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RAAFVVA Newsletter - December 2011
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RAAF Vietnam Veterans
Association (Vic)
ABN 34 550 672 219
NEWSLETTER
December 2011 www.raafvva.org.au
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RAAFVVA NEWSLETTER
The official journal of the RAAF Vietnam Veterans Association (Vic), a Sub-Branch of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Victorian Branch Incorporated.
(Reg. No. A0029247G. ABN 34 750 672 219)
Patron: Air Vice Marshal E. M. Weller AM
PRESIDENT Lee Scully Phone (03) 9827-8313
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Nick LeRay-Meyer AM Phone (03) 9386-6961
VICE PRESIDENT Gareth Davis Phone (03) 9878-7940
SECRETARY Rick Holmes PO Box 462
Ascot Vale Vic 3032
Phone (03) 9317-7304
TREASURER Maree Jongkryg PO Box 73
Melton Vic 3337
Phone (03) 9743-1273
WELFARE OFFICER Lee Scully Phone (03) 9827-8313
ASST SEC/MEMBERSHIP Gareth Davis Phone (03) 9878-7940
COMMITTEE MEMBER Alan White Phone (03) 9598-1007
COMMITTEE MEMBER Pieter Jongkryg Phone (03) 9743-1273
COMMITTEE MEMBER Bob Brackin Phone (03) 5261-2630
COMMITTEE MEMBER Andy Lapins Phone (03) 9511-4693
COMMITTEE MEMBER Geoff Rose Phone (03) 9372-7709
COMMITTEE MEMBER Neil Morgan Phone (03) 9687-8871
COMMITTEE MEMBER Peter Raymant Phone (03) 9583-1053
WEBMASTER Anthony (Tony) Pahl OAM [email protected] SPECIAL PROJECTS Nick LeRay-Meyer AM Phone (03) 9386-6961
RAAF REGIONAL ADVOCACY, WELFARE AND PENSIONS OFFICERS
Bill Wiltshire (Advocacy, Pensions & Welfare) Melton Phone (03) 9746-9582
Ron McMullen (Pensions & Welfare - information only) Laverton Phone (03) 9746-9582
David Taffe (Welfare & Pensions) Kilmore Phone (03) 5782-2779
Lee and Ellen Scully (Welfare) Melbourne Metro Area Phone (03) 9827-8313
Gill Coughlan (Welfare) Melbourne Area Phone 040 850 3986
Andy Lapins (Welfare) Melbourne Area Phone (03) 9511-4693
VETERANS’ CENTRES SUPPORTED BY RAAFVVA
Western Suburbs Veterans and Services Centre Phone (03) 9746-9582 Fax (03) 9746-9583
Melbourne Veterans and Services Centre Phone (03) 9282-3518 Fax (03) 9282-7854
DISCLAIMER
The material, comments and/or extracts of articles appearing in the “RAAF VIETNAM VETERANS NEWSLETTER” is of a
general nature only and neither purports to be, nor is intended to be, advice on any particular matter. No person should act on the
basis of any material contained in the NEWSLETTER without considering, and if necessary, taking appropriate professional advice
upon their circumstances. The RAAFVVA Committee, the authors and publisher expressly disclaim all and any liability to any
person, in respect of anything done or omitted to be done by any such person in reliance, whether whole or partial, upon the whole or
part of the contents of the “RAAFVVA NEWSLETTER”. Any member of the RAAFVVA, or other veteran organisation or any
interested party may submit articles, letters, and advertisements for publication in the NEWSLETTER. The Committee and
Publisher reserve the right to veto any such article, letter or advertisement.
EDITOR: RAAFVVA Committee PUBLISHER: Geoff Rose
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PRESIDENT’S REPORT
We are rapidly approaching a period of the year that is special for many Australians – old and new. Christmas/New Year can be a time for both celebration and reflection, and one that evokes both happy and sad memories. Let’s spare a thought for those who have lost a loved one (particularly during 2011), and don’t forget our ADF people still serving overseas, returned veterans from the current conflicts, and their families. They have all earned our respect and thanks, and we extend our best wishes to those still in Afghanistan for a safe tour and quick return home.
