snafu - Vietnam Veterans Federation of South Australia

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A
SNAFU
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THE REGULAR PUBLICATION OF THE VIETNAM VETERANS’ FEDERATION
OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA INC.
SA
Vets Supporting Vets
VOLUME 13
ISSUE 1.
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
2015
SNAFU
DISCLAIMER: The material contained in this publication is in the nature of general comment only, and neither
purports nor is intend to be advice on a particular matter. Readers should not act or rely on any information
contained in, or implied by this magazine without taking appropriate professional advice relating specifically to their
circumstances. The publishers and authors expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, whether Federation
member or not, who acts or fails to act as a consequence of reliance upon whole or any part of this publication.
Views, opinions or claims expressed in any article, editorial, letter or advertisement are not necessarily the views held
by the Executive and/or the Committee of the Vietnam Veterans Federation South Australian Branch Inc., nor are
they necessarily the views or opinions of the Editor of SNAFU.
Printed by Cove Print—182 Brighton Rd, Somerton Park, phone 08 8376 6676
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ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION
OFFICE HOURS
1000h—1500h MONDAY to THURSDAY
Provided volunteers are available!
Headquarters, Vietnam Veterans’ Federation Broken Hill
Des Kennedy (RSL) PO mobile: 0412 458 054
SA Branch Inc
Phone:
Fax:
Web:
Email:
Address:
08 8296 2411
08 8296 2500
www.vvfsa.org.au
vvfsa@tpg.com.au
71A Addison Road
Warradale SA 5046
Executive Committee
President:
Vice President:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Committee Members
Doc Ballantyne
Peter Rogers
Mal Thiele
Phil Lambert
Padre
Malcolm Thomas
John (Grumpy) Hough
Mike Hainsworth
George
Dee O‘Brien
Phil Scroop
Evelyn Pitt
Larry Davenport
Kim Brumfield (JP)
OAM
Pension Officers and Advocates
Craig Mitchell
A/W
John Gillman
PO/A/W/MRCA
Jim Leslie
PO/W/MRCA
Rick Wylie
PO/W
KeyPO= Pension Officer (VEA)
W= Welfare
A= Advcocate
MRCA= Military Rehab Compensation Act
Vets Supporting Vets
Darwin
Joe Lavery
Terry Siriani
PO
PO/W
Eyre Peninsula
Port Lincoln RSL
Yorke Peninsula
Ray Behrendt (Port Clinton) PO
Chris Soar (Bublacowie)
W
School Visits
Bob Ellis OAM
Peter Haran
Ron List
Dick Schwer
Welfare Officers/ Hospital Visits
Pieter Hoogland (Gawler) North
Dave Harding (Gawler)
North
Phil Lambert
South and country
Reception Officers
Monday:
Brenton Myall
Tuesday:
Ziggy Przedworski
Wednesday:
Phil Lambert
Thursday:
Keith Tainish, Karl Schwung
Committee meetings:- Held on the
Wednesday before the BBQ.
BBQ:- Second Friday of each month
SNAFU Editor
James Woite
Email all correspondence to
editorofsnafu@gmail.com
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CONTENTS
5___________ A letter from Grumpy
6___________ A letter from Mike
7___________ Controversy over military members‘ benefits/Response
9___________ Missing members
10__________ Senator wants mandatory gold cards
13__________ Male vs Female Logic
17__________ How times have changed…
19__________ Some wisdom from George Mansford
20__________ An intergenerational family study
22__________ Kel Ryan speaks of his pride as an Australian soldier
24__________ Social Groups lowdown
25__________ Virtual chats and how they are impacting vets
26__________ The heroics of ―Bud‖
27__________ Lexophilia - better not have Laugh-phobia!
28__________ Test your knowledge
30__________ English rules!
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PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Hello All.
It cannot be denied that 2014 had been a difficult and frustrating year with some decisions having
been made, will probably have to be revisited and looked at again.
The apparent fall off in attendance at BBQ‘s has been disappointing, but we still manage to have
fun and catch up with friends only seen at the barbies. The groups seem to be suffering a bit as
well, but this is mainly due to people travelling, and this is why I shall miss the Christmas Luncheon this year, as I will be overseas. I hope that all who attended were treated to a good feast and a
bit of fun.
I trust that you all had a good Festive Season with family and friends, and that the coming year is
good to you all. I also take this belated opportunity to wish you all to have had a Joyous Christmas
and Happy New Year celebrations.
2015 is the Centenary year of the Gallipoli Campaign, and I think that it would be good if we dedicate each BBQ to a major battle on the Gallipoli Peninsula for the year, with Lone Pine being the
one for April. Thoughts on this would be appreciated.
We are on the search for a new patron, as the now Governor of SA is unable to continue his patronage of the Federation due to the increased demand on his time and becoming Patron of many
more organisations. He will be greatly missed as he served us extremely well, and was a much
liked patron.
I encourage you all to take the time to look at the Leadlight window on the besser block, adjacent
to the Long Tan Cross. The Lead lighters have done a wonderful job of this, and it is to be highlighted on all ceremonial occasions. It is representative of all three services on the right hand
panel, with a lone bugler on the left hand panel and with the tri-service emblem on the main centre
panel. Take a look and be proud of our Lead lighters.
The Vietnam Veterans will have their last march and VV Day concert in 2015. I encourage as
many of you as possible set this day aside, attend the march and concert as are able. This will be
the last chance to meet up with en-masse your friends and comrades from the Vietnam conflict,
please don‘t pass it up.
