ricochet - Vietnam Veterans Sunshine Coast

Transcription

“Ricochet” - Official newsletter of V.V.A.A. Sunshine Coast
If not delivered within 7 days, return to:V.V.A.A. Sunshine Coast Sub-Branch Inc.
PO Box 533
COTTON TREE 4558
1
September 2015
Postage Paid Australia
Pre-Print Publication
No. 441332/00004
SURFACE MAIL
Website: www.vietnamvetssc.org.au
E-mail: vvaasc@bigpond.net.au
Ed. E-mail: steveboutlis@iprimus.com.au
“RICOCHET”
The official newsletter of the
V.V.A.A. Sunshine Coast Sub-Branch Inc.
Honour The Dead......But Fight Like Hell For The Living!
Mission: To assist all veterans, dependants, and their descendants, in all matters relating to their health, welfare and wellbeing.
VIETNAM VETERANS ASSOCIATION
SUNSHINE COAST SUB-BRANCH Inc.
PATRON: Laurie Drinkwater
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
President
Senior Vice President
Junior Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Committee Members
Ron Strong JP (Qual)
Mal Sayers
David Oliver JP (Qual)
John Cunnington
Glen Preston
Steve Boutlis
Col Parkin
Pieter Reus
Peter Veltmeijer
Athol Johnston
Assistant Treasurer
OFFICE BEARERS
State Representative
Assistant Secretary
Assistant Treasurer
Membership Officer
Editor of Ricochet
Office Manager
Alaric Manager
Merchandise Officer
Ceremonial Officer
Digger Hat Jewellery
Social Director
Thursday Breakfast
Historian
Assistant Historian
Honorary Lawyer
Honorary Chaplain
Auditor
Advertising & Marketing
Info. Tech. Manager
Police Liaison Officer
Assoc’n Official Mediator
Grants Officer
Chef Extraordinaire
Col Parkin
Mal Sayers
Pieter Reus
Steve Boutlis
Tom Scott
Allan Bullock
Athol (Johnno) Johnston
Vacant
Barry Rodgers JP (Qual)
Ron Strong
Geoff Jewel
Vacant
Mario Lorenzon
Alan Parry
Arthur Fry
Frank Redpath
Michael Sheahan
Mike Holt
David Stevenson JP (Qual)
Kevin Leadbetter
Malcolm Sayers
David Oliver JP (Qual.)
Pensions and Welfare Team
Team Leader.
AAT/Advocate
Advocates.
Admin Officer.
Welfare/Pension
Officers.
Welfare Officers.
Membership
Relations
Hospital Visiting.
Suicide Prevention
Coordinator.
Mentors and
Consultants .
Margo Christie
Helena Smith JP (Qual)
Ray Krzyzanski JP
(Qual)
Phil Gejas
54331514
5456 2338
5448 8804
Margo Christie
Mario Lorenzon
Kerry White
Col Parkin
Margo Christie
Alec Chesters
5433 1514
0407497300
5492 1542
0417611147
0407592989
5433 1514
5476 1594
Alan Christie
0409940212
Alec Chesters
5476 1594
David Stevenson JP
(Qual)
Ray Krzyzanski JP
(Qual)
5477 0606
5448 8804
Air Force Association
Tracker Dogs Association
Mooloolaba Surf Club
Buderim Hospital
DVA Consultative Committee
Army Cadets/ARES
5492 1542
2
September 2015
DROP IN CENTRE
Located at the rear of the Administration Building (upstairs) of
Library Complex, Beach Parade, Cotton Tree.
Office Phone 54794552 Fax. 5479 4558.
Welfare Number 54432250
E–mail: vvaasc@bigpond.net.au
OFFICE HOURS
MONDAY - THURSDAY
9am – 4pm
FRIDAY
9am – 1pm
FRIDAY (POSH LADIES GROUP)
1pm – 4pm
WEEKENDS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS Closed
SUICIDE PREVENTION EMERGENCY
David Stevenson is the 24 hour on call Suicide Prevention Coordinator
for ALL veterans and their families on the Sunshine Coast.
We have a team of nine volunteers who are trained in this field.
A minimum of two Intervention Officers respond to a call out at any time.
The number to call in an emergency is: 0457 704 966 anytime, day or
night.
WELFARE EMERGENCY
For all emergency welfare matters outside of the Drop-In-Centre working
hours, call David Stevenson on: 0457 704 966. But for any emergency
welfare matter within Drop-In-Centre working hours, please call the Duty
Welfare Officer on: 5443 2250 or the Drop-In-Centre Duty Officer on:
5479 4552.
The Drop-In-Centre working hours are:
Monday–Thursday: 9am-4pm. Friday, 9am-1pm.
and Friday 1pm-4pm for the ladies’ group, POSH.
DISABLED ACCESS TO THE DROP IN CENTRE
For those with disabilities that prevent them from using the stairs to the
Drop-in-Centre, there is a lift available at the Council Library next door.
Ask one of the Library staff to accompany you, so that the top floor
access door can be unlocked. To leave, ask the Duty Officer to phone
the library on 54758915 and they will unlock the access door.
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' AFFAIRS
Veterans Advice Network (VAN)
129 Horton Parade, Maroochydore, QLD 4558. Phone: 5479 5112
Free call to Brisbane Office 1800 555 254
THE VETERANS AND VETERANS FAMILIES COUNSELLING SERVICE
Tel: (07) 5458 6012 Fax: (07) 5479 5468
PO Box 1797, (or, 129 Horton Parade) Maroochydore, QLD, 4558
24 Hour Crisis Line Toll Free Ph. 1800 011 046
Norm Cooper
Ian Atkinson
Kevin Lynch
Kevin Leadbetter
Kevin Leadbetter
David Stevenson
The Maroochydore Office consists of a full time Coordinator/ Counsellor,
Office Manager, and a part time Counsellor. The office is open from 8.30 am to
4.30 pm weekdays. It helps if you make an appointment.
The VVCS provides counselling and support to all veterans of overseas
conflicts. The families of Vietnam Veterans are also able to receive counselling
through us. Group programmes include the Lifestyle Management Program (5
days live-in with partner) and the Heart Safe Program (12 month gym). Other
therapeutic/educational groups are being planned for the Sunshine Coast.
DISCLAIMER
The committee of Vietnam Veteran Association of Australia Sunshine Coast
Sub-Branch Inc. and its individual members take no responsibility for errors,
omissions or inaccuracies contained in this newsletter, nor accept liability for
any loss or damage suffered directly or indirectly from the use of information
contained in this newsletter, and do not warrant that opinions published in this
newsletter are necessarily the opinions held by the Vietnam Veterans
Association of Australia, this Sub-branch or the Committee of this
Sub-branch, including its individual members.
3
September 2015
General and Committee Meetings are held on the third (3rd) Tuesday
of each month except for January when a General meeting is not
held.
NEXT MANAGEMENT
COMMITTEE MEETING
NEXT GENERAL
MEETING
Tuesday 15 September 2015
1100 hours, in Meeting Room
adjacent to Drop-In-Centre
Tuesday 15 September 2015
1230 hours, in Meeting Room
adjacent to Drop-In-Centre
VIETNAM VETERANS ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA SUNSHINE COAST SUB-BRANCH
MINUTES OF THE GENERAL MEETING
HELD AT THE MOOLOOLABA BOWLS CLUB ON THE 11 AUGUST 2015
OPENING:
ATTENDANCE:
The President declared the meeting open at 1233 hours.
Attendance was as per the Attendance Book. (Sixteen members attended)
It was moved by Jim Muir (GO39/15) that the number of members attending general meetings be
recorded in the minutes. Seconded by Gary King.. Carried.
PREVIOUS MINUTES:
It was moved by Peter Rogers (G040/15) that the minutes published in Ricochet were a true and
accurate account of that meeting. Seconded by Mick Howe.. Carried.
CORRESPONDENCE:
It was moved by John Cunnington (G041/15) that the Inwards Correspondence be received and the
Outwards be endorsed. Seconded by Dave Oliver.. Carried.
BUSINESS ARISING:
Mal Sayers advised that emails with relevant information for members are sent out via Heads-Up.
TREASURER’S REPORT:
It was moved by Mal Sayers (G042/15) that the Treasurer’s report be accepted as tabled and that all
payments be ratified. Seconded by Athol Johnston.. Carried. (1 opposed).
MEMBERSHIP REPORT:
Nothing to report this month.
NEWSLETTER:
There were 324 Ricochets posted last month.
OFFICE MANAGER:
Nothing to report this month.
WELFARE:
Two Pension Officers are currently in training.
The VVAASC has lodged an application for the issue of a PKI Site Certificate in order to access the DVA
Portal.
A draft paper is to consider the regionalisation of TIP Training.
It was moved by Ron Strong (GO43/15) that the Welfare Report be accepted on behalf of Margo
Christie. Seconded Col Parkin..Carried.