The ADF has a “Christmas 2011 Goodwill Care Package” programme for members serving overseas. I am pleased to report that your Association recently donated $500 towards Care Package costs, with a Committee Member adding another $100. Overall a total of $1700 was raised,
thanks to a $500 contribution by the Air Force Association (Victoria), and a gift of $600 from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (Masonic) Lodge.
Purchase of goodies and packaging was organized by the AFA at Hawthorn. A big “Thanks and Well Done” to everyone involved, and I am sure our people still at the sharp end in Afghanistan will welcome the packages as a thought from home.
You will find Voting Slips with the Newsletter seeking member’s views on the proposal to amalgamate with the Air Force Association (Victoria). The question of our future as an Association has been canvassed in previous Newsletter Issues, and is highlighted again in this Issue. Please give this important matter serious consideration before you vote. Irrespective of the outcome of your vote and any determination made at the 2012 Annual General Meeting in February 2012, rest assured we will maintain an active and on-going involvement with the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia (Victoria) until its eventual closure.
Your Committee has had a busy and productive year, and I believe we have represented our members very effectively during 2011. My thanks go to our hardworking Committee Members and their supportive partners. While we all give our best, our Secretary, Rick Holmes, remains the engine room of the Association and definitely needs a break! Anyone interested in nominating for the job for 2012 would be welcomed, and Rick is waiting to hear from you!!!!!
May you and your family members all have a safe and happy Christmas/New Year, with good health and fortune in 2012.
Kind regards,
Lee
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Please consider the following extract from a Discussion Paper by the Victorian State Branch of VVAA, dated 12 Sep 11
“UNDER OUR OWN CONTROL” A DISCUSSION PAPER ON THE PATH TO AN ORDERLY CLOSURE OF VVAA VIC
Background Special interest groups - such as the Victorian State Branch of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia - that are established to meet a specific need or the needs of a specific sector of society, typically have a finite life. The demise of such organisations can occur due to factors such as the satisfaction of the original need, the irrelevance of the organisation due to the passage of time, changed community attitudes or modern alternatives, membership loss, and ultimately the passing of the sector of society for which the organisation was established. Readily identifiable examples of such organisations are WWII unit associations that are now either in rapid decline as the members pass on, or in many cases, have already ceased to exist. Despite the best of intentions of next of kin and other interested parties to keep the flag flying, these unit associations fundamentally wither on the vine as the members die out: they gradually lose the capacity to meet, conduct association business or provide welfare support to members, and when the last member dies, they cease to exist in the form originally conceived by the founders.
It is a common experience with these WWII unit associations that they have neglected to confront their own mortality and to make preparations for their ultimate demise. This leads to an unsatisfactory “wrapping up of affairs” - where others are left to make decisions in relation to the disbursement of association assets and memorabilia - rather than an organised and dignified closure of the association that is in keeping with the wishes of the original members.
Aims The aims of this discussion paper are to outline the key principles guiding the creation and implementation of a closure plan and to generate discussion and actions towards identifying key events that will trigger closure activity across the branch structure.
Now is your chance! No, we are not deserting the Vietnam Veterans’ Association. RAAFVVA will remain a sub branch of the VVAA - until the end. However, a vote in favour of becoming a branch of the RAAFA will simply ensure our future with that Association, and prevent the RAAFVVA from fading, with the VVAA, into history. Previous Newsletters described your committee as being pro-active. Why wait the 2 or 3 years for VVAA to close? Act now. A Voting Form, combined with your 2012 Annual Subscription Notice, is included with this Newsletter. Please complete both forms and return to RAAFVVA as soon as possible. Not only do we look forward to your vote, but encourage any comments you may have concerning the future of RAAFVVA. Please utilize the space provided on the form to let us know your thoughts.
AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION
& RAAF VIETNAM VETERANS ASSOCIATION
WHAT WILL THE FUTURE HOLD?
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NOTICE BOARD
NOTICE OF THE 2012 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Sunday, 12th February 2012
The Annual General Meeting of the RAAF Vietnam Veterans Association will be held on Sunday 12th February 2012 commencing at 1400 hours. The venue is the RAAF Association Headquarters (Victorian Air Forces' Centre), 24-36 Camberwell Road, East Hawthorn, Vic 3123.
Any financial member who wishes to raise an item of general business is requested to notify the Secretary prior to the AGM. All committee positions are open for nomination from any financial member of the Association prior to 31st January 2012. Nominations for other than Executive Committee positions will be accepted up to the election of office bearers. Members may nominate themselves without having to have another member second the nomination. Nomination Forms are available from the Secretary.
A light lunch of finger food will be provided prior to commencement of the AGM and on completion liquid refreshment will be available. It is a great opportunity to have a mini reunion.
AGENDA
1. Opening – ODE 2. Presidents welcome and general announcements 3. Presentation of Air Force Association Bursary Certificates 4. Attendance Register 5. Apologies 6. Acceptance of previous Minutes 7. Business arising from those Minutes 8. Financial report for year ending 31st December 2011 9. Correspondence 10. General Business
Membership report for previous year
Membership as at AGM
Badge Week Fundraising and donation recognition
Result of membership ballot re RAAFVVA future and transfer to AFA 11. President's Report and questions from the floor 12. Election of Office Bearers 13. Honours and Awards 14. Closure
This AGM will be an important milestone in the history of your Association. If possible, please attend and participate in the decision making. The committee is seeking membership support for RAAFVVA to become a branch of the Air Force Association. We need your opinion.
ANNUAL RAAFVVA MEMBERSHIP FEES
Annual Membership Fees are due and payable on 1st January 2012.
Please be advised that cheques received in late December will not be banked until early January, and therefore, receipts and Membership Card will be posted during January.
When forwarding your subscription, please notify any changes to your address details, and if you have not already done so, please also advise your Email Address.
Donations (always welcome) can be included on the form and a separate receipt will be issued.
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*CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS - 31st January, 2012*
The Royal Australian Air Force Association (Vic) Foundation in conjunction with the Royal Australian Air Force Vietnam Veterans Association (Vic) has established an annual Bursary for eligible dependents. The annual Bursary, administered by the RAAF Vietnam Veterans Association (RAAFVVA), is intended to assist the children, grandchildren, adopted and foster children of primarily RAAF Vietnam Veterans who are enrolled, undertaking or are about to undertake recognised academic or vocational courses of education and training.
The Bursary represents another facet of the assistance both Associations are delivering to former and serving RAAF members and their families.
Eligibility
The child, adopted child or grandchild of a person with operational service, or three
or more years continuous full time service, as a member of the Australian Air Force.
A stepchild or foster child is eligible, if they have resided with or been financially
supported by the veteran step parent or foster parent, for five of the last ten years.
Under the age of 25 when applying unless exceptional circumstances, related to the
veteran’s service, exist.
Enrolled in (or planning to enrol in) any recognized educational or training course.
Any activity or representation associated with any recognized educational or
training course.
Note: 1. Applicants may apply separately or be nominated by any member of the RAAF
Vietnam Veterans Association.
2. When completing the Application Form, please ensure you advise the
educational or training course you are undertaking (or planning to undertake).
3. Previous scholarship winners are entitled to reapply.
More details, including application forms, on "Bursary" page of our website:
www.raafvva.org.au
*CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS - 31st January, 2012*
AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION
VIETNAM VETERANS BURSARY
2012
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RAAFVVA Monthly Luncheon Due to popular demand, one more monthly luncheon is planned for this year, to be held on Wednesday, 14 December at the Duke of Kent Hotel - located at 293 Latrobe Street, City, directly opposite the ‘Argus Centre’, the home of DVA’s Melbourne offices.