Speaking of important marches to come, do not forget the centenary of ANZAC, this coming ANZAC Day. You don‘t have to march, just be there to honour ANZAC‘s past and present and let us
not forget all those who went before us and since.
May you all be in reasonably good health and still enjoying life.
Cheers, Grumpy
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FROM THE VP
Hi everybody and welcome to the new year.
I trust you all had a wonderful Christmas-New Year period, for any that did not, my commiserations and trust you look forward to the year getting better.
Some of our stalwarts will be spending some time away this year, the Caravan, Camping and
Off Road Group will be away for some time, including Anzac Day and will probably be away for
our Coral, Balmoral celebrations.
It IS going to be an exciting year, I'm sure the committee will be introducing some new and
innovative features during the year and hoping to take you with us in that endeavour.
Just a thought, but we were given no information re what we might expect on our RTA by
way of our reactions to service in South Viet Nam, do the troops these days get a heads up on
things like PTSD I wonder?
Just kicking around an idea, but could we introduce information evenings to bring together
both service personnel and their other (better?) halves to let them know what may be experienced
on RTA from any deployment, just because it might doesn't mean it will but forewarned is forearmed they say.
I'm sure that if we were to take on such a project we could get knowledgeable people to
speak to such a group, it would also assist our endeavour to include the newer service members in
our fold. There are sure to be those amongst us, wives and partners along with ex-service members who could speak from personal experience.
I watched an interesting film a while back, it is called ―The Ride‖, it is the story of four paraplegic/quadriplegic men who had vehicle accidents many years ago and their rides on quad bikes
to revisit the sites of their accidents. The traumas, determination and dedication of those men,
their partners and friends is extraordinary and I would recommend all to see it.
Thanks again for the commitment of the members who help out tirelessly during the year, to
those who man the fund-raising BBQs at 'Bunnings' and 'Dan Murphys', to Doc and the team that
caters for us on BBQ days in house, the office staff who spend more time working for the Federation than probably anyone else, it is appreciated, thank you.
To Evelyn Pitt, Faye Ellis and their team of energetic helpers Christmas Dinner was a great
success, everything went to plan, the Governor attended and so did Rosie, gosh it was good to see
her out and about, thank you Nac for sharing your beautiful lady with us again.
To Carol Davenport who sold me four times as many raffle tickets as usual but with the
usual (nothing) results, thank you for your effort over the year, (does this earn me Browny Points)
hope to get more winning tickets next year. Marg Cully, thanks for the work as Membership Officer.
Larry, MC of the year, thanks for your input, it takes a Governor to drag you away from the
microphone. Our radio crew won a prestigious award for their efforts during the year seems
speaking is going well for us.
To the backbone of the Federation's assistance to veterans, the pension officers and welfare
officers, thank you, your efforts are indeed worthwhile, you are recognised in the state for your
efforts.
To any and all that I have not named, thank you very much, your assistance is the reason that
the Federation can operate at all.
And, despite flogging the same ol' horse, here we go again, Welcome to 2015.
Cheers
Mike Hainsworth
Vice President
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CONTROVERSY OVER
MILITARY MEMBERS‘ BENEFITS
PERSONNEL,
COMMUNITY DISGUSTED
BY 1.5 PER CENT PAY RISE
AND LOSS OF LEAVE
A wave of anger has erupted from the ranks of the Australian Defence Force and the community
following the government‘s decision to cut pay and leave entitlements for military personnel.
The troops have been told to sacrifice leave entitlements in exchange for a 1.5 per cent pay rise
which is actually a pay cut with inflation running at 2.3 per cent a year.
―Having an effective pay cut is appalling in itself, but for families to give up leave for it — with
their dads, mums, partners is beyond the pale,‖ a serving soldier said in an email to the Defence
Force Welfare Association.
The association — the unofficial trade union for military personnel — has been inundated by
emails from serving personnel and others outraged by the move.
―Thanks government — definitely put the nail in the coffin for the many members that were considering discharging,‖ said one soldier.
―There haven‘t been any statements from the Major General level equivalent, as they wish to make
Lieutenant General, more pay in their pensions. No one at their level will put their name or signature to something that may jeopardise their entitlements. The sort of men to follow into battle,‖ a
Warrant Officer said.
―I‘ve just read the signal released by CDF which has a clear undertone of ‗it‘s the best deal we
could get, you should be thanking me‘. On the contrary, this deal should have never been put forward in the first place,‖ a defence member said.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott defended the move saying that 1.5 per cent was all the government
could afford.
―We‘d all like to pay our serving Defence personnel more but there‘s going to have to be very
tight pay restraint across the public sector, including with Defence personnel,‖ Mr Abbott said.
RSL National President Ken Doolan said the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal had no choice
but to tick off on the increase because it was already agreed by Defence Chiefs and the Government.
He said the system should be changed so the tribunal was only used to adjudicate in contested
cases.
―We remain very disappointed with the government‘s decision to grant an increase of just 1.5 per
cent,‖ Rear Admiral Doolan said.
Junior defence minister Stuart Robert has stated that the defence outcome will be the best across
the entire public service.
Civilian officials, including those working for defence, are being offered increases of below one
per cent for giving up long held conditions of employment. Unlike the military they can take industrial action.
National Secretary of the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) Nadine Flood told News
Corp Australia that the pay deal for the ADF was a ―very ugly outcome‖.