STATE REPRESENTATIVE:
Ron Strong will attend the State Management Committee meeting in Gympie in August. The agenda is
not out yet, but it will be forwarded via Heads-Up for member comment when it becomes available.
Alaric website is up and running. The new solar electricity system at Alaric is operating well.
Bunnings have offered the association a number of dates in 2016 to conduct sausage sizzles. These
dates have been accepted.
Hervey Bay Sub-Branch will be raising the issue of a name change at the next SMC meeting. It was
moved by Peter Rogers (GO44/15) that the Sunshine Coast Sub-Branch support the Hervey Bay Sub-Branch’s motion at the August SMC
Meeting for a name change in order to attract younger veterans. Seconded by Fred Crick.. Carried (2 against, 2 abstentions).
It was moved by Mal Sayers (GO45/15) that the Sunshine Coast Sub-Branch support the Bribie Island
Sub-Branch’s intended motion at the SMC meeting that a plebiscite be held in relation to Remembrance House (that it should be kept or
sold). Seconded by Col Parkin.. Carried
GENERAL BUSINESS:
Our Sub-Branch’s request to lease the old Toll House has been declined following a meeting with the
State Transport Department. Safety issues were cited as the reason.
Organisation of VV Day is running to plan. The VV Day Sub-Committee is to meet with the
Maroochydore RSL Sub-Branch and the RSL Function Centre staff on 11 August to finalise arrangements.
The Secretary is to contact the Vietnam Veterans’ Museum, Phillip Island to ascertain whether the Sub
Branch is a “Friend of the Museum”.
It was moved by Mick Howe (GO/46/15) that Mal Overend design and construct five Association stands
for display at fund raising events. Seconded by Jim Muir.. Carried.
The Alaric Website is up and running and the Solar System is working well.
Alaric is having Broadband problems which are currently being addressed.
Mates for Mates representatives have visited Alaric and are looking at increasing their usage of the
retreat.
The proposed Christmas function at the Meals on Wheels Centre has been cancelled.
CLOSURE:
There being no further business, the President declared the meeting closed at 1350 hours.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
.
PRESIDENT’S
REPORT
Hi All.
This past month has seen a lot of
action, some gooD some bad. The saying,
that you have to take the good with the
bad, applies to us.
I will start with the saddest
matter, and that is the passing of Peter Veltmeijer on Sunday
the 23 August 2015.
As we all know, Peter had been fighting ill health for some
years and although he recently had a pacemaker/defibrillator
installed, which I might add was working hard having saved
Peter’s life 5 times in one day, it obviously could not handle the
attack that Peter had on the 23 rd.
After 35 years together, Peter and Sheila finally tied the
knot on the 13 December 2014. I know this made them both
happy but as Sheila has always said, she did not need the
marriage to know that all she wanted was Peter by her side.
Sheila and their family will need all our support for them to
get through this difficult time. I know that the POSH ladies will be
of great support to Sheila at this time.
Although Peter was suffering health-wise, he never failed
in his support for the Veteran family, and in the last few months
was taking great delight in making some of the monthly birthday
calls where he was getting to talk with old fiends.
You will be sorely missed old friend. RIP.
Vietnam Veterans Day has come and gone for another
year. The roll up this year was huge, with B Company 2RAR
joining us. It was great to see them along at the march and
commemorative service, and at the celebration luncheon as well.
The VV Day Sub-Committee did an exceptional job of organizing,
Well done. I feel sure that all who attended had a great day of
camaraderie and enjoyment whilst paying respect to all who
served, and in particularly those who lost their life.
I do not wish to single out people as this would take the
whole column but I must make special mention of two of our
members. Firstly, Barry Rodgers who despite having been in
and out of hospital and still not being well, attended and carried
out his duties during the ceremony. Secondly, Mike Gillooly who
obtained a day leave pass from hospital to attend the day and be
a part of the ceremony.
I would like to take this opportunity to remind members
that our purpose is Welfare to the Defence Family, so please, if
you know of anyone in need of help or is in hospital, let us know
so we can do our best for them all.
Member Alec Chesters, as part of his voluntary work for
our Sub-Branch, has been kept busy visiting members and other
veterans in hospitals on the Coast. We gratefully thank him for
his efforts.
Good news thanks to the volunteers doing so much work
lately and our Grants Manager Mal. Our Treasurer has been able
to relax, and as I write this he is away on a break with his lovely
joyful wife Winifred who I yet to see without a smile on her face.
At our last meeting there were some issues raised with the
contents of our minutes and information in the Ricochet. I need
to let you know that this is your Sub Branch and we need to
satisfy the majority of members, or should I say as many
members as possible. So if you have an issue you would like to
raise regarding this or anything else about the running of the Sub
Branch please bring it to the notice of myself or other Committee
members. This includes ideas for social functions. We would
also like to see more members come along to the meetings.
Honour the Dead… But fight like hell for the living.
Ron Strong
President VVAASC Sub Branch
PH. 0438187145
4
September 2015
VVAA Sunshine Coast
WE ARE
DESPERATE
The Sub–Branch’s mission, “To
assist all veterans, dependants, and
their descendants, in all matters
relating to their health, welfare and
wellbeing”, is in danger of falling
short.
Since the beginning of 2014, our Pensions Officers
have taken on more than two hundred cases.
We are desperately short of Pensions and Welfare
people for us to be able to service the increasing needs of
our young and not so young Veterans.
Due to a variety of needs, we are now two more
Pensions Officers less, with another being advised to
slacken off or he would end up in hospital.
Partners and wives are most welcome to join
our team.
Professional training is provided
Do you like helping people?
Do you relate well to people?
Do you like learning new things?
Do you have some computer use knowledge?
Are you able to devote one day a week to helping our
veterans?
If you answered “yes” to these questions, go to page 6.
If you didn’t answer yes, you can still go to page 6.
MALAYA AND BORNEO VETERANS’ ASSOCIATION
The National Malaya and Borneo Veterans’ Association
Sunshine Coast sub-branch meets on the fourth Tuesday of
each month at 10 am at the Kawana Surf Club, Pacific
Boulevard, Buddina.
On the second Tuesday of the month there is a lunch
and social gathering. For further information contact Roy on
54777758 or Fred on 54927506.
RIFLEMEN’S LUNCHEON
The riflemen’s luncheon is held on the first Friday of
each month at the Mooloolaba Surf Club at 1200 hrs.
Drinks at own expense and finger food for about $15.00
depending on numbers.
Dress: Casual.
Any queries contact Kevin Lynch 0416275504.
QLD TPI ASSOCIATION (Sunshine Coast)
The Association meets on the third Wednesday of the
month at RSL House, Memorial Avenue, Maroochydore.
Meetings start at 10.30am, Wives and partners welcome.
Secretary:
Tony Creswick-Jackson
54934719
President:
Dave Wallis
54483346
Vice President: Jack Pegg
54486117
Editor:
Keith Lane
54500098
5
September 2015
.FOR
YOU GOLFERS!!!
Samford RSL Sub-branch Charity Golf Day 2015
In aid of ‘mates4mates’.
This year’s format is a 4 men Ambrose competition to
be held on 1 October 2015 at the North Lakes Resort Golf
Club.
Players with current AGU handicaps will be required to
provide their Golflink registration details. All non AGU
members will be given an 18 handicap.
Registration will commence at 1130 hrs with an
anticipated full course shotgun start at 1245 hrs.
Entry fee is $80 p/p. This includes: Green fees, cart,
valet golf bag drop off, range balls for each player, hot nibble
platter post game,1 free drink post game (no spirits/wines)
Drinks carts will be circulating for the duration of the game.
EFT payments may be made to:
•
Samford RSL sub-branch
•
Bendigo Bank
•
BSB: 633-000
•
A/C : 151 763 851
•
In the ‘Ref’ box insert your name followed by ‘golf’
Payment will ensure your reservation is confirmed.
It would also be appreciated that after payment is made that
an email be sent to pjg72@bigpond.com with name and
handicap details.
For further information contact any
of the following:
1.
Phil Gejas 0401 701 600
2.
Lynton Guy 0466 449 974
3.
Tony Smith 0416 224 762
====================
VV Day Raffle Winners
1st prize of a $300 petrol voucher was won by
Rory Connolly (supporter) and
2nd prize of a BBQ was won by Barry Rollason
and his wife Kerry.
THANKS TO ALL WHO SUPPORTED THE DAY
BY BUYING RAFFLE TICKETS.
6
September 2015
MAL’S STUFF
Volunteers
A very BIG thank you to the following
volunteers who put up their hands for the
Bunnings Sausage Sizzle Weekend :A very BIG thank you to the following
volunteers who put up their hands for the
Bunnings Sausage Sizzle Weekend :- Gordon
Hall, Athol Johnston, David (Cookie) Oliver,
Russ Perren, Graeme Scott, Tom Scott, Glen
Preston, Fred Crick, Bruce Hooper, John
Huxham, Keith Lane, Ron Strong, Warren
Proud, Peter Bradford, Peter Alvin, Arthur Reeves,
Pieter Reus, Mike Sheahan, Russel Perren.
