Episode 37- Phil Ralph of Wounded Warriors Canada

Episode 37 is out today! This episode was hosted by our producer Cameron in Laura's stead.

This episode involves discussions around Trauma, Mental Health and Mental Healthcare. We recognize that this topic may be difficult for many listeners. If you are not up for that conversation, for any reason, please take a moment to click away.

Phil Ralph, CD, Captain (Ret'd), currently serves as the Director of Health Services for Wounded Warriors Canada and has served in various capacities throughout the organization’s history, including serving as Chair for two years. As Director of Health Services, he oversees the implementation of a robust and exciting slate of transformative culturally appropriate group-based interventions that are clinically facilitated and grounded in evidence that draws upon leading trauma research benefiting veterans, first responders, and their families.

For over a quarter century until releasing from the Canadian Armed Forces in 2016, Phil served our nation as the Regimental Chaplain to the 32 Combat Engineer Regiment (formerly the 2nd Field Engineer Regiment). In that capacity, he was exposed to the challenges and needs of today’s veterans. Having seen firsthand the effects of deployments on our veterans he has a passion to contribute to assisting today’s veterans towards wholeness and healing. As the son of a firefighter whose family's service extends back into the 1800’s he has also witnessed first-hand the challenges that face first responders and their families.

Padre Ralph has served as Directing Staff at the Canadian Forces Chaplains School and Centre located within Canadian Forces Base Borden on several occasions. He has also served as the Senior Chaplain at Blackdown Cadet Training Centre, supervising his staff as they cared for a Camp of 3,000 personnel including up to 2,500 young people.

Phil holds a Bachelor of Theology degree from Ontario Bible College and a Master of Divinity degree from Ontario Theological Seminary. Beyond military and congregational ministry, Phil has been active in the wider community by serving on the Boards of several agencies dedicated to assisting those in need. For his work in the community, he was awarded the Canada 125 Medal, given for “Significant Contributions to Canada.” and the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal. He is also the recipient of the Canadian Forces Decoration.

For more information on Wounded Warriors Canada, please visit their website at www.woundedwarriors.ca or find them on social media. They can be found on instagram @woundedwarriorscanada, facebook @woundedwarriorscanada, and on twitter @woundedwarriorCA. Phil can be found on instagram @ralph_phil.