Ms Flood said many ADF members were partners of civilian defence officials and many public
servants had served in the military.
―People will not accept losing their rights for pay offers below one per cent a year. It is not going
to happen.‖
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RESPONSE TO ARTICLE
Here is a letter from a supporter to his local MP. It is reflective of the many comments already
seen on facebook.
―Good morning (Local MP‘s name)
I, and most of my friends, consider the government‘s recent pay rise awarded to our defence
personnel a very miserable and humiliating act.
As ‗we the people‘ will almost never be placed in harm‘s way, to treat our courageous men and
women in such abject disregard, by their elected officials, is a disgrace to the nation.
This seems yet another inglorious error by an over-zealous urge to cut ‗guvmint‘ expenditure
where it is most ill-advised to do so. Notwithstanding the professionalism of our esteemed warriors, to be serving under another government that seems to have little respect for their arduous
toils to defend our daily liberties - which, I suspect, most of us take for granted – this latest insult must have some demoralizing effect, to say the least.
As my representative in the government that has made such an insulting decision, please take
urgent action to remedy this matter; heaven will not help you at the next election unless you do
something about this, now.‖
It is personal letters like this that are effective. We do not want to provide you with a template letter but ask you to compose your own personal ones.
An ADSO Update will be sent to our whole network encouraging these actions.
Other activities are being planned. Your action suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Through the sterling work of DFWA‘s David Jamison, Alf Jaugietis and Les Bienkiewicz, DFWA/
ADSO has been recognised by the media as the go to representative group on this issue. You can
enhance that by personal contact with your local media
Special appreciation goes to Digger 55 for his outstanding production of the Diggers Dudded
video series.
Help please
Judith Elliot is trying to track down an old mate.
Arthur Aplin, Army Medical Orderly who served at
Amberly and then Viet Nam.
We were workmates and I have been wondering how
he is.
If you have any information could you please send
them to me or pass my email address onto Arthur.
Thank you
Judith Murison
Ex WRAAF
judith-warwick@hotmail.com
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FROM THE ‗CORAL‘ REUNION GROUP
Hi fellas, the following members of the ‗Coral reunion group‘ have moved & not advised their
new snail mail address.
(All returned RTS from the last Mail out !)
If you are a mate of theirs & you know where they‘ve gone to then let me know else they will be
removed from our Mail List next month.
This is their last known address:
Ken Martin 20 Wilson St Winton QLD A Coy
John Young 5 Coriander Cl Gracemere QLD A Coy
William Langford 37 Culcairn Dr
Frankston VIC 7 Pl
Ian Goodman PO Box Camden NSW D&E Pl
Len Gotting 28 Leonard St Boonah QLD 3 Pl
Bruce Medlin 136a Longleat Lane Kurmond NSW 8 Pl
Roy Lalor
25 Wangaree St Coomba Park NSW 1 Pl
Clyde Behan 26 Lowana Dr Villawood NSW 1 Pl
Ken Gablonski 16 Louis St Granville QLD C Coy
William Roberts PO Box Taroom QLD C Sqn
Brian Payne 43 Black River Rd QLD 9 Pl
Ronald Boyd 10 Moore St Willunga SA 1 Bn
Ronald Anderson 2/15 Kalang Ave Buff Point NSW D Coy
Wayne Hodge
40 Hawthorne St Sth Grafton NSW 2 Pl
John Ericson 95 Hillside Rd Avoca Beach NSW !02 Bty D Coy
Doug Lawrence 11 James St Windsor NSW D&E Pl
Ronald Moss PO BOX Geralton WA
D&E Pl
Ross Bland 7a Etta Rd Umina NSW 12 Fd
Bill White 28 Hampton St Toowoomba QLD NOK to Harry White
Kelvin Ferris 53 First Ave Rossmoyne WA 102 Bty
Eric Bishop PO Box Kurri Kurri
NSW C Sqn LAD
Thanks fellas…
Pepe
If any of our members know the whereabouts of any of these chaps please let Mike Hainsworth
know and the information will get to the right place.
Mike
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SENATOR WANTS
MANDARTORY GOLD CARDS
AUSTRALIAN TROOP DEPLOYMENT MUST COME WITH GOLD
CARD GUARANTEE:
LAMBIE
Palmer United Senator for Tasmanian has called for Australia‘s PM to give a guarantee that each
member of Australia‘s Military force deployed overseas to take action against Militants in Iraq,
automatically qualify for the Health Gold Card after they discharge from the ADF.
―I agree with a young Afghanistan veteran who said that - the granting of a Department of Veteran Affair‘s Health Gold Card should be a tick and flick exercise – a right of service for every
ADF member, Peace Keeper or Peace Maker who serves in war or warlike zones.‖ said Senator
Lambie.
―No ADF member who‘s served in combat zones should ever be forced to fight for a Gold Card
upon discharge. And yet the Gold Card fight is one of the biggest problems our Veterans confront
after facing the enemy. The automatic issue of Gold Cards to our Veterans would save money for
the government and also stop the significant additional psychological harm, which occurs after
they are forced to fight the government for the best medical treatment Australia can offer.
Our Veterans have earned the right to Australia‘s best medical treatment the moment they volunteered and put them-selves in harms way for our sake. Why has both Liberal and Labor Australian
governments forced some of our Veterans to wait up to 10 years and longer, before they receive a
Gold Health Card?