It was a very busy weekend and the profit was
over $2000.00.
Well done to all those who worked their butts
to the bone and for all those who put their hands up
whom I may have forgotten.
You are all a great bunch of volunteers.
Duty Officers
These great members make it possible for the
Drop-In and Welfare, and of course, Alaric, to operate from
day to day, so a very BIG THANK YOU to these people. Allan
continues doing Duty Manager at Alaric.
If you would like to have a go at being a Duty Officer,
contact the Office Manager as we are always looking for
more.
We are always looking for extra hands so
if you find yourself at odds with time on your
hands, then get in touch with Barry.
Ricochet Folders, Staplers, Mailers
A thank you to those who formed a team
to compile, print, fold, tape, and post the
Ricochet newsletter. It’s a big job.
For last month, its thanks to:
Kerry White, Fred Crick, Mick Howe, John
Cunnington, Denis Bird, and others whose names
were not recorded.
Birthdays
The Ricochet Editor,
Committee, and members, wish the
following members a very Happy
Birthday on their special day in the
merry month of September:Ray Andrews, Ian Atkinson, Geoff Boucat, Steve
Boutlis, Libby Carew, John Challinor, Ray Davies, Phil Gejas,
Pauline Grant, Jennifer Hanson, Ron MacNevin, Trevor May,
Doug McGaughey, Bruce Meakins, Catherine Newman, Barry
Nugent, Joan Parkin, Geoffrey Suthers, Ian Taylor, Allan
Thatcher, Darryl Turner, Tom Upson, Colin Woodhouse, Eric
Archinal, Peter Henssler, Glen Lancaster, Don Lester,
Darroon Mathews, David Miles, Vincent Strong, Keith Lane,
Del Holst, John Challinor,
Jewellery Makers
The Diggers hat crews are still at work again as the
orders roll in, so to the Guys and Gals who work so efficiently
and professionally a big thank you.
There are plenty of spaces to have more willing workers
and sometimes it gets hard for those regulars. If you can see
yourself being able to help, give Barry a call on 54452874.
IS THIS YOU?
If you answered ‘yes’ to the questions on page 4, then you possess the attributes that a good
Welfare and Pensions Officer needs.
And, the Welfare and Pensions Team needs more good people like you.
So, how about giving the Team Leader a call to find out more about what is involved in helping
your fellow veterans by becoming a Pensions Officer? Call Margo Christie on Ph. (07) 5433 1514.
7
September 2015
Life In The Armed Services
On some air bases, the Air Force is on one side of the
field and civilian aircraft use the other side of the field, with
the control tower in the middle.
One day the tower received a call from an aircraft
asking, "What time is it?"
The tower responded, "Who is calling?"
The aircraft replied, "What difference does it make?"
The tower replied, "It makes a lot of difference... If it is
a commercial flight, it is 3 o'clock. If it is an Army aircraft, it is
1500 hours. If it is a Navy aircraft, it is 6 bells. If it is an Air
Force aircraft, the big hand is on the 2 and the little hand is
on the 3.
_____________________________
During training exercises, the lieutenant who was
driving down a muddy back road encountered another car
stuck in the mud with a red-faced colonel at the wheel
"Your jeep stuck, sir?" asked the lieutenant as he
pulled alongside.
"Nope," replied the colonel, coming over and handing
him the keys. "Yours is."
_____________________________
Having just moved into his new office, a pompous, new
colonel was sitting at his desk when an airman knocked on
the door.
Conscious of his new position, the colonel quickly
picked up the phone, told the airman to enter, then said into
the phone, "Yes, General, I'll be seeing him this afternoon
and I'll pass along your message. In the meantime, thank
you for your good wishes, sir."
Feeling as though he had sufficiently impressed the
young enlisted man, he asked, "What do you want?"
"Nothing important, sir," the airman replied, "I'm just
here to hook up your telephone."
______________________________
Sugar Road Tyre
Best Rates In Town
Specialising in
Logbook servicing for
Sedans, Utes,
and 4WD Vehicles.
Brake, Clutch and
Front-end Work
Officer: "Soldier, do you have change for a dollar?"
Soldier: "Sure, buddy."
Officer: "That's no way to address an officer! Now let's
try it again! Soldier, do you have change for a dollar?"
Soldier: "No, SIR!"
________________________________
An Air Force Flight Sergeant and a General were Want good tyres?
sitting in the barbershop. They were both just getting finished
with their shaves, when the barbers reached for some
aftershave to slap on their faces.
The General shouted, "Hey, don't put that stuff on me!
My wife will think I've been in a brothel!"
The sergeant turned to his barber and said, "Go ahead
and put it on. My wife doesn't know what the inside of a
brothel smells like."
________________________________
"Well," snarled the tough old Navy Chief to the
bewildered Seaman, "I suppose after you get discharged
from the Navy, you'll just be waiting for me to die so you can
come and piss on my grave."
"Not me, Chief!" the Seaman replied. "Once I get out of
the Navy, I'm never going to stand in line again!"
We are suppliers of
COOPER TYRES
STARFIRE TYRES
MASTERCRAFT TYRES
FEDERAL TYRES
Call Anthony on (07) 5443 2821
102 Sugar Rd. Maroochydore 4558
Locally owned and operated.
Proud to be of service to our Veterans.
VVAA NEWS
From Wendy Latham
Senior Client Contact Officer
VAN Sunshine Coast
Vietnam War
Commemorative Grants
Fifty years on from the deployment of 1RAR to South
Vietnam and the beginning of Australia’s combat role in the
Vietnam War, the Australian Government has launched a
dedicated one-off grants sub-programme to help the
community recognise the contribution of Australian
servicemen and women who served our country during the
Vietnam conflict.
The Vietnam War Commemorative Grants programme
has been established under the Saluting Their Service
commemorations programme for 2015–16, and will provide
one-off funding of between $4,000 and $20,000 for community
based projects and activities that directly commemorate any
aspect of the Vietnam War under the theme of ‘camaraderie’.
Examples of projects that may be considered for
funding include commemorative events and reunions.
The grant programme will open for funding on 14
September 2015 and closes at 5.00 pm AEDT on 31 October
2015.
Programme guidelines and application forms will be
available on the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website
(www.dva.gov.au) when the funding round opens.
8
September 2015
Scotsman In Cuba
A Scotsman is sitting in a bar in Cuba and is minding
his business when a man with a large black beard walks in.
The man goes to the bar and orders a shot of rum. The
bartender serves him, the man drinks the rum then starts
walking out the door.
The bartender says, "Hey aren't you going to pay for
that?"
The man says, "Excuse me, Castro's Army.”
"The bartender says, "Alright then" and the man leaves.
A few minutes later another man with a large black
beard walks in. The man goes to the bar and orders a shot of
rum.
The bartender serves him, the man drinks the rum then
starts walking out the door.
The bartender says, "Hey, aren't you going to pay for
that?"
The man says, "Excuse me, Castro's Army."
The bartender says "Alright then" and the man
leaves.
The Scotsman gets the idea and walks up to the bar
and orders a shot of rum. He drinks the rum then starts
walking out the door.
The bartender says, "Hey, aren't you going to pay for
that?"
The Scotsman says, "Excuse me, Castro's Army."
The bartender says, "Yeah, where is your big black
beard?"
The Scotsman thinks quickly, lifts his kilt and says,
"Secret Service."
9
September 2015
TOM NEEDS
YOU!!!!!
VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED
FOR DROP-IN-CENTRE
To ensure that we continue our excellent service to
Veterans, volunteers are needed to act as Duty Officers at
the Drop-In-Centre.
Shifts are less than a half day commitment. You’ll
enjoy the time! Tom Scott will assist with the small
amount of training necessary.
Please phone Tom, our Office Manager, on 0419 032 610
or, on a Tuesday, at the Drop-In-Centre on 54794552.
THURSDAY BREKKY
The Thursday Morning Breakfast,
(back of the Mooloolaba Surf Club),
continues to be one of the
Association’s social highlights thanks
to the commitment of the King Of The
Thursday BBQ, Geoff Jewell.
If you haven’t experienced the breakfast, come
along, bring your partner, and partake of great food and
company.
See you there at 0730hrs.
SC SUB-BRANCH’S
WEEKLY GOLF DAY
THURSDAY THRASHERS
MANY OF OUR MEMBERS PLAY
9 HOLES OF GOLF EACH THURSDAY AT
12.15HRS.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PLAY, COME TO NAMBOUR
GOLF COURSE. SUITS BOTH GOOD AND HACKERS.
COST: $15 INCLUDES GREEN FEES & PRIZES
GUARANTEED GOOD FUN AND LAUGHTER .
