“ricochet” · digger hat jewellery ceremonial officer historian assistant historian honorary...

“Ricochet” - Official newsletter of V.V.A.A. Sunshine Coast 1 March 2013

Mission: To assist all veterans, dependants, and their descendants, in all matters relating to their health, welfare and wellbeing.

“RICOCHET”The official newsletter of the

V.V.A.A. Sunshine Coast Sub-Branch Inc.

If not delivered within 7 days, return to:-V.V.A.A. Sunshine Coast Sub-Branch Inc.PO Box 533COTTON TREE 4558

Postage Paid AustraliaPre-Print Publication

No. 441332/00004

SURFACE MAIL

Website: www.vietnamvetssc.org.auE-mail: [email protected]



DROP IN CENTRELocated at the rear of the Administration Building (upstairs) ofLibrary Complex, Beach Parade, Cotton Tree.

Office Phone 54794552 Fax. 5479 4558.Welfare Number 54432250

E–mail: [email protected]

OFFICE HOURSMONDAY - THURSDAY 9am – 4pmFRIDAY 9am - 1pmFRIDAY (LADIES GROUP) 1pm - 4pm

WEEKENDS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS Closed

Suicide Intervention Coordinator:24 hours

David Stevenson JP (Qual) 0457 704 966Please note that the above number is for

emergencies only. All general enquiries must bedirected to the Duty Officer or Duty Welfare Officer on

5479 4552 or 5443 2250.Welfare after-hours:- Helena Smith 0439 241 442

DISABLED ACCESS TO THE DROP IN CENTRE

For those with disabilities that prevent them from using the stairs tothe Drop-in-Centre, there is a lift available at the Council Library nextdoor. Ask one of the Library staff to accompany you, so that the topfloor access door can be unlocked. To leave, ask the Duty Officer tophone the library on 54758915 and they will unlock the access door.

DISCLAIMER

The committee of Vietnam Veteran Association of Australia SunshineCoast Sub-Branch Inc. and its individual members take no responsibilityfor errors, omissions or inaccuracies contained in this newsletter, noraccept liability for any loss or damage suffered directly or indirectly fromthe use of information contained in this newsletter, and do not warrantthat opinions published in this newsletter are necessarily the opinions heldby the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia, this Sub-branch or theCommittee of this Sub-branch, including its individual members.

Air Force Association Norm CooperTracker Dogs Association Ian AtkinsonMooloolaba Surf Club Kevin LynchBuderim Hospital Kevin LeadbetterDVA Consultative Committee Kevin LeadbetterArmy Cadets/ARES David StevensonAir Force Cadets Norm CooperNaval Cadets Carl Britz

AAT AdvocateAdvocates

Team Leader ofPensions/WelfarePension Officers

Welfare Officers

Suicide InterventionCoordinatorWelfare AdminOfficer

Mentors andConsultantsChef ExtraordinaireHospital Visiting

Helena Smith (JP Qual)Glen PrestonRay Krzyzanski (JP Qual)Phil Gejas

Ray KrzyzanskiMario LorenzonCol ParkinAlan ChristieGlen PrestonRon StrongTerry DwanMargo ChristieTerry DwanAlex Chesters

David Stevenson (JP Qual.)

Margo Christie

Peter Henssler (OAM)Ray Krzyzanski (JP Qual)David OliverAlec Chesters

5456 23385476 63135448 88043889 6594

5448 88045438 09875450 590804094902125476 63135492 154204196749275433 151404196749275476 1594

5477 0606

5433 1514

5445 09415448 8804

5476 1594

VIETNAM VETERANS ASSOCIATIONSUNSHINE COAST SUB-BRANCH Inc.

PATRON: Laurie Drinkwater

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEEPresidentSenior Vice PresidentJunior Vice PresidentSecretaryTreasurerCommittee Members

Assistant Treasurer

Membership OfficerAssistant Secretary

Assistant TreasurerAssistant Junior Vice-PresidentOffice ManagerAlaric ManagerMerchandise OfficerEditor of RicochetAssistant MembershipState RepresentativeSocial DirectorDigger Hat JewelleryCeremonial OfficerHistorianAssistant HistorianHonorary LawyerHonorary ChaplainAuditorAdvertising & MarketingInfo. Tech. ManagerAssoc. Official MediatorPolice Liaison OfficerThursday BreakfastGrants Officer

Kevin LeadbetterRon StrongMal SayersMal SayersGlen PrestonSteve BoutlisCol ParkinJens PetersenKeith LaneDavid Stevenson (JP Qual.)