The common comment I hear from young Veterans is that they would rather fight the extremists
and terrorists overseas, than fight the bureaucrats and politicians back home. It‘s now up to Mr
Abbott to stop the cover up and reveal the true cost of war, before he sends more troops overseas.‖
said Senator Lambie.
―How much has Australia‘s medico/legal, military Gold Card assessment industry really cost the
tax payers over the years? And wouldn‘t that public money have been better spent on providing
medical treatment directly to our injured veterans – rather than on legal argument?
The doctors and lawyers who make billions of dollars a year as part of the Veterans Gold Card assessment and appointment process – would no longer be needed if the Health Gold Cards were just
automatically given to our young Veterans after they discharged from or defense force.
With a Veteran suicide rate of up to 30 per year (300 over the last decade – who knows the true
number, its officially covered up and kept secret!!?) – its time that Mr Abbott disclosed to the Australian public the true cost of war. It‘s an issue that I spoke to recently in Parliament* (see attached). And if the politicians who send our diggers overseas say we can‘t afford to look after our
returned Vets, then don‘t send them into harms way in the first place.‖ said Senator Lambie.
Contact 0407 904 134
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Colour pickies here
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MALE vs FEMALE LOGIC
Woman:
Do you drink beer?
Man: Yes
Woman:
How many a day?
Man:
Usually about 3
Woman:
How much do you pay per beer?
Man: R9.00
(This is where it gets scary!)
Woman:
And how long have you been drinking?
Man:
About 20 years, I suppose
Woman:
So a beer costs R9 and you have 3 a day which puts your spending each month at R810.
In one year, it would be approximately R9855 …correct?
Man:
Correct
Woman:
If in 1 year you spend R9855, not accounting for inflation, the past
20 years puts your spending at R197, 100, correct?
Man:
Correct
Woman:
Do you know that if you didn‘t drink so much BEER, that money could have been put in a step-up
interest savings account and after accounting for compound interest for the past 20 years, you
could have now bought a Ferrari?
Man:
Do you drink beer?
Woman:
No
Man:
Where‘s your Ferrari?
GIVE THAT MAN A COOPER’S!!!
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HOW TIMES HAVE CHANGED...
This is from the marketing boom of 1964 when
WD40 was released.
These days, they can’t even handle Baa Baa
Black Sheep. How would they go with this?
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Vets on Air, Tuesdays
1800– 2000 Hours
Vets on Air brings you news within our
veteran community and current events
along with music requests.
The program is broadcast via the world
wide web to all including our serving
overseas forces as well as nationally and
internationally i.e. Germany and England. It is well received with many
positive comments and requests from the
forces and other veterans emailed to the
program.
Messages to our overseas forces can be emailed to :
info@coastfm.com.au (Subject line: Vets On Air).
These messages will be inserted into out broadcast and we are sure, will be a great moral
boost for our service men and women serving overseas.
If you can‘t pick up 88.7 Coast FM on your radio, fire up the computer and bring up the
website, wwwcoastfm.com.au and activate radio reception, 6pm - 8pm (Adelaide time)
every Tuesday.
Vets On Air is proudly sponsored by
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THE VIETNAM VETERANS FEDERATION
Off Road Group
QUIZ NIGHT
Cash Prize For the Winning Table
Entry only $10 per head tables maximum of eight
7pm 14 March 2015
At 71a Addison Road Warradale
Fun and Games (not too hard)
Bring your own basket supper
Don’t have eight? That’s fine, we will pair you up with other
smart and sociable people
The bar will be open
Electronic devices permitted for 1 round only
Tickets from the office or phone 8296 2411
or from Evelyn at ronandevelyn2@bigpond.com
remember no kids unless they pay
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A VVF CHRISTMAS
The VVF Christmas party for 2014 has been run and done.
The party catered by the Texas Bull Machine and attended by 160 members and guests was held
last Friday at Addison Road Warradale.
The hall was set up by Evelyn Pitt and her band of ladies and pressed ganged workers. The hall
looked a treat with both inside and the verandah being used with the caterers camped on the grass
in a large tent.
I feel this gathering was one of the best we have had for a long time.
His Excellency the Governor came and was escorted by Larry Davenport. Many members got to
have a word with his Excellency as he made himself and them feel welcome. Nac bought his wife
ROSIE as you know she has had a serious stroke. The governor made a fuss of her. They came to
Australia on the same boat.
The food service was fast and the grub tasty and plentiful with backups for those who felt they
needed them. Special mention must go to Carol Davenport for the running of the raffle with great
prizes, including a gigantic basket of goodies donated by Kay and Eric Ceracovich. Sarah from
Bunnings won a prize in the raffle; we hope she enjoys the $100 Bunnings voucher.
Lots of net balls and basket balls, as well as insulated water bottles, were handed out courtesy of
the big green shed. Other prizes including the lovely quilt, which went first, the golf games, flight
simulator and Marion aquatic centre gym membership were all quickly snapped up.
It was great to see Paul Stein who is getting along great after his long illness.
The door prize was won by xxxxxxxxxxxxxx and the members draw was won by me, thank you.
At the end of the day the hall was restored to normal working order. Thanks to all who packed up.
I am sure all who attended had a great time as the photos speak for themselves, those of you who
did not get there I urge you to pencil us in early so you don‘t miss out next year.