WANT MORE INFO? RING JOHNO ON 04 7856 4483
====================
Effective Suicide Prevention
A desperate looking woman stood poised on the edge
of a high cliff about to jump off.
A filthy tramp wandering by stopped and said, "Look,
since you'll be dead in a few minutes and it won't matter to
you, how about we have sex before you go?"
She screamed, "NO! You filthy old bastard!"
"Okay, I'll just go and wait at the bottom then."
She didn't jump.
5 Gregson Place, Caloundra
26 Wises Road, Maroochydore
34 National Park Road, Nambour
202 Eumundi-Noosa Road, Noosaville
Ph. 5491 1559
Ph. 5443 9953
Ph. 5476 2866
Ph. 5470 2664
10
September
VALE
PETER JOSEPH VELTMEIJER
30 December 1940 — 23 August 2015
On Friday, 28 August, family and friends of Peter
gathered together to celebrate the life of a much loved
husband, father, brother, grandfather and mate.
Peter was born in Rotterdam, Holland on 30 December
1940, the eldest of seven children. It was a tumultuous time in
history and he once relayed the story of how his father, a
member of the Dutch Army worked for the underground. Mr
Veltmeijer (senior) was eventually captured and incarcerated in
a German POW Camp. According to Pete, his father escaped on a number of occasions,
returned to his home but was eventually re-captured. Peter cheekily commented that ’Dad’s
return home always coincided with the conception of another Veltmeijer.’
In January 1956, the family migrated to Australia and settled in Parkes, NSW. Peter
managed to master the English language and scored employment with an Insurance Company (QBE), a position he held for
six years.
In 1962 he enlisted in the Australian Army and, after selecting Artillery and Infantry as his career preference, he was
sent to School of Military Engineering. He was then posted to 21 Engineer Support Troop and did a seven month tour of
Borneo. His good mate and fellow Engineer, Herb Hamlet, often referred to Pete as being a member of the 21 No Support
Troop. This comment was usually preceded by a few beers or red wines on a Friday at Veltmeijer corner in the Caloundra RSL
Sub-Branch and was met with the customary head shake and laconic grin.
Peter was deployed to Vietnam on 19 February 1968 as part of 17 Field Squadron in 1 Field Squadron Group. He
returned to Australia on 18 February 1969 and held further military postings until discharged in 1974 with the rank of Sergeant.
He subsequently served in the Army Reserve between 1978 and 1984.
In civilian life, Peter held a variety of employment positions generally in the clerical / administrative /management
arenas. According to his brother Barry, Peter was unsettled and his employment followed a peripatetic course. His personal
life was also disharmonious and involved two marriages and three children of whom he was enormously proud.
Some thirty-five years ago, Peter’s life changed dramatically when he met the love of his life, Sheila. On December 13,
2014, Peter and Sheila were married after what his son, Mark, described at the time, as ‘the Guinness Book of Records for the
longest courtship in history’. Peter’s famous words at the time were, ‘this is the best wedding I’ve ever been to’.
His extended family included Sheila’s five children, his own three and over twenty grandchildren. ‘And I love all of them,’
said Peter.
Peter was a long standing member of the Sunshine Coast Sub-Branch of the Vietnam Veterans’ Association. He held
the position of Secretary for many years, was a Duty Officer, assisted with all fund raising activities and was a regular at The
Digger Hat Jewellery workdays. He was also a driving force in organising Vietnam Veterans’ day commemorations. He was a
true stalwart of the Sub-Branch and was greatly respected for his integrity, expertise and humour.
Over the past few years Peter’s health suffered, and the article of his wedding day, published in the February 2015
edition of Ricochet, succinctly described the battles both he and Sheila have faced. Peter and Sheila are truly one of the most
honest, genuine and fun-loving couples that one could hope to meet. They have battled adversity with courage and an
unfailing self-belief that is inspirational.
One of Peter’s legacies is his acceptance of the vicissitudes (he loved big words) of life and the need to focus on living
life to the fullest. It is a lesson that we could all aspire to emulate.
On behalf of the members of the Sunshine Coast Vietnam Veterans’ Association Sub-Branch, I would like to extend our
deepest condolences to Sheila and Peter’s extended family for their loss. Peter will forever live in our memories.
Lest We Forget
Sheila has asked that a message of appreciation be extended to all the veterans who attended the funeral service
and to all those who conveyed messages of comfort. The support of Peter’s veteran mates was overwhelming and
sincerely appreciated by the family.
John Cunnington
11
September
SCALY TAILS’
FISHING ADVENTURES
One more week and it's the end of
winter, my favourite time of the year.
Just got back from my annual
pilgrimage to Fraser Island. Not a lot of tailor as yet as it's a bit
early in the season and the wind wasn't making life easy.
Plenty of five spot dart (Swallowtail), yellow fin whiting,
and tarwhine, in the deep holes although the small dart were
beating most of the larger fish to the bait. The whales were
putting in an appearance also and were coming in very close
to the second shore break. Quite a spectacle to watch
between cold drinks.
Cooking Tip:The most common mistake made while cooking fish is
that the fish is wet. It should be completely dry whether
grilling, battered or bread-crumbed. The idea is to fry the fish,
not stew it. And the oil must be hot!
I use a good quality paper towel to dry the fillets. Only
cook as long as necessary and when a fork passes through
the flesh without resistance, it's done.
BIG BAD BOLD BEVIE’S TRIVIA
???????????????????
1.
How many countries are larger than
Australia?
2.
In
what
state/territory
was
the
highest
recorded
temperature, of 53oC, recorded?
3. Australia has the world’s largest sand island. What is its
name?
4. In what year was Advance Australia Fair proclaimed as the
national anthem by the Governor-General?
5. Do all states/territories have the same blood alcohol limit for
non-probationary drivers?
6. What animal is on the Western Australia flag?
7. In what city did the Commonwealth Parliament first sit?
8. What animal featured on the 2 cent coin?
9. Who is the only person to have been awarded both the
Australian of the Year and Young Australian of the Year titles?
10. Who is on the front of the current issue $100 note?
Answers are on Page 15
12
September
WHY TEACHERS ARE PRONE TO DRINK
These are genuine answers to a school test exam
from 16 year olds............and they WILL breed.
Q. Name the four seasons.
A. Salt, pepper, mustard and vinegar.
Q. Explain one of the processes by which
water can be made safe to drink.
A. Flirtation makes water safe to drink because it
removes large pollutants like grit, sand, dead
sheep and canoeists
Q. How is dew formed?
A. The sun shines down on the leaves and makes
them perspire.
Q. What causes the tides in the oceans?
A. The tides are a fight between the earth and the moon. All
water tends to flow towards the moon, because there is no
water on the moon, and nature abhors a vacuum. I forget where
the sun joins the fight
Q. What guarantees may a mortgage company insist on?
A. If you are buying a house they will insist that you are well
endowed.
Q. In a democratic society, how important are elections?
A. Very important. Sex can only happen when a male gets an
election.
Q. What are steroids?
A. Things for keeping carpets still on the stairs.
Q.. What happens to your body as you age
A. When you get old, so do your bowels and you get
intercontinental
Q. What happens to a boy when he reaches puberty?
A. He says goodbye to his boyhood and looks
forward to his adultery.
Q. Name a major disease associated with
cigarettes.
A. Premature death.
Q. What is artificial insemination?
A. When the farmer does it to the bull instead of the
cow.
Q. How can you delay milk turning sour?
A. Keep it in the cow.
Q. How are the main 20 parts of the body
categorised (e.g. The abdomen)?
A. The body is consisted into 3 parts - the brainium,
the borax and the abdominal cavity. The brainium
contains the brain, the borax contains the heart and lungs and
the abdominal cavity contains the five bowels: A, E, I, O, U.
Q. What is the fibula?
A. A small lie.
Q. What does 'varicose' mean?
A. Nearby.
Q. What is the most common form of birth control?
A. Most people prevent contraception by wearing a
condominium.
Q. Give the meaning of the term 'Caesarean section'.
A. The caesarean section is a district in Rome.
Q. What is a seizure?
A. A Roman Emperor.
Q. What is a terminal illness.
A. When you are sick at the airport.
13
September
VV DAY 2015
Shoes
14
September
He Said To Me..... And I said To Him.....
Lie Detector Robot
1. He said to me ..... I don't know why you wear a bra
you've got nothing to put in it
I said to him ....... You wear pants don't you?
2. He said to me ............. Shall we try swapping
positions tonight?
I said to him .. That's a good idea - you stand by the
stove & sink while I sit on the sofa and do nothing but fart.
3. He said to me.... What have you been doing with all
the grocery money I gave you?
I said to him .......... Turn sideways and look in the
mirror!
4. He said to me ........ Why don't women blink during
foreplay?
I said to him .... They don't have time.