Generally, our monthly luncheons are planned for the third Wednesday of each month. Dates for 2012 are yet to be finalized, but will be posted on our website as soon as available.
*RAAFVVA recommends you contact our member, Dan Nebauer, for your next trip to Asia.
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OUT AND ABOUT
Annual Pilgrimage to Point Cook – Sunday 13 November 2011
The Annual Pilgrimage to Point Cook continues a tradition begun over 60 years ago by members of the Australian Flying Corps Association (AFCA), which, in Victoria, later became the Australian Flying Corps Branch of the RAAFA. The AFCA contemplated a memorial over a number of years and finally settled upon the present design and chose Point Cook as its location. The memorial was given into the custody of the RAAF at a ceremony on 16 November 1938. The presentation was made by Mr A E (later Sir Albert) Chadwick and accepted by Chief of Air Staff, AVM (later AIRMSHL Sir Richard) Williams.
In the late 1980s, when the number of members of the AFC Branch had fallen to the point that the Branch could no longer maintain the tradition of the Pilgrimage, alone, the then State Council of the Division of the RAAFA agreed to accept the responsibility for conducting the Pilgrimage.
The Pilgrimage is held in November, as close as practicable to the anniversary of the World War 1 armistice, because its original purpose was to pay tribute to the members of the AFC who served during that conflict. The inscription on the memorial reads: “Dedicated to the glorious memory of our comrades of the Australian Flying Corps, Royal Naval Air Service, Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force who at the birth of the air service during the Great War 1914-1919 made the supreme sacrifice and whose sacred trust of imperishable honour and duty to country now given into the keeping of the Royal Australian Air Force Association”.
It was not until 1973 that a bronze plaque was added to the memorial’s base bearing the inscription: “In Memory of Members of the Royal Australian Air Force Association who served in the 1939-45 War and subsequent Wars.”
Approximately 60 people attended this year’s pilgrimage and despite overcast skies and occasional light showers, the service was conducted at the preferred location of the AFC Memorial, situated on the northern end of Point Cook’s parade ground. The ceremony commenced with March On of the AFC Colours, and MC, Rick Holmes, introduced Nick LeRay-Meyer to provide the Welcome Address, and Chaplain Keith Lanyon led the payers.
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Lee Scully laid a wreath on behalf of RAAFVVA.
21 Squadron Bugler sounded the Last Post, before one minute’s silence.
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Commemoration Walls have been constructed behind the AFC Memorial, and the pilgrimage presented an opportunity to unveil and dedicate two new plaques. One, “Commemorating the 90th Anniversary of the Departure of the AFC from the United Kingdom to Australia” and the other, “Dedicated to Air Crew personnel who trained under the Empire Training Scheme”.
Nick LeRay-Meyer, as Vice President of the AFA (Vic), unveiled the second Plaque.
The new Walls provide a location for plaques dedicated to RAAF personnel who served in conflicts, past, present and future. The RAAF Vietnam Plaque, unveiled on 28th March 2010, has been relocated to the Memorial Wall, west side, and as pictured below, is co-sited with a plaque honouring RAAF personnel who served in the Korean War.
Following the ceremonies, all were invited to enjoy a BBQ lunch, provided by the AFA, perfectly cooked by Executive Director and State Secretary, Gordon Caley, and his capable assistants.