Happy Christmas
Bob ELLIS
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SALTS, BLUE ORCHIDS
AND US
There has always been rivalry between all three military services but as for me, I now wave a flag
of truce as I reflect on days gone by in peace and war. There are so many memories, the reliable
and beloved Huey helicopter, the seemingly vulnerable spartan patrol boats and then of course
those magnificent aircraft, the Caribous which always seemed to be here, there and everywhere.
How many times did we wait, resting at a rarely used remote airstrip, dirty, tired and eager to be
gone from the bush? Listening for the familiar sounds of our saviour, the Caribou, which would
soon take us back to our base where there would be hot showers, food and then some leave to do
what soldiers like to do best and often. Suddenly there is the familiar drone of aircraft engines detected and a stirring restlessness spreads through the waiting group as diggers prepare to move.
The great relief as the now crowded Caribou becomes airborne and claws for height, yet seems
still to be labouring with its load, banging, clattering and shuddering. In its thin metal belly, old
soldiers doze and dream of what they might do; young ones shout above the deafening motors as
they yarn and boast of their exaggerated intentions on leave.
The Caribou was very much part of our life on deployments in OZ or overseas. I can still recall the
welcome airdrops of rations in New Guinea and forgave the RAAF crew returning to Lae for
showers, hot meals and luxury living. (Forgiveness was only temporary)
There was the time in Vietnam when a mate and I spotted a Caribou with a Kangaroo proudly displayed on the fuselage preparing to land on our short improvised air strip. It had been awhile since
we had seen fellow Aussies and better still, they had good old Bushels tea leaves aboard. It was
then I began to realise the RAAF despite its bad habits of insisting on luxury and countless rules
and regulations was not to be ignored. It was also that day when a lifetime friendship with one of
the pilots began.
I often think of the many Navy and RAAF I shared drinks with and will always hold in high regard
as comrades in arms. Jack Lynch and David Marlin immediately come to mind. That‘s a major
problem as we age; recognising such efforts and becoming sentimental about Navy and RAAF
bastards we served with. I‘ll have to toughen up.
Those Magnificent Caribou and Crew
For old warriors such as David Marlin and Jack Lynch
I‘m sure you recall those lumbering slow Caribou
In peace and war flying in support of me and you
Cramped, noisy, rattling, shuddering and no hostess in such planes
In headwinds it seemed you were going back from where you came
Touching down on a muddy air strip the size of a postage stamp
Daring take offs and landings in darkness with the aid of bright lamps
Carrying soldiers, ammo, stores and even live food
Welcome relief for distant outposts which caused good mood
News from home and precious OZ tea leaves always part of the job
Such thoughtful Caribou crews were most appreciated by our mob
Oh, there were times airdrops would come crashing from above
After cursing, a crumpled note is found; ―From the RAAF with love‖
History clearly records no matter when or where, they stood the test
Thanks Wallaby Airlines, you were bloody bonzer and the very best
George Mansford October 2014
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VIETNAM VETERANS FAMILY STUDY—AN
INTERGENERATIONAL STUDY
The Vietnam Veterans Family Study (VVFS) is the most significant research program ever
undertaken by the Australian Government into the health of the families of Australia‘s Vietnam
veterans.
The study examined the physical, mental and social health of Vietnam veterans and their families,
covering a broad range of health outcomes for these people.
Over 27,000 people participated in the studies, including Vietnam veterans, partners and their
children. Defence Force personnel of the same era who did not deploy to Vietnam, and their
families, participated in the study as a control group.
A Scientific Advisory Committee of independent research experts provided oversight of the study
and a Consultative Forum represented the veteran community perspective.
The study found that the majority of sons and daughters born to Vietnam veterans are leading
healthy and productive lives. However, analysis found that the families of Australia‘s Vietnam
veterans are more likely to have considerable emotional, physical, and social issues when
compared to families of those who served in that era but did not deploy to Vietnam.
When examining mortality amongst the children of Vietnam veterans, the research found that the
children of Vietnam veterans and Vietnam-era personnel had lower mortality rates when compared
to the general Australian population and that there were no significant differences in deaths from
cancer. Sons of Vietnam veterans deployed had a higher mortality rate compared with Vietnam–
era personnel from late teenage years to adulthood, largely due to external causes which include
car accidents, misadventure and suicide.
To see the full reports please follow these links:
Volume 1: Introduction and Summary of the Studies of Vietnam Veteran Families (PDF 614 KB)
Volume 1: Introduction and Summary of the Studies of Vietnam Veteran Families – (DOC 3 MB)
Volume 2: A Study of Health and Social Issues in Vietnam Veteran Sons and Daughters – (PDF
748 KB)
Volume 2: A Study of Health and Social Issues in Vietnam Veteran Sons and Daughters – (DOC
2.4 MB)
Volume 3: A Study of Mortality Patterns of Vietnam Veteran Families – (PDF 901 KB)
Volume 3: A Study of Mortality Patterns of Vietnam Veteran Families – (DOC 2.9 MB)
Volume 4: Supplementary Studies of Vietnam Veteran Families' Experiences – (PDF 2.3 MB)
Volume 4: Supplementary Studies of Vietnam Veteran Families' Experiences – (DOC 7.6 MB)
These reports are available at the DVA web site for anyone wishing to find out more about the
discovered facts.