5. He said to me .. How many men does it take to
change a roll of toilet paper?
I said to him ..... I don't know; it has never happened.
6. He said to me... Why is it difficult for women to find
men who are sensitive caring and good-looking?
I said to him ... They already have boyfriends.
7. He said to me...What do you call a woman who
knows where her husband is every night?
I said to him.... A widow.
8. He said to me....Why are married women heavier
than single women?
I said to him ....... Single women come home, see
what's in the fridge and go to bed....Married women come
home, see what's in bed and go to the fridge.
A father buys a lie detector robot that slaps people
when they lie. He decides to test it out at dinner one night.
The father asks his son what he did that afternoon.
The son says, "I did some schoolwork."
.........The robot slaps the son.
The son says, "Ok, Ok. I was at a friend's house
watching movies.”
Dad asks, "What movie did you watch?"
Son says, "Toy Story."
..........The robot slaps the son again.
Son says, "Ok, Ok, we were watching porn."
Dad says, "What?" At your age, I didn't even know what
porn was."
........The robot slaps the father.
Mom laughs and says, "Well, he certainly is your son."
..........The robot slaps the mother.
====================
Widdle Wabbit
A precious little girl walks into a pet shop and asks, in
the sweetest little lisp, between two missing teeth, "Excuthe
me, mithter, do you keep widdle wabbits?"
As the shopkeeper's heart melts, he gets down on his
knees so that he's on her level and asks, "Do you want a
widdle white wabbit, or a thoft and fuwwy, bwack wabbit, or
maybe one like dat cute widdle bwown wabbit over dere?"
She, in turn, blushes, rocks on her heels, puts her
hands on her knees,leans forward and says, in a tiny quiet
voice, "I don't tink my python will weally give a thyit."
Do You Know That Cats Stutter?
A teacher is explaining biology to her 4th grade students.
"Human beings are the only animals that stutter,' she says.
A little girl raises her hand. 'I had a kitty-cat who stuttered!'
The teacher, knowing how precious some of these stories
could become, asked the girl to describe the incident.
"Well," she began, 'I was in the back yard with my kitty and
the Rottweiler that lives next door got a running start and before
we knew it, he jumped over the fence into
our yard!'
'That must've been scary,' said the
teacher.
'It sure was,' said the little girl.
'My kitty raised her back, went
"Ffffff!, Ffffff!, FfffffF," but before she could
say 'F***-off !,' the Rottweiler ate her!
====================
How Fred Lost His Last Name
A cop stops a Harley for travelling faster than the posted
speed limit, so he asks the biker his name.
15
September
“Fred,” he replies
“Fred what?' the officer asks.
“Just Fred,” the man responds.
The officer then presses Fred for his last name.
Fred tells him that he had a last name but lost it.
“Tell me, Fred, how did you lose your last name?”
The biker replies, “It's a long story, so stay with me. I was
born Fred Dingaling. I know -- a funny last name. The kids used
to tease me all the time, so I stayed to myself, studied hard and
got good grades. When I got older, I realized that I wanted to be a
doctor. I went through college, medical school, internship,
residency, and finally got my degree, so I was Fred Dingaling,
MD. After a while I got bored being a doctor, so I decided to go
back to school. Dentistry was my dream! Got all the way through
school, got my degree, so then I was Fred Dingaling, MD, DDS.
Got bored doing dentistry, so I started fooling around with my
assistant and she gave me VD, so now I was Fred Dingaling, MD,
DDS, with VD. Well, the ADA found out about the VD, so they
took away my DDS. Then I was Fred Dingaling, MD, with VD.
Then the AMA found out about the ADA taking away my DDS
because of the VD, so they took away my MD leaving me as Fred
Dingaling with VD. Then the VD took away my Dingaling, so
now I am just Fred.'
ANSWERS TO BIG BAD BOLD BEVIE’S TRIVIA
1.
Five (Australia is the sixth largest
5.
Yes
country: Russia, Canada, China, USA,
6.
Black swan
Brazil)
7.
Melbourne
2.
Queensland
8.
Frilled neck lizard
3.
Fraser Island
9.
Cathy Freeman
4.
1984
10. Dame Nellie Melba
16
September
Veterans who spent extended periods patrolling in jungle
A Study of Seroprevalence of Strongyloides
and
agricultural
fields carry increased risk of infection with the
stercoralis in a South Australian Vietnam veteran
parasite.
Eggs
are
passed via the stool into soil, where they hatch
cohort
by Hany Rahmanian,1 Alexander C. MacFarlane,1 Karen E. into larvae and undergo further development. Larva penetrates
the skin, reaches the circulation system and the lungs, passes up
Rowland,2 Lloyd J. Einsiedel,3 Susan J. Neuhaus1
the respiratory tract and is re-swallowed. Then they reach the
(1. Centre for Traumatic and Stress Studies, University of Adelaide, South Australia
intestine where they become adult worms.
2. School of Population Health, University of Adelaide, South Australia
S. stercoralis has unique characteristics. Asymptomatic
3. SA Pathology, Flinders University, South Australia)
persistence of the parasite for many decades has been
Strongyloides stercoralis is a nematode parasite of documented.
humans that is endemic in Southeast Asia including Vietnam.
The most reported symptoms of Strongyloides infection
There may be about 370 million cases of Strongyloides include: rash, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and
infection worldwide and its prevalence is believed to be
respiratory symptoms including cough.
underestimated. A recent systematic review of Strongyloides
As clinical manifestations are variable and non-specific,
world epidemiology reports 11–20% seroprevalence in the chronic Strongyloides infection is often unrecognised. S.
Vietnamese population.
stercoralis may ‘auto-infect’ the human host, resulting in
Approximately 60,000 members of the Australian Defence subclinical or clinically overt reactivation. If the immune system is
Forces (ADF) served in Vietnam between 1962 and 1975. suppressed due to disease or medication, the parasite can
Veterans of land-based operations in endemic areas are at risk of multiply unchecked and may lead to life threatening disseminated
persistent Strongyloides infection. Previous studies found a high strongyloidiasis.
prevalence of Strongyloides infection among World War II
veterans even 40 years after service in Southeast Asia.
Objectives: Strongyloides stercoralis is a parasitic
Although the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) roundworm causing chronic infection that is endemic in Southeast
recognises that Vietnam veterans are an ‘at risk’ group for Asia. Vietnam veterans are considered to be at high risk of
persistent Strongyloides infection, the prevalence and effect of Strongyloides infection. The prevalence of persistent infection in
chronic infection with Strongyloides in this cohort has not been
this group is unknown. This study aimed to establish the
studied.
seropositivity rate of Strongyloides antibodies in South Australian
Primary infection in humans occurs when skin contacts Vietnam veterans and to identify the most reported symptoms
faecal-contaminated soil containing infective Strongyloides within the seropositive group.
larvae. Consequently, it is more common where sanitation is poor
Continued on page 21
and in rural areas where human excrement is used as fertiliser in
agricultural fields.
17
September
Postal address:
Postal address:
ALARIC
Veterans
& Servicemen’s
Ex Servicemen’s
ALARIC
Veterans
& Ex
Retreat
Retreat
C/- POQld
Quilpie
C/- PO Quilpie
4480Qld 4480
Phone:/Fax 07 4656 4740
Phone/Fax (07 4656 4740)
Email :- alaricretreat@activ8.net.au
Email:
alaricretreat@activ8.net.au
Duty Manager:- Allan Bullock
46564740
Duty
Manager
: Allan Allan
Bullock
46564740
Alaric Sub–Committee:
Bullock,
Alaric
Sub-Committee:
Allan
Bullock
Ian (Buddy) Fuhrman, Mal Sayers, Jnr. Vice
Ian (Buddy)
Fuhrman,
Mal Sayers,
Jnr.Cooper.
Vice
President
Dave
Oliver (Cookie),
Norm
President
Dave
Oliver
(Cookie),
Norm
Cooper.
Website:- www.alaricretreat.com.au
Alaric Report
Another month goes by with precious little to nil
precipitation as the drought continues.
Alaric has had a reasonable month for visitors and
tourists and it has kept the attending Duty Officers on their
toes. Noel Wieden did his duty and from all accounts enjoyed
the experience although he had to battle on with intermittent
broadband. He has returned to his mountain hideaway and is
recuperating from the long haul. Brian Hicks joined him for a
week of instruction and learning so that he will be able to
relieve Allan when he needs a break. Now we have twin
controllers there in the form of Harry Bowtell and Alby, who
has relieved many times, and they seem to be handling the
pressure just fine with no broadband at all, and still no
precipitation.
Harry has been busy replacing switches and power
points that may cause problems in the near future, as well as
working on the air conditioners. Harry has always been a
great service to Alaric.
Alby has been tending to the more menial tasks of
gardening and house cleaning as well as entertaining the
guests. He also has been a stalwart for Alaric, and hopefully
will remain so in the future.
