Beau Harper – Founder
Beau is a passionate historian and educator with a degree in history from Trent University and a Bachelor of Education from Brock University. He has spent the last decade sharing his passion for military history with others, through his contributions to various museums and displays and presentations to students and cadet groups. His lifelong passion for military history led him to start Soldier Search. He recognized multiple voids that needed to be filled, and Soldier Search became his mission to fill the gaps. His favourite part about the organization is traveling the country meeting the people who were eyewitness to some of the most historic moments of the last century. He currently works as a teacher with the Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland, and Clarington Catholic District School Board. Beau was a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal presented in 2025 by the Canadian Museums Association for his work with veterans, remembrance displays, and volunteerism. Representing Soldier Search, he has made various television, newspaper, radio, and podcast appearances across the country with outlets including CBC, CTV, The National Post, CityNews, CP24, and more.
Lieutenant (N) Willis McCullough Messom – Armed Forces’ Relations & Veteran Coordinator
Willis is a Naval Warfare Officer in the Royal Canadian Navy and received a Bachelor of Science in Geography from Saint Mary’s University while serving in the Regular Officer Training Plan. As a lifelong history enthusiast, he has interviewed dozens of Canadian veterans and has collected their signatures on a 1942 MKII Canadian helmet. He uses the helmet as a teaching tool to protect and preserve their legacies. His Halifax based helmet inspired the creation of the Soldier Search helmet which is based in Ontario and used similarly.
Willis has deployed to Antarctica on exchange with the Chilean Navy and a second time in HMCS Margaret Brooke under Operation PROJECTION. Additionally, he participated in Operation DISTINCTION where he represented the Royal Canadian Navy at various remembrance events in France for the 80th anniversary of D-Day. During the operation he was able to incorporate the work of Soldier Search by sharing personal stories of war through his signed helmet. He has also deployed to the Caribbean in HMCS William Hall for Operation CARIBBE, an anti-narcotics operation. In 2024, he was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal by MP Kody Blois for his work with veterans and the community.
Kiera McCloskey – Content Editor
Kiera McCloskey holds an honors Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Book and Media Studies from the University of Toronto. With experience in the federal public service, she has honed her skills in administrative and communications roles. Her passion for storytelling is reflected in previous positions as a social media assistant and a grant writer in the non-profit sector. Kiera is dedicated to creating engaging content that resonates with diverse audiences.