The saddest part is the last paragraph, ―Sons of Vietnam veterans deployed had a higher
mortality rate compared with Vietnam–era personnel from late teenage years to adulthood,
largely due to external causes which include car accidents, misadventure and suicide.‖
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Christmas at the Fed
To everyone who helped clean and decorate the hall, put up the Christmas
tree, set all the tables and arrived early on Friday morning to set up outside thank you all so very much. It took the pressure off and helped to
make the day a great success. It was a wonderful day.
Thank you to Carol for her wonderful effort with the raffle. It was a
great success.
Also to Kaye Ciracovitch for her donation to the raffle, thank you, and to
Sarah Harris from Bunnings who helps us with the raffles all year. She is
a treasure.
I could not have coped, or made it such a success without you all.
Evelyn
Your reluctant co-ordinator
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I AM PROUD TO BE AN
AUSTRALIAN SOLDIER
From Kel Ryan
First off let me state for the record that as an ex-serviceman myself I have never been ashamed to
have been an Australian soldier nor will I ever be.
Let us leave such expressions as ‗I am ashamed to be Australian‘, to limp wristed writers, academics and left leaning commentators who have never experienced the exhilaration of military service,
the thrill of representing the nation both at home and overseas or the experience of leadership in a
military environment let alone in any field. Service overseas in areas of conflict, doing the nations
bidding, peacekeeping duties across the world, humanitarian tasks wherever and whenever
and simply serving in the military, are the core reasons why defence personnel ―sign‖ up.
The problem we have at present is that we have government representatives and a bureaucracy
that simply does not understand what service in ADF is all about. They do not understand the
unique nature of military service and are intent on equating everything that service personnel do to
that of a civilian, particularly a public servant who rarely if ever get out of their office and never
experiences being away from home either on exercise for up to six months of the year or being on
active service on constant rotation. We have a government that is afraid to acknowledge the
uniqueness of what service personnel do for fear of opening the flood gates of the public service
unions that seemingly work on the basis of wanting more but remain intent on doing less and going home each night safe and sound.
We have a situation where the points of difference between military service and its uniqueness and
that of the public service are now seen to be minimal. Why is that? Simply put why has the situation got to this point?
We, and I say we deliberately, have not fought the fight. We have not organised for the long term
but rather have relied on others to put their head above the parapet and failed to support them as
they toiled for fairness for our service personnel. We have too readily said ‗what is the RSL doing
about this?‘, ‗why don‘t the senior officer‘s fall on their swords over this pay issue?‘, or worse
still, ‗woe is me no one loves us!‘
The RSL gave up the fight for members of the ADF a long time ago. In the recent pay case it simply put in a one page submission to the determining authority which in essence said that as the decision has been made, we disagree with it but we accept it. That is not representation, that is not
lobbying, that is not fighting for your constituency rather that is throwing in the towel.
Senior officers have also in recent times been found wanting. They are not affected by the
1.5% pay increase decision as their pay is tied to that of the senior public servants so why should
they be concerned. Their pay increases in quantum amounts and above the CPI so the hurt is never
felt in the corridors of Russell Offices. One of the senior uniformed spokesman displayed his timidity on the issue by defending the decision on the grounds that ‗Australian service personnel are
well paid in comparison to those overseas‘ ignoring the obvious fact that they reside in the Australian economic environment and not in some unrelated foreign country.
Even those at the senior levels of the ADF cannot articulate a cogent or persuasive argument in
defence of the indefensible. They ignore the fact that these same affected ADF personnel continue
Continued on next page
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to strive for excellence and put up with the exigencies of service such as the constant cycle of
training, rotations, courses and two or three year postings simply to maintain the pride and the
reputation that the ADF has across the world. It is that reputation that the government relies on in
crises after crises to promote the nation on the world stage. That reputation has not been achieved
by working nine to five in an air conditioned office.
Politicians are also guilty as their income rises on a regular basis and in quantum amounts as do
their allowances and incidentals so there is no hurt felt by them. Politicians, even those who have
had recent service in the ADF have simply toed the party line, sat mute on the issues that affect us
and in the case of some spokesmen displayed an arrogance that does them no credit.
What is to be done? Advocacy or lobbying demands consistent and considered arguments over the
long term. Getting in the face of the politicians and abusing them or their staff does no credit and
does not advance the argument one iota. Rather it is damaging in the long term as likeminded people are all then grouped by this low common denominator. Considered and well-constructed arguments then fall on deaf ears and subsequently ADF personnel take two steps backwards.
I strongly encourage those people with concerns regarding ADF entitlements to join an ex-service
organisation and contribute to it with ideas, ammunition and energy. Don‘t simply join and leave
others to do the heavy lifting – contribute. The Defence Force Welfare Association (DFWA), the
Naval Association, the RAAF Association, the Royal Australian Regiment Association, the Australian Special Air Service Association and others have combined to form the Alliance of Defence
Service Organisation (ADSO) join one of them and become active in the development of issues
and considered discussions. If you think you can revitalise the RSL then join and become active.
Whatever you do, do not leave others to do the heavy lifting rather do something positive and be
constructive about your service in the ADF and never be ashamed to say ―I am a proud member of
the Australian Defence Forces!‖
Take care,
Kel Ryan
7 November 2014
Kel.ryan45@gmail.com
Ph: 0418 759 120
P.S.
These thoughts are in response to this article
http://www.news.com.au/technology/design/why-im-ashamed-to-be-an-australian-soldier-diggerspeaks-out-on-military-wages/story-fnpjxnlk-1227114540290
Thank you Phil
I don't know if this can go in you're magazine or not, but recently for the first time I had to reach
out for assistance of a veteran volunteer, to help me with a recent event with my husband.