The Sub-Committee was happy to see that there were
a good number of our members who put their hands up to
relieve out there and we thank them for that.
As far as the broadband goes, it requires a new ODU
and Modem/Router which has now been authorised with the
server, so they will have someone going out to remove and
install and realign the dish. The server, Activ8me, has
become part of NBN Co and so they are switching to the
newer NBN Co satellite. Allan has not been resting on the
coast as he has had some personal business to conduct and
from all accounts he will be going back out there early this
month.
Susan steadfastly works hard at promoting Alaric and
looking for ways to improve the new website and we
compliment her for all she does. If you have any ideas just let
her know through the Drop-In-Centre or the Sub-Committee.
Well that’s just about it for now, and we hope that rain
is forthcoming.
www.alaricretreat.com.au
Webmaster :- Susan Ferrar
18
September
POSH
(Partners Offering Support and Hope)
POSH 2015
Friday 1.00pm to 4.00pm
A new contact list is
now at the Centre so
please collect yours
next time you are there.
DATES TO REMEMBER
1st Friday each month - Lunch.
3rd Friday each month - please
bring a plate to share.
September - lunch is at the Mango
Thai on Sixth Ave.
November - “Christmas Two Days
Away” at the Peninsula
Mooloolaba. Arriving 26th and
departing Saturday morning 28th.
More information next month.
Dallene has a cuddle
with
Margie’s
granddaughter Isla
Margie’s daughter Karen (wearing cap) took time out of chemo to visit POSH
We wish all our love, prays and hope to our ladies who
are not travelling well. We hope to see you back with us
soon.
ONCE UPON A TIME When we were children
19
September
HERE TO HELP YOU WITH:
All Aches and Pains
Spinal and Sports Injuries
Pre and Post Surgical Care
Cardiac Rehab/Diabetic Control
Weight Management/Breathing Difficulties
MVA, WorkCover and Insurance Claims
DVA-Veterans Care
Pre and Post Natal Care
====================
VETERAN SUICIDE PREVENTION TEAM
HELP!!!!!!!!!!
We urgently need more members on our
Call-out Team.
If you are interested in volunteering,
training is conducted by a Lifeline
instructor through VVCS
and then you will be placed on a list for
24hr possible call out to assist any
veteran,
ex-veteran, their wives or family.
The course is in no way difficult and we
have a ‘refresher’ if a member of the team
calls for it.
I hope you will give this some thought
and if you feel you would like to join us
please contact me on 07-54770606.
Yours in veteran support.
David Stevenson JP (Qual)
Veteran Suicide Prevention
Team Coordinator
Health fund REBATES APPLY TO ALL appointments.
No referral needed
Hicaps enabled.
Phone: (07) 5452 7538
Email: quantumrehab@aol.com
www.quantumrehab.net
LOCATED AT
Caloundra
Maroochydore
Noosa
20
September
GUNNERS SAVE THE DAY - A PUSH FOR RECOGNITION
PUSH is underway to
have Australian gunners
who repelled one of the
biggest enemy attacks of the
Vietnam War honoured for
their role.
attack and lost six dead and 12
wounded
before
the
commanding officer requested
Splintex 105mm artillery rounds
to be fired over his head. Those
rounds contain 6000 darts and
had never been fired before (in
The men overcame
Vietnam)
b y Austr alian
catastrophic command and
gunners.
intelligence failures to win the
Five rounds later the
Battle of Coral in May 1968 but
enemy guns fell silent and at
have received little recognition. 102 Field Battery’s Echo Gun at Coral behind a typical bund daylight the troops found 54
Former artillery officer
enemy bodies riddle with the
Ian “Scrubber” Ahearn, who was the gun position officer with darts.
102 Field Battery at Fire Support Base Coral wants his men
After three hours of intense fighting helicopter gunships
awarded with a Unit Citation for Gallantry and he also wants and a Snoopy ground attack aircraft arrived and pushed the
errors of fact in the Official War History corrected.
enemy back.
His campaign features in a new honours thesis by Mark
Mr Ahearn said he wrote 12 award citations after the
Jamieson who interviewed seven veterans of the battle in battle and just one medal was awarded.
detail about their experiences between May 12 and June 6,
A recent submission for a Unit Citation was rejected by
1968.
former Army Chief Lieutenant General David Morrison, who
Twenty five Australian soldiers were killed in action at never served in combat.
Fire Support Bases Coral and Balmoral, including 11 between “The people who saved the day were the diggers and the
2.30am and 5.30am, on the first morning at Coral on May 13. gunners who stood their ground,” Mr Ahearn said.
On the eve of Vietnam Veterans Day this Tuesday
(Aug18) Mr Jamieson said Coral was the biggest Australian Sourced from:
battle of the war and was won by the skills and bravery of the http://www.news.com.au/national/heroic-gunners-saved100 or so men who fought it.
the-day-and-australias-war-at-battle-for-coral-now-theres“My focus with this thesis is to get the true story out a-push-to-reward-them/story-fncynjr2-1227485086472
August 16, 2015
about what actually happened,” Mr Jamieson said.
“If Coral had been overrun it would have changed the
course of Australia’s war in Vietnam.”
Veteran Robert Costello told Mr Jamieson that he did
not believe there was any chance of recognition for the
artillerymen.
“It seems as though the artillery were never there and it
was us who took the brunt of the attack. We do get aggrieved
in the fact that the gunners are always forgotten about,” Mr
Costello said.
Co-author of the official history, and one of the
Australian War Memorial chief historians, Ashley Ekins said
there were errors of fact and omissions and that they would be
corrected in future editions. He said Coral was a total stuff up
and it was only skill and courage that saved the gunners from
being overrun.
“They fought valiantly in a touch and go situation,” Mr Bravo gun at Coral on the morning of May 13, 1968, with two
Ekins said. He denied that the history was skewed to protect blown tyres and damage to the gun trail.
the reputation of any officer.
As the history says, Mr Ahearn and his men were
landed in the wrong place, without adequate gun stores or
barbed wire and no claymore mines and trip flares.
And somehow allied intelligence had missed two
Divisions of North Vietnam and Vietcong troops pushing south
to reinforce Saigon. About 1000 men from that force that
attacked 102 Battery’s position at 2.30am on May 13, in a bid
to clear their way to Saigon.
“We had no idea what we were getting into and we
were in no way ready for what happened to us,” Mr Ahearn
said. “The first we knew of the enemy force was vertical tracer
fire guiding in their reinforcements.”
At 2.30am a sentry reported “hundreds and hundreds”
of NVA standing up 100 metres from their position. “Then they
attacked,” he said.
Weapon pits at Fire Support Base "Coral" in Vietnam in 1968.
The 1st Battalion’s mortar platoon bore the brunt of the
Strongyloides Study: Continued from page 16
Method: This cross-sectional study recruited 309 veterans
who had served in Vietnamese territory between 1962 and 1975 and
were currently resident in South Australia. Participants completed a
self-administered questionnaire examining demographics,
deployment, somatic symptoms and depression. Venous blood was
collected for Strongyloides serology and eosinophil count.
Participants who demonstrated positive Strongyloides serology
underwent faecal microscopy for parasites.
Implications: Post-deployment screening and eradication
therapy for Strongyloides should be offered to ADF staff after service
in Strongyloides-endemic areas. This should include those veterans
who left the service many years ago.
The most plausible time of participants’ exposure to
Strongyloides was during their military service in Vietnam for the
following reasons. Firstly, only 27% of seropositive participants had
returned to Vietnam or any other endemic area since their military
service. Secondly, most participants reported walking barefoot on soil
and living in conditions with poor sanitation during their military
service and thirdly, Strongyloides is not endemic in mainstream
South Australian populations, making subsequent infection less
likely. Finally, it is known that subclinical Stronglyoides infection may
persist for decades after exposure.
Rather than overestimating exposure, it is possible that our
study has underestimated the true Strongyloides seroprevalence in
Vietnam veterans, as IgG levels fall with time and some participants
with significant exposure may have tested falsely negative.
The findings of this study suggest that signs and symptoms
and traditional laboratory tests such as eosinophilia and faecal
microscopy are poor predictors of Strongyloides seropositivity.
Persons whose life history suggests possible Strongyloides
21
September
exposure (such as Vietnam veterans) should be screened with
Strongyloides serology testing prior to commencing
immunosuppressive therapy (including systemic steroid therapy,
chemotherapy, and drugs to prevent transplant rejection).
Those who test positive should be offered empirical treatment
with ivermectin. This is particularly important due to the risk of
reactivation and systemic Strongyloides hyperinfection.
This is the first Australian study to measure seroprevalence of
Strongyloides antibodies in a Vietnam veteran cohort. An expanded
national study would assist in better understanding the prevalence of
Strongyloides infection in Vietnam veterans, as well as enabling
targeted education and early detection in patients at risk of persistent
infection.