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Phillip Island – Sunday 27 November
Some RAAFVVA members arrived on Phillip Island on the Saturday and enjoyed the company and hospitality of local resident, ‘Snow’ Coughlan, for an evening of wining and dining at the Cowes RSL. It was a good night, but the picture above depicts more members, who attended the NVVM the next morning for the Museum’s second annual ‘Back to Museum Day’. This year’s ceremony took place on the recently concreted floor, within the now fully walled second hanger. A pair of upturned wings, from the partially restored Canberra aircraft, provided an impressive backdrop. Museum President, Gary Parker, gave a brief rundown of the history, state of progress, and future plans for the NVVM, and introduced Mr Bon Nguyen, President of the Vietnamese Community in Australia (Victorian Chapter). Mr Nguyen spoke of past co-operation between Australia and the South Vietnamese and the debt Vietnamese people owe to the Australian soldiers who helped fight for freedom in their country. He mentioned the strong desire of the Australian Vietnamese community to forge closer ties with Australian Vietnam Veterans and offered whatever assistance possible to continue supporting our veterans and the Museum. Mr Nguyen also expressed concerns of the Vietnamese Community in Australia regarding the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the RSL and the Veterans Association of Vietnam (VAV). To allay any fears, Gary made it clear to the Vietnamese representative, and all present, that the MOU was “dead in the water”. As a demonstration of future co-operation between Australian veterans and Vietnamese veterans in Australia, the President of the NVVM stated an intention to invite a number of Vietnamese representatives to become members of the Board of Trustees of the Museum. This was greeted with approval and applause from all present.
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Mr Bon Nguyen expressing a desire for closer ties with Australian Vietnam veterans
John Methven OAM, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, introduced the new Patron, AVM Alan Reed AO, and stated pleasure in the fact that the Museum now has a Patron who is ex RAAF. Mr Methven elaborated, describing the Museum as being for the memory of all Vietnam veterans and as such, encourages contributions and participation from personnel of all three services.
AVM Alan Reed AO, the newly appointed Patron of the Nation Vietnam Veterans Museum
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After completion of proceedings in the hangar, the Museum Chaplain, Laurie Dawson, conducted a short service and wreath-laying ceremony in the Garden of Reflection.
VVAA (Vic) Acting President, Jim Coghlan, AVM Alan Reed AO, Mr Bon Nguyen, and Mr Phong Nguyen.
Vietnamese community representatives bow in prayer after laying their wreath at the Long Tan Cross replica in the Garden of Reflection.
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DID YOU KNOW?
The President and Committee Wish All Members and Their Loved Ones a Very Merry Christmas
and Safe, Happy and Prosperous 2012
Christmas Parcels for RAAF Personnel in the MEAO
Another example of close co-operation between RAAFA and RAAFVVA has been the recent
purchase of goodies and packaging of Christmas Parcels for transportation and distribution to
RAAF personnel on active service in the Middle East Area of Operations.
A total of $1700 was provided by three organizations: $600 from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Lodge (of which Nick LeRay-Meyer is the current Master). RAAFVVA provided another $600,
including an individual $100 donation from Neil Morgan, and $500 from the Air Force Association.
Boxes were limited to a maximum weight of 2 kgs and included a variety of goodies selected from
the following items: ANZAC Biscuits, Arnotts Shapes, Coles Yogurt Top/Chewy Top biscuits,
Walkers Shortbread, Vegemite, Capilano Honey, Beechworth Honey, Beer Nuts, Nobby's Salted
Peanuts, Allen's Proudly Aussie Mix, Cheesybites, Milo Bars, Capricorn Choc Bullets, Coles
Liquorice Allsorts, Pringles Crisps, Grain Waves Crisps, Goulburn Valley Fruit Packs, Golden
Circle Pineapple and (believe it, or not), Beef Jerky
Also, placed in the boxes were cards from the three organizations and RAAFA provided an extra
bonus for RAAF Victorian members upon their return, of membership to ‘Friends of the Zoo’, or a
voucher covering the cost of a Dinner for Two.
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‘FAIR GO’
There are two new video releases available featuring AVM Peter Criss. One clip explains how he
became involved in the Fair Go Campaign and the other reveals some hard hitting truths about
the Matthews Review. You can see them here "Fair Go!"
We are concerned we may not be achieving the viral penetration of the wider community that we
intended with these videos.
The AVM Peter Criss series of videos was made specifically with the aim of getting the message to
the general public as well as the Defence Family.
But to reach the wider community we have to rely on you, your members and their supporters to
take positive action as “agents and advocates” to further distribute the link beyond their own
military contacts by using email and facebook etc.