I would just like to send a huge thank you to Phil Lambert . He recently went to what I would say
is above and beyond the call of duty to my husband, whom ended up in a country hospital, whilst
he was on a few days away from home. I am forever grateful for Phil's help, as I was totally unprepared and really did not know what to do. Never before has anyone
assisted my husband in such a way. My husband and I thank Phil for all he did. Truly a vet
helping a vet.
Thankyou again Phil
Vets Supporting Vets
Dianne Richards
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SOCIAL GROUPS
Social groups of the
Vietnam Veterans Federation
South Australia Inc.
Embroidery and Sewing Group
Monday 10.00am - 2.30pm
Tuesday Quilters
Tuesday 10.00am - 3.00pm
Gem Vets
2nd and 4th Tuesday every month 10.00am - 3.00pm
VCC&ORG
Monday after the VVF BBQ 10 am
Lead Light/Glass Fusion
Wednesday 1.00pm - 3.00pm
WACAS (We All Care and Support) Social outings for partners - contact Wendy
0400 570016
Federation monthly BBQ
1st and 3rd Friday of each month/cost $8.00 begins at
11.30am
The Blokes
Tony Hermanson awhermanson@bigbond.com or
0400 570 016
OR, RING THE VVF OFFICE DURING OFFICE HOURS FOR CONTACT INFORMATION
MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
IF YOU ARE UNFINANCIAL BY THE END OF FEBRUARY
YOU WILL NO LONGER RECEIVE COPIES OF SNAFU.
OUR FINANCIAL YEAR IS FROM
1ST JANUARY TO 31ST DECEMBER
(regardless of when you join)
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VIRTUAL CHATS HELP VETS PREPARE
FOR
SOCIAL REINTEGRATION
Together Strong is a
game-ified virtual chat app
that aims to help those
who are struggling to maintain friendships outside of the
military.
Going to war is an experience
that most civilians will never
even be able to imagine, and
many former soldiers struggle
to fit back into the humdrum routines of daily life easily once they've retired. We've already seen
platforms such as Incline, which serve to specifically help vets find jobs that fit the technical
knowledge they gained from military work. Now Together Strong is tackling the social side of
reintegration, using a game-ified virtual chat app to help those who are struggling to maintain
friendships outside of the military.
After spending years outside of civilian life, retiring soldiers can often find that the type of communication and friendships they had in the army are different to those found in everyday relationships. Topics such as personal problems, grief, stress and work matters can feel alien.
Available for free online, on the App Store or Google Play, the app uses conversational role play
scenarios that players need to navigate successfully in order to progress. Players choose what actions and comments to make during each conversation, and then receive personalized feedback
based on their choices. According to the developers, the app uses "extensive research in neuroscience, social cognition, and psychology", as well as input from service members and veterans, to
make the virtual conversations highly realistic.
Watch the video at http://www.springwise.com/virtual-chats-vets-prepare-social-reintegration to
see the app in action:
Designed for both individual use and for deployment among organizations that provide support to
vets, the app aims to improve the empathy, trust, and collaboration skills of those returning to civilian life. As well as improving their own relationships, Together Strong also works to help former soldiers provide support to others who may be struggling after leaving military service. Are
there other ways to help vets return to normality after serving their country?
Website: www.jointogetherstrong.com
Contact: info@kognito.com
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THE HEROICS OF ―BUD‖
Bud appeared before St Peter at the Pearly Gates.
"Have you ever done anything of particular merit?"
St. Peter asked.
"Well, I can think of one thing," Bud offered.
"On a trip to the Black Hills out in South Dakota, I came
upon a gang of bikers who were threatening a young blonde
woman.
I told them to leave her alone but they wouldn't listen.
So, I approached the largest and most tattooed biker and
smacked him in the face, kicked his bike over, ripped out
his nose ring, and threw it on the ground!
I yelled, ―Now, back off or I'll kick the shit out of all of
you!"
St. Peter was impressed. "When did this happen?"
"Oh, a couple of minutes ago..."
More from Christmas
2014
At the Federation.
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SOME PLAY ON THE SPORTING FIELD
OTHERS PLAY ON WORDS
Lexophilia "Lexophile" is a word used to describe those that have a love for words,
such as "you can tune a piano, but you can't tuna fish",
or "to write with a broken pencil is pointless."
A competition to see who can come up with the best lexophiles is held every year in an undisclosed location.
This year's winning submission is posted at the very end.
..When fish are in schools, they sometimes take debate.
.. A thief who stole a calendar got twelve months.
.. When the smog lifts in Los Angeles U.C.L.A.
.. The batteries were given out free of charge.
.. A dentist and a manicurist married. They fought tooth and nail.
.. A will is a dead giveaway.
.. With her marriage, she got a new name and a dress.
.. A boiled egg is hard to beat.
.. When you've seen one shopping centre you've seen a mall.
.. Police were summoned to a day care centre where a three-year-old was resisting a rest.
.. Did you hear about the fellow whose entire left side was cut off? He's all right now.
.. A bicycle can't stand alone; it's just two tired.
.. When a clock is hungry it goes back four seconds.
.. The guy who fell onto an upholstery machine is now fully recovered.
.. He had a photographic memory which was never developed.
.. When she saw her first strands of grey hair she thought she'd dye.
.. Acupuncture is a jab well done. That's the point of it.