Conclusion
This study found a high seroprevalence (11.6%) of Strongyloides
antibodies within the Vietnam veteran community in South Australia.
Seropositivity was associated with increased likelihood of
dermatological symptoms (ED: See note below).
Although the clinical significance of seropositivity remains
uncertain, this study indicates high exposure to this pathogen
amongst Vietnam veterans.
We recommend screening Vietnam veterans for Strongyloides
exposure, eradication therapy if seropositive and raised awareness
within the veteran and medical communities regarding the need for
testing prior to immunosuppressive treatment.
Moreover, this pilot study has implications for post
deployment screening for veterans who have been deployed to other
areas where Strongyloides infection is endemic such as Solomon
Island, Cambodia, East Timor and other parts of Southeast Asia.
ED’s Note: Could the line" what's this rash that comes and goes, can
you tell me what it means?", from the song I Was Only 19, in some
cases have been strongyloides?
This article was edited by me to remove irrelevant data.
22
September
A BOOK THAT WILL STIR THE POSSUMS
the lies but it also conspired
through two formal reviews to deny justice
to his soldiers. He said it was ridiculous that
both
reviews
found
that
“no
maladministration” had occurred regarding
the honours awarded for Long Tan.
In May this year the Honours and
Awards Review Tribunal agreed to conduct
yet another “application for review” of the
decision by Defence to not review the
awards.
The extraordinary claim is
Defence has until September 1 to
contained in a new book Long Tan,
reply to the Tribunal before a public hearing
The Start of a Lifelong Battle, by the
is held to consider the matter.
commanding officer of Delta
Mr Smith’s book will also feature
Company 6RAR at Long Tan on
prominently in the Tribunal’s deliberations.
August 18, 1966, then Major Harry Smith. It was launched by
Harry Smith’s medals are displayed in the Long Tan
former Major General John Cantwell on Vietnam Veterans display in the Vietnam Gallery at the Australian War Memorial.
Day August 18, 2015.
Mr Smith has fought for justice for his men for almost Long Tan, The Start of a Lifelong Battle published by Big
half a century and his book claims the Task Group Sky Publishing, RRP $29.99. launched on Long Tan Day
commander, the late Brigadier Oliver Jackson (DSO), and Aug 18, 2015).
Battalion commander, the late Colonel Colin Townsend
(DSO), falsified accounts of the battle.
Sourced from:
“In 2007 Prime Minister John Howard sent me a 150 http://www.news.com.au/national/new-vietnam-war-bookpage dossier about Long Tan awards, which contained accuses-officers-of-fabricating-official-citations/storyTownsend’s citation for a GRVN Cross of Gallantry with fncynjr2-1227485672956
Palm,” Smith writes.
“In this citation it said, in part: ‘His (Townsend’s)
personal presence and calm control of the battle inspired
confidence in all ranks and enabled the battalion to inflict an
overwhelming defeat on the enemy despite their greater
strength as is attested by the large numbers of enemy dead,
weapons and equipment left on the battlefield.’ This is untrue;
he did not control the battle as he was not there. It was a
complete fabrication. He also said that the official battle report
extended the end of engagement from 7.10pm, when the
enemy withdrew, to the midnight casualty evacuation, to make
it appear Colonel Townsend was actually in a “hostile” area
and therefore eligible for the DSO. This is like saying that
World War II ended when the troopships arrived back in
Australia!” Smith writes.
During the entire Vietnam War just 22 private soldiers
were given gallantry medals while some 150 officers were Accolade: Brigadier Oliver Jackson about to present Major
given high awards. This included several Brigadiers at Task Harry Smith with his Military Cross following the battle of Long
Force Headquarters, well away from the front lines, who Tan.
received Distinguished Service Orders (DSOs), then second
only to the Victoria Cross.
Due to the skewed quota system at the time half of Mr
Smith’s recommendations for diggers in “actual combat” were
downgraded and half were ignored and even a South
Vietnamese award was denied to the men of Delta Company.
Mr Smith was awarded a Military Cross that was
upgraded to a Star of Gallantry (DSO equivalent) in 2009 and
several of his officers received belated Medals for Gallantry
while Delta Company was awarded a Unit Citation for
Gallantry.
However, nine other decorations remain unresolved,
including a Victoria Cross for his Company Sergeant Major the
late Warrant Officer Jack Kirby.
On page 564 the Official History of the Vietnam War
states, “The number and degree of awards for Long Tan were
little short of insulting for the heroism displayed.”
Jack Kirby and Harry Smith with a captured enemy
Mr Smith said the “generals’ club” not only covered up
machinegun
A VIETNAM War hero has
accused senior Army officers of
fabricating citations with
“mythical statements” after the
battle of Long Tan so they could
receive awards while denying
them to the troops who fought an
action that cost 18 Australian
lives.
23
September
THE TRUE BLUE
AIR FORCE NEWS
PAGE
COURTESY OF
INTERNET
RESEARCH
THIS MONTH
WE HAVE A STORY
Of A CANADIAN AIR
ACE FROM WWll
For Aircraft Buffs Google
http://
imageevent.com/
okbueno/mopic
JACK HILTON PART 1
Jack Hilton is a battle hardened fighter pilot.
At 93-years-old,
he’s lived a good life. But during the
The Old
Second World War, it was a life filled with perpetual stress,
and one he cheated death on an almost daily basis. He’s
been shot down once, had anti-aircraft fire sandblast his
plane, and nearly blew himself up taking off with two 1,000
pound bombs. He has crash landed more times than he would
like to remember. And of the 28 men he deployed overseas
with, he was one of only eight that returned. His squadron lost
50 per cent of its pilots every 90 days.
I met Jack at Airdrie’s Cedarwood Station in late
October after he agreed to have a sit down with me to discuss
his time spent as a fighter pilot serving with the Royal
Canadian Air Force (RCAF) for this year’s Remembrance Day
edition. His story is one of miraculous survival and of riveting
suspense. This is the story of how one man helped support
Canada during a time we needed it the most.
Hilton joined the air force in September 1939 at the
tender age of 19 out east in Toronto, with his heart set on
becoming a plane’s gunner. “I like guns,” he says frankly with
a faint chuckle. “No commonThe
sense,
Oldjust one of those things.”
But after basic training, his co-ordination was
impressive enough that the powers that be informed him he
was selected for pilot training, gunner dreams be damned. He
didn’t object. “You were in the military, you just do what you’re
told — you don’t have any choice.”
Hilton began his flight training in Windsor, Ontario, on a
Fleet Finch — a bi-plane with a seat in the back for an
instructor — earning 25 hours. On his first solo trip, nerves
took their toll and nearly ended what would be a storied fighter
pilot career. “My solo trip took me three circuits to get that
stupid thing down; it was almost a controlled crash,” he
laughed. “After three circuits, I was so mad I was going to get
it down, even if it killed me.” He managed to get it down safely
and was promptly shuffled to Brantford, Ontario to earn 75
hours of flight experience at a twin engine flight school there.
Avro Anson
Hilton eventually became a flight instructor and was
given the choice of where he wanted to deploy in Canada.
“I was from Toronto, and I had so many relatives, so I
said, ‘where’s the farthest station west?’” The response?
“McLeod.”
Known as Fort McLeod today, Hilton arrived in Alberta
and logged two years training greenhorn pilots on the Avro
Anson — a forgiving airplane that boasted a pair of 400
horsepower engines. It was this constant training that Hilton
later credits for saving his life in the war.
The air force soon transferred Hilton to Bagotville,
Quebec in early 1943 where Hilton was groomed for war on
the Hawker Hurricane, a single-seat fighter plane. On a
training flight, a large piece of the engine block blew out,
spewing glycol over the red-hot engine. “You’d think I was a
skywriter — I was streaming smoke all over the place,” he
chuckled. He lined up his approach to belly-land the disabled
Hurricane in a farmer’s field. Nearby, Hilton said a priest was
witnessing the inevitable crash and rushed to the field. “I was
skidding it in, stuff was flying, he jumped up on the wing and
said, ‘my son, my son, I’ve come to give you the last rights of
the church,’” Hilton said. “I said, ‘Father, I’m not of your faith
but thank you very much.’” He was invited by the priest for
steak dinner - a rarity in wartime - and he was back flying the
next day. “There was no medical, no grief counsellor, just,
‘here my boy, take this (plane) up.’ It was war time.”
Fleet Finch
Hawker Hurricane
24
September
FIRESIDE WITH THE PADRE
I am sorry that I missed the
memorial ceremony in which we
celebrated the 49th Anniversary of the
Battle of Long Tan, not to mention the
luncheon that followed, but I thank our
President, Ron Strong, for phoning me
that evening and giving me a broad
brush picture of the great day it was.