Pieter ReusCol ParkinDavid Stevenson (JP Qual.)Mal SayersDavid OliverNorm CooperAllan BullockKeith (Shady) LaneSteve BoutlisVacantKevin LeadbetterRon StrongBarry Rodgers (JP Qual.)VacantVacantMario LorenzonAlan ParryArthur FryFrank RedpathMichael SheahanMike HoltKevin LeadbetterDavid Stevenson (JP Qual.)Geoff JewelJoan Parkin

OFFICE BEARERS

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' AFFAIRSVeterans Advice Network (VAN)

129 Horton Parade, Maroochydore, QLD 4558Phone: 5479 5112

Free call to Brisbane Office 1800 555 254

THE VETERANS AND VETERANS FAMILIES COUNSELLINGSERVICE

Tel. 07 5479 3992 Fax 07 5479 5468PO Box 1797, (or, 129 Horton Parade) Maroochydore, QLD, 4558

24 Hour Crisis Line Toll Free Ph. 1800 011 046

The Maroochydore Office consists of a full time Coordinator/Counsellor, Office Manager, and a part time Counsellor. The office is openfrom 8.30 am to 4.30 pm weekdays. It helps if you make an appointment.

The VVCS provides counselling and support to all veterans ofoverseas conflicts. The families of Vietnam Veterans are also able to receivecounselling through us. Group programmes include the Lifestyle ManagementProgram (5 days live-in with partner) and the Heart Safe Program (12 monthgym). Other therapeutic/educational groups are being planned for theSunshine Coast.



NEXTGENERAL MEETINGTuesday 19 March 2013

0900 hours, in meeting room adjacentto Drop-in-Centre

NEXT MANAGEMENTCOMMITTEE MEETING

Monday 18 March 2013,1000 hours, in meeting room adjacent

to Drop-in-Centre

VVAA SUNSHINE COAST SUB-BRANCH INC.

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL MEETING HELD AT COTTON TREE, QLD.ON THE 19 FEBRUARY 2013

OPENING: The President declared the meeting open at 1005 hrs.ATTENDANCE: Attendance was as per the Attendance Book.PREVIOUS MINUTES: It was moved by Steve Boutlis (G01/13) that the Minutes contained in Ricochet are a

true and accurate account of that meeting. Seconded by Jens Petersen..Carried.CORRESPONDENCE: It was moved by Col Parkin (G02/13) that the inwards correspondence be received.

Seconded by Dave Oliver..Carried.TREASURER’S REPORT: It was moved by Glen Preston (G03/13) that the Treasurer’s Report be accepted as

tabled and that all payments be ratified. Seconded by Keith (Shady) Lane..Carried.MEMBERSHIP: There were three new members for the period. There are currently 430 members on

the books with 218 renewals to date. It was moved by Bill Drewe (G04/13) that his report be acceptedas tabled. Seconded by Tom Scott..Carried.

It was moved by Steve Boutlis (G05/13) that the American, Michael Blanchard, beaccepted as a member after his credentials have been verified. Seconded by Mike Holt..Carried.

MERCHANDISE: The Sub-Branch is currently reducing stock on hand. There is a raffle in progress. Itwas moved by Shady Lane (G06/13) that his report be accepted as tabled. Seconded by GlenPreston..Carried.

NEWSLETTER: Thanks to all the helpers who assisted in putting out the last issue. 378 copies weremailed out. Next issue in the first week in March. It was moved by Steve Boutlis (G07/13) that his reportbe accepted as tabled. Seconded by Ray Krzyzanski..Carried.

OFFICE MANAGER: There are four Duty Officers required for March. There are no new books. It wasmoved by Norm Cooper (G08/13) that his report be accepted as tabled. Seconded by DaveOliver..Carried.

WELFARE: Ray Krzyzanski briefed the meeting on the state of the welfare team. It was moved byRay Krzyzanski (G09/13) that his report be accepted as tabled. Seconded by CharlesMollison..Carried.

ALARIC: Mal Sayers briefed the meeting on the happenings at Alaric. It was moved by MalSayers (G10/13) that his report be accepted as tabled. Seconded by Ron Strong..Carried.