We need to be up front with our members and supporters and ask them do this every time we
release any video or other promotional matter. Just explaining where to find the video doesn’t cut
it: we need everyone to take positive action.
The Fair Go video has to date only attracted 700 hits and 5 comments after going live two weeks
ago. This tells us that not only are we not reaching the wider public to any significant extent, but
many ADSO members on our direct contact lists have not even looked at it, let alone further
distributed it.
I welcome any thoughts you might have to get the message out more effectively through the
DFWA network, but at the very least, could you please add the following words when you forward
the video link on to all your contacts:
“Most importantly, to help support the campaign, please pass the link on to your own social
networks, including friends and family and all of your other contacts, both military and
civilian, and add the link to your facebook page if you have one.”
In this way, you will be helping to "protect the protectors"
Regards,
Rob Shortridge
President, DFWA QLD Inc
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Caribous back in the Air
The Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) has acquired two ex RAAF Caribous to add to their expanding collection of aircraft based at Albion Park, NSW.
Thanks to HARS Caribou Project Manager/Co-ordinator, Doug Hayward, and the dedication and hard work of these blokes pictured above, the two Caribous (A4-210 and A4-234) were made airworthy and flown from the storage location at Oakey Army Aviation Base in QLD to their new home, just south of Wollongong, NSW.
The first aircraft was delivered on 30th October, and crewed by pilots, Flt Lt Chris Jaensch and Capt Chris Joynson, FE, Sgt David East and LAME, Bill Smith. ‘234’ completed the journey on 2nd November, with pilots, Bob Hazell and Kent Corney, FE Bob St John and LAME Clive Gibbons. Doug Hayward was also on board, as a very interested observer.
About to ‘Kiss the Earth’, following an uneventful trip down the coast.
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RAAFVVA donated to assist with the cost of restoration of these aircraft. The Caribou’s unequalled versatility is destined to become a major attraction at air shows across the country.
Safe and sound, under cover, and to be very well cared for, A4-210 ‘snuggles’ into its new home, with new ‘stable mates’, Harvard, Neptune and Cobra gunship.
THIS IS WHAT WE LIKE TO SEE: A PERSONAL LETTER – WITH MEMORIES FOR US ALL TO SHARE. (We’d also love to hear from anyone else who has a tale to tell)
In 1965, I was a RAAF Nursing Sister doing Medevacs from Vietnam to
Butterworth. We often landed at Vung Tau and were greeted warmly by the
Caribou crews there - as we had known many of them at Richmond.
One trip I remember, Barbie Carroll and I were taken to the aircrew Villa to
freshen up and have a cuppa. There were two large pictures, one of the Queen
and one of the Duke of Edinburgh hanging in the foyer of the villa.
During the visit Noel Bellamy asked me, had I seen what the Duke wore under
his kilt? Innocent and naïve I did what I was told and moved the picture from
the wall.
Behind the picture was a huge gecko and of course I made the appropriate
comments about size – much to the amusement of the gathered group.
It was not until I got back to Butterworth and had unloaded the casualties that I
had time to think about the day’s events. Oh boy was I embarrassed! Anon.
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HEALTH AND WELFARE
ARE YOU ENTITLED TO A DVA GOLD CARD?
The government has granted the Gold Card to all veterans with qualifying service over the age of 70 as of 1 July 2002, but many are not aware of what else they may be eligible for and many are not aware of why they may be entitled to the Gold Card.
These reasons may include:-
Veterans receiving a disability pension at 100% or more of the general rate.
Intermediate rate pensioners.
Extreme Disablement Adjustment (EDA) pensioners.
Special Rate pensioners: i.e. T&PI & ‘Blinded’ veterans.
Veterans receiving a disability pension at or above 50% of the general rate and receiving any amount of service pension.
Veterans receiving a disability pension including an additional amount for specific service-related amputations or blindness in one eye.
Veterans receiving a service pension and whose income and assets are below certain prescribed limits.
