for making sure no one gets left behind.

.