While you enjoyed a scrumptious
meal at Maroochydore RSL, Annette and
I were generously fed sandwiches at the
Day Care Oncology Unit at the new
University of the Sunshine Coast Private
Hospital. And while fresh and tasty
sandwiches though they may have been, I am sure that lunch
did not compare with the cuisine you enjoyed nor did we enjoy
the camaraderie of old mates around me like you had.
I was very impressed with both the 7 News and WIN
News coverage of our day in Maroochydore.
Laurie Drinkwater gave a truly heart wrenching
coverage to WIN of that horrific day forty-nine years ago. I
followed his words as if I had been there with him, Geoff
Kendall (and old friend from my Chinese course at LANGS in
1969,) and all of the others who have carved Long Tan into
Australian’s portals of history and laid additional foundations
of bravery.
I know many of you have been back to Vietnam and
have made a pilgrimage to the site at Long Tan where that
battle is commemorated at a simple shrine, around a replica of
the Long Tan Cross. We all know it’s only a concrete replica of
the original but that still doesn’t detract from the intentions of
those who erected the Long Tan Cross on the Battalion’s
second tour of duty in Nui Dat.
My mind went back to our visit in 2006, when our
Vietnam tour guide picked up the local Cadre, a very bossy
young Miss, who was on the lower echelon of political society
and left the opinion that she was upwardly mobile, and fast!
Her first stop was the local Provincial Headquarters
where she no doubt exchanged a few ‘dong’ for the original
metal plaque from the original Long Tan Cross, now strung to
a chain which is placed around the concrete cross and
returned as soon as our simple ceremony was over.
In my role as Chaplain and prior to that, a Pastor of a
small parish church in Ipswich, I have conducted many
solemn ceremonies over the years and have always managed
to keep my emotions in check for the sake of the position
‘behind the pulpit’. Yet at the Long Tan
Memorial, when the Cadre thrust a piece
of paper at me and said in the most
abrupt fashion, (I told you she was
‘bossy,) - “You read!”, on noticing it was
The Ode, I drew myself up to my full five
foot eight and a half inches, and
confidently began to read the Ode. Half
way through, I choked on my words,
broke down, and was totally overcome
by the setting of where we were and the
reason why we were there.
Within seconds, I pulled myself
under control and back up to my now five
foot six and a half inches and continued to finish reading the
Ode. My companions were amazed at my quick recovery. I
simply said, “It’s something we Ministers have had to learn to
do, to recover quickly from an ‘emotional hiccup’ “.
Then we each laid a yellow rose, (provided by the local
Cadre via the local Provincial Headquarters) as we
remembered the eighteen young men who never made it back
to camp from that blood soaked battle field.
Then she passed out josh sticks and we each lit one for
the North Vietnamese and local militia who died in that
encounter.
Again, I was overcome with emotion as probably for the
first time, here I was remembering Vietnamese soldiers who
were sons, brothers, and fathers, just like our own dead and
wounded.
In his book, ‘Battle of Long Tan’, Lex McCauley noted
that the Vietnamese KIA at Long Tan numbered upwards of
2,500.
I first met Lex as he was marching out of the RAAF
School of Languages in January 1965 as I marched in to start
my twelve months of intense Vietnamese language study.
After the war, Lex gained access to the NVA war records,
which, as he declared in his book, showed the unbelievable
huge extent of the NVA and local VC loses at Long Tan.
A yellow rose in memory for our lost sons, a josh stick
for the memory of the enemy dead – it still brings on an
incredible emotion within me.
Arthur Fry
Honorary Chaplain
DO YOU KNOW ANYONE SUFFERING FROM MESOTHELIOMA?
Hi,
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Network. We've created the most extensive prognosis support and information source online.
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I thought that you may be interested in posting our link to help educate veterans on the dangers of asbestos exposure
by linking to our website from your page at http://vvaaqueensland.asn.au/links/
Feel free to take a look at our website at your earliest convenience at www.mesotheliomaprognosis.com.
If you are interested in including it as a resource or have any questions, please contact me at your earliest convenience.
Best regards,
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NEW MERCHANDISE FOR THE YOUNGER VETERANS.
25
September
OLDIES BUT GOODIES FOR US OLDIES.
Four Ribbon Flag
Size 128cm x 61cm.
$25.00
Soldier On Woven Patch
Afghanistan Campaign Silver Key
Ring
$7.00
Four Ribbon
$17
$5.00
Four Ribbon Pen
$3.00
75mm x 55mm with velcro backing.
Start your journey with this 25mm x
40mm silver plated Afghanistan key
ring. The enamel filled face features
the colours of the Afghanistan
Campaign Ribbon, representing the
subtle hues of sky, snow, desert, the
ADF and war. The reverse features
the message, "Soldier On" - the
charity born in Afghanistan dedicated
to helping Australian servicemen and
women wounded in this war.
Camouflage Pen Jungle
$3.00
Five Ribbon for the Nashos
$17
Camouflage Pen Desert
$3.00
ADF ( Tri-Service) Hat Badge
$13.00
Sticker
$3.00
Features: Secure fastening clutches
Branding: Engraved crest.
Colour: Gold plate
No Ribbons
$23.00
Soldier On Mouse Mat
$6.00
Sticker
$3.00
Optical tracking surface on a slim line
neoprene base.
Size: 190mm x 230mm
Peacekeepers Sticker
$2.00
The beautiful new Peacekeepers
collection for 2011 Features the
Australian Peacekeepers Insignia and
a the names of the peacekeeping
missions Australia have been actively
involved in. This Sticker features the
symbolic crest of peace with the
wording Australian Peacekeepers and
a list of the Australian Peacekeeping
missions in the background.
The dimensions are 160x30mm.
Sticker Four Ribbon
$4.00
I Support Our Troops
Bumper Sticker
$2.00
Four Ribbons
$25.00
The beautiful new Peacekeepers
collection for 2011 Features the
Australian Peacekeepers Insignia and
the names of the peacekeeping
missions Australians have been
actively involved in. This Sticker
features the symbolic crest of peace
wi t h t h e wo r d i n g A u s t ra l i a n
Peacekeepers and a list of the
Australian Peacekeeping missions in
the background.
The dimensions are 160x30mm.
Four Ribbon
(Green & Tan)
$19.00
In order to reduce
the
burden
of
carrying a lot of
stock that never
moves, suggestions
for items to be
stocked would be
appreciated.
26
September
Application for Membership/Renewal
RENEWING MEMBERS NEED TO COMPLETE 1-6 ONLY!
1. FAMILY NAME....................................... GIVEN NAME...............................NICKNAME...................... ..
2. SERVICE NUMBER....................................
3. EMAIL ADDRESS...............................................................................
4. RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS....................................................................................................P/C..............
5. POSTAL ADDRESS (If different from above).............................................................................P/C..............
6. Phone no. (......)..................... Mobile No. ................................... Partner’s Name .......................
7. Date of Birth ......../......../........
Date of Enlistment ......./......./........ Date of Discharge ......../......../......
8. Did the Veteran serve under any other name Y/N if so– Family Name.....................Given Name..................
9. Honours/Awards (e.g. MM,JP) Please list..................................................................................... .......................
10. Type of Membership Applying for - Ordinary, Associate, POSH Associate (circle one please).
11. Do you have a skill that Welfare could use? If so please advise ....................................................................
12. If you fall ill, do you give permission for notification in the newsletter or noticeboard in the office? Y/N
13. If you are hospitalised, do you give permission for our Hospital Visitation Officer to visit you? Y/N
14. Do you give permission for your name, service details, photo, to be printed in the Newsletter? Y/N
15. BRANCH OF SERVICE— NAVY — ARMY — AIRFORCE
1st Tour
(Please circle)
2nd Tour
3rd Tour
From......./....../......To ....../....../...... From....../....../......To ...../...../...... From ......../......./....... To ...../..../....
Ex-service personnel other than Australian must supply copy of Discharge Certificate and Drivers License.
New applicants for membership must have a nominator and seconder.
Nominated by: .....................................................Signature of Nominator: .................................. ............
Seconded by: .......................................................Signature of Seconder: .................................. .............
Annual Subscription
Payment can be made direct to: Westpac Bank BSB No. 034-198 Account No.
237008. Please enter your name and what the payment is for, in the reference space.
Ordinary $25.00
Associate $20.00
POSH Associate $7.00
Donation $............. Thank you!
Please make Cheque/Money Order payable to: VVAA Sunshine Coast Sub-Branch Inc.
Post to: VVAA Sunshine Coast, PO Box 533, COTTON TREE, QLD. 4558
I, the undersigned, hereby apply to be admitted to membership of the VVAA Sunshine Coast Sub-Branch
Inc. and, if elected, I agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of its Constitution, By-laws and
Standing Orders which are now in force and which hereafter be in force.
Signature of Applicant............................................................................
Received by .............................................. (Please Print)
Date........./........../.............
Receipt No.................Date ......./......./.........

ricochet - Vietnam Veterans Sunshine Coast

Transcription

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