World War 2 returned servicewomen of Australia's defence force who have 'qualifying service' as defined under the VEA.
War Widows/Widowers and eligible dependants of a deceased veteran, whose death has been accepted as war caused.
All veterans of Australia's defence force, including Australian mariners, who are aged 70 years and over and who have qualifying service as a result of their service during World War 2.
As of 1 July 2002, all Australian veterans who are 70 years of age and over and who have qualifying service (from post World War 2 conflicts).
Former members of the ADF who are eligible for a Special Rate Disability Pension under the MRCA.
Former members of the ADF with an impairment rating of 60 or more impairment points under the MRCA.
Former members of the ADF with an impairment rating of 30 or more impairments points under the MRCA and receiving any amount of service pension under the VEA and whose income and assets are below certain prescribed limits.
All MRCA members who are 70 years of age (and over) who have rendered warlike service on or after 1 July 2004; and
A wholly dependent partner and “Eligible Young Person” (EYP) of a former ADF member who is entitled to compensation for the member’s death under the MRCA. To qualify as an “Eligible Young Person” under the MRCA, the child of the deceased member must be less than 16 years of age or aged between 16 and 25 and undertaking full-time study and not in full-time employment.
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HOW FOOD AFFECTS YOUR MIND By Sandra Dubs, and posted in Well Being Natural Health & Living News, 18 Oct 10.
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SECRETARY'S SNIPPETS
Hi all
A number of things, firstly, don’t forget the Air Force
Association/RAAFVVA Bursaries, applications close end of
January 2012.
Secondly, most importantly, vote!!! We need you, as our
membership to ratify our move to the Air Force
Association, as a sub branch, at our 2012 AGM. We will
still remain as a sub branch of the VVAA Vic. Details
elsewhere in this Newsletter. It is most important that
you cast an opinion!
The Annual Pt Cook Pilgrimage was held on Sunday the 13th
of November. A small crowd but a moving ceremony
conducted by Padre Keith Lanyon. After the main ceremony
Plaques were unveiled at the newly constructed Australian
Flying Corps (AFC) Memorial Commemoration Wall. (Get
down to the wall and have a look – a pat on the back to John
McCrystal and his team).
The first Plaque was to commemorate and dedicate the 90th Anniversary of the Departure of the AFC from the United Kingdom to Australia. The second Plaque was dedicated to Air crew personnel who trained under the Empire Air Training Scheme. A BBQ lunch was provided by the Air Force Association after these formalities.
Back to the National Vietnam Veterans Museum day was held on Sunday the 27th of November.
A most moving day with our own AVM Al Reed AO installed and welcomed as the new National
Vietnam Veterans Museum Patron. Museum Sub Branch President Gary Parker welcomed all
including many from the Vietnamese community. After the ceremony was almost over the entire
throng sang, firstly the Australian National Anthem, sent goose bumps up my spine (I have never
heard this, our national song sung in such harmony, rich in male voices from the assembled
members – almost like a Gregorian chant). Secondly, the Vietnamese National Anthem was
equally stirring. Wreath laying in the Garden concluded the ceremony. For me a most moving
experience. See pics elsewhere in this Newsletter.
Finally I will be taking a short break over Xmas with family. I wish you all a safe and happy festive
season and look forward with relish to our challenges in 2012.
Regards to you all,
Rick
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THE PADRE’S PAGE
WHAT IS CHARACTER?
Bill Hybels, a Baptist Preacher in America, has written
an interesting book entitled “Who You Are When No
One’s Looking”.
In it he says - Character, a wise person once said, is what
we do when no one is looking. It is not the same as
reputation – what other people think of us. It is not the
same as success or achievement. Character is not what
we have done, but who we are. And although we often
hear of tragic lapses of character, describing its absence
does not tell the whole story.
Character cannot be developed through good resolutions
and checklists. It usually requires a lot of hard work, a
little pain and years of faithfulness before any of the
virtues are consistently noticeable in us.