And the cream of the twisted crop:
.. Those who get too big for their pants will be totally exposed in the end.
ALWAYS LAUGH WHEN YOU CAN ... IT'S CHEAP MEDICINE.
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DID YOU KNOW?
A SHOT OF WHISKEY
In the old west a .45 cartridge for a six-gun cost 12 cents, so did a glass of whiskey. If a cowhand
was low on cash he would often give the bartender a cartridge in exchange for a drink.
This became known as a "shot" of whiskey.
THE WHOLE NINE YARDS
American fighter planes in WW2 had machine guns that were fed by a belt of cartridges. The average plane held belts that were 27 feet (9 yards) long. If the pilot used up all his ammo he was said
to have given it the whole nine yards.
BUYING THE FARM
This is synonymous with dying. During WW1 soldiers were given life insurance policies worth
$5,000. This was about the price of an average farm so if you died you "bought the farm" for your
survivors.
IRON CLAD CONTRACT
This came about from the ironclad ships of the Civil War.
It meant something so strong it could not be broken.
PASSING THE BUCK/THE BUCK STOPS HERE
Most men in the early west carried a jack knife made by the Buck knife company.
When playing poker it as common to place one of these Buck Knives in front of the dealer so that
everyone knew who he was.
When it was time for a new dealer the deck of cards and the knife were given to the new dealer.
If this person didn't want to deal he would "pass the buck" to the next player.
If that player accepted then "the buck stopped there".
RIFF RAFF
The Mississippi River was the main way of travelling from north to south. Riverboats carried passengers and freight but they were expensive so most people used rafts. Everything had the right of
way over rafts which were considered cheap. The steering oar on the rafts was called a "riff" and
this transposed into riff-raff, meaning low class.
COBWEB
The Old English word for "spider" was "cob".
SHIP STATEROOMS
Travelling by steamboat was considered the height of comfort. Passenger cabins on the boats were
not numbered. Instead they were named after states. To this day cabins on ships are called staterooms.
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SLEEP TIGHT
Early beds were made with a wooden frame. Ropes were tied across the frame in a crisscross pattern.
A straw mattress was then put on top of the ropes. Over time the ropes stretched, causing the bed
to sag.
The owner would then tighten the ropes to get a better night's sleep.
SHOWBOAT
These were floating theaters built on a barge that was pushed by a steamboat.
These played small town along the Mississippi River.
Unlike the boat shown in the movie "Showboat" these did not have an engine.
They were gaudy and attention grabbing which is why we say someone who is being the life of the
party is "showboating".
OVER A BARREL
In the days before CPR a downing victim would be placed face down over a barrel and the barrel
would be rolled back and forth in a effort to empty the lungs of water. It was rarely effective. If
you are over a barrel you are in deep trouble.
BARGE IN
Heavy freight was moved along the Mississippi in large barges pushed by steamboats.
These were hard to control and would sometimes swing into piers or other boats. People would say
they "barged in".
HOGWASH
Steamboats carried both people and animals. Since pigs smelled so bad they would be washed before being put on board. The mud and other filth that was washed off was considered useless "hog
wash".
CURFEW
The word "curfew" comes from the French phrase "couvre-feu", which means "cover the fire".
It was used to describe the time of blowing out all lamps and candles.
It was later adopted into Middle English as "curfeu", which later became the modern "curfew".
In the early American colonies homes had no real fireplaces so a fire was built in the center of the
room.
In order to make sure a fire did not get out of control during the night it was required that, by an
agreed upon time, all fires would be covered with a clay pot called-a "curfew".
BARRELS OF OIL
When the first oil wells were drilled they had made no provision for storing the liquid so they used
water barrels.
That is why, to this day, we speak of barrels of oil rather than gallons.
HOT OFF THE PRESS
As the paper goes through the rotary printing press friction causes it to heat up. Therefore, if you
grab the paper right off the press it‘s hot. The expression means to get immediate information.
Now, you know!
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English prevails over German
The European Commission has just announced an agreement
whereby English will be the official language of the European Union
rather than German, which was the other possibility.
As part of the negotiations, the British Government conceded that
English spelling had some room for improvement and has accepted a
5- year phase-in plan that would become known as "Euro-English".
In the first year, "s" will replace the soft "c"..
Sertainly, this will make the sivil servants jump with joy.
The hard "c" will be dropped in favour of "k".
This should klear up konfusion, and keyboards kan have one less letter.
There will be growing publik enthusiasm in the sekond year when the
troublesome "ph" will be replaced with "f".
This will make words like fotograf 20% shorter.
In the 3rd year, publik akseptanse of the new spelling kan be expekted to reach the stage where more komplikated changes are possible.
Governments will enkourage the removal of double letters which
have always ben a deterent to akurate speling.
Also, al wil agre that the horibl mes of the silent "e" in the languag is
disgrasful and it should go away.
By the 4th yer people wil be reseptiv to steps such as replasing "th"
with "z" and "w" with "v".
During ze fifz yer, ze unesesary "o" kan be dropd from vordskontaining "ou" and after ziz fifz yer, ve vil hav a reil sensi bl riten styl.
Zer vil be no mor trubl or difikultis and evrivun vil find it ezi TU understand ech oza. Ze drem of a united urop vil finali kum tru.
Und efter ze fifz yer, ve vil al be speking German like zey vunted in
ze forst plas.
If zis mad you smil, pleas pas on to oza pepl.
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