No matter how wonderful your character is, it will never
be wonderful enough to earn God’s approval. As
important as character is, it is not a way to earn
salvation. That is because salvation cannot be earned –
not even by courage, discipline, vision, endurance and
love.
Salvation is a gift from the Heavenly Father to us, it cost
Him everything – the death of his beloved only Son. It
cost us nothing. Hard work cannot earn it. Neither can
good behaviour nor sterling character. The only way
we can enjoy a relationship with God is by coming to
Jesus Christ, our hands outstretched and empty, and
saying, “Lord, I want to follow you. Please take me
into your family, scrub me, give me new clothes and
make me like you.” And Jesus will do exactly that. He
will take us as we are and assure us that we are His fore-
ever. Then, slowly at first, but surely, He will mould us and shape us until we resemble Him.
How much time each day do you take to make yourself look good? How much time each day do
you take to develop your inner character? Knowing how God cares about your inner character, get
up early and start your day in prayer.
By the way, I realise sometimes you may want to share
something with me. My address is: -
24 Domain Road, Jan Juc, Vic 3228. Please feel free to
drop me a line if I can be of assistance to you. It is one
of the privileges of being your Chaplain.
With all best wishes.
As ever, George G.
(Rev) George G Ashworth, OAM
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ON THE LIGHTER SiDE
Aircraft Maintenance Guide - For Unserviceability Away from Home Base
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ALWAYS ASK - NEVER ASSUME!!
His request approved, the Fox News photographer quickly used a cell phone to
call the local airport to charter a flight.
He was told a twin-engine plane would be waiting for him at the airport.
Arriving at the airfield, he spotted a plane warming up outside a hanger.
He jumped in with his bag, slammed the door shut, and shouted, 'Let's go'.
The pilot taxied out, swung the plane into the wind and took off.
Once in the air, the photographer instructed the pilot, 'Fly over the valley and
make low passes so I can take pictures of the fires on the hillsides.'
'Why?' asked the pilot.
'Because I'm the photographer for FOX news, he responded, 'and I need to get
some close up shots.'
The pilot was strangely silent for a moment, finally he stammered, 'S-s-so,
you're t-t-telling m-m-me. . . . You're N-N-NOT my f-f-f-flight instructor?'
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THE VIETNAM VETERANS ASSOCIATION VICTORIAN BRANCH (Incorporated)
IS A REGISTERED CHARITY. DONATIONS
The VVAA Victorian Branch is a registered charity which means that all of the 30 sub-branches can
raise funds from public donations and provide Tax deductable receipts for all donations over $2,
providing the funds are used for welfare. Some VVAA members have already adopted our Association as their family charity. All that is
needed is to make out a cheque payable to the Sub-branch Welfare Fund and forward it to the
Treasurer who will provide the Tax deductable receipt by return mail. Even the smallest donation is
very much appreciated.
BEQUESTS AND LEGACIES
Making a Will is good planning. It provides you and those for whom you care with peace of mind,
ensures the security of you family, and enables bequests to be made to those charities that represent
your ongoing interests and concerns. Bequests and Legacies are gifts of specifically identified possessions or specified sums of money
gifted to a person, a group of people or an organization. If the VVAA is your charity then the
correct title of the charity is Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Victorian Branch
Welfare Patriotic Fund Please consider our Association as a charity. Remember, one day the person in need of assistance
may be you or a member of your family. VVCS - VETERANS and VETERANS FAMILIES COUNSELLING SERVICE
(A Service Founded by the Vietnam Veterans) Normal Hours: 86408700
Crisis Line (after hours) 1800 011 046
DVA VICTORIA
Normal Hours: 9284 6000
Country/Regional: 1800 555 254
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In Hospital or Convalescing at Home? Like us to know about it and/or have someone to visit to assist or just chat? Name:…………………………………………………………………………………..….......... Address:……………………………………………………………………………………........ Preferred Contact details:……..…………………………………………………………..........
Post or Email your request to the Secretary or give him a call on 9317 7304 and we will try
and arrange a visit on your behalf.