GENERAL BUSINESS: (1) It was moved by Ron Strong (G11/13) that we move a motion at the StateMeeting that an operational audit team be formed to review State expenditure goingback five (5) years and to this end $2000 be allocated for support. Seconded by JensPetersen..Carried unanimously.(2) It was moved by Ron Strong (G014) that the following motions to be decided atthe next State Meeting are approved by the members. Seconded by Col Parkin.(a) That Delegates may record proceedings at State and SMC Meetings..Carried;(b) That we support State paying for travel and one (1) night accommodation formeetings..Carried;(c) That Zac’s Place be Incorporated into the VVAA..Carried;(d) Proxies. A Proxy is someone who is an Ordinary Member of the Associationwho has the written instructions on how to vote at a meeting..Carried; and(e) That support for John Smith for National President and David Fiechtner forNational Treasurer would not be forthcoming from the Sub-Branch..Carriedunanimously.

CLOSURE: There being no further business, the meeting was closed at 1130 hrs.



Riflemen’s Luncheon Reminder

The riflemen’s luncheon is held on the first Friday ofeach month at the Mooloolaba Surf Club.

Next lunch is on 5 April 2013 at 1200 hrsDrinks 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 monthat RSL House, Maroochydore.Meetings commence at 10.30am.The next meeting is: Wed 20 March 2013.Partners and visitors are most welcome.For further details please contact the Secretary: BobJohnson on 5476 5803 orE-mail: [email protected]

AGM 19 FEBRUARY, 2013

YEAR IN SUMMARY – another successful 12months for our Sub-Branch.

The state organisation was distracted by turbulencecreated by the purchase of Remembrance House atBurpengary and the loss of $100,000 after the contractsigning for the sale of the old Remembrance House inBrisbane (more later).State Management Committee meetings and form ofcommunication from some Committee Members have alsocreated distractions.

Our Executive & Management Committee – professional andresponsible - operated always with the Members’ bestinterest in mind.

Special mentionsVP Ron Strong - for his enthusiastic and determined supportand backup for me.Office Manager Norm Cooper - for his efficient running of theDrop-in-Centre.Ricochet Editor Steve Boutlis.VP Mal Sayers - ( Mr Everything) - for his wonderfulorganisational and constant communication skills.The Ricochet team - for producing and distributing eachmonth’s issue.Former Secretary Peter Veltmeijer - for his long standingand professional administration and direction.Colin Parkin - for his preparation and publication of meetingMinutes.

Glen Preston - for having maintained our financialmanagement professionally and with great integrity,as attested to by our Auditor.Bill Drewe - for his meticulous maintenance of ourMembership RecordsJens Petersen – for always providing down to earth

and relevant input as a Committee Member interested in allMembers’ welfare.Our hard working Welfare Team - for toiling away week-inweek-out, providing essential support to veterans’ needs andentitlements.Keith Lane - for his effective and efficient management of ourmerchandise procurement and sales.Our Duty Officers - for giving their time to ensure that theDIC is open for business on a daily basis.Our Alaric Caretaker and Duty Officers - for ensuring thatour retreat is not only open, but is maintained in a professionalmanner in veterans’ best interests.Barry & Kay Rodgers and their various work teams - forproducing our Jewellery etc year-in and year-out.Michael Sheehan, marketing guru, - for underpinning yetanother successful sales year.Dave Oliver, five (and a half) star chef, - for his outstandingsupport at our social activities.All other Members who, in their own way, have put theirshoulders to the wheel when needed.

We are indeed blessed to have Sub-Branch Membersof such high calibre.

Well done all!!Cheers,Kevin.

Welcome to the new VVAASC year.I am privileged to have been re-elected asPresident. I congratulate all thoseenthusiastic Members who have beenelected or re-elected to the Executive,Management Committee and those manyspecial roles so vital to our effective and efficient operations.

I was pleased to note the excellent turnout for ourAnnual General Meeting on 19 February 2013. Hopefully,such numbers will be in evidence throughout the coming year.We need to maintain our strength as there is a number ofimportant issues to confront in the coming months.

I would like all Members to consider joining a workingparty we may establish soon. This group will be requested totravel to Alaric to carry out a range of maintenance tasks,probably over a two weeks period. This will be an excellentopportunity for those who have not as yet visited our Retreat.Working as a group on the tasks involved should prove to beboth rewarding and relaxing, particularly if we do so during thecooler months.

I would also encourage all Members to join theThursday morning breakfasts managed so well by GeoffJewell for such a long time. I also need to attend more oftenthan has been possible for me in recent times. We all need tomake the effort.

The Mooloolaba Triathlon is imminent. We need themaximum number of members to volunteer (as “marshals) forthis fund-raising event for us. It’s also a good morning’sentertainment. Mal will be pleased to receive yournominations.

Take care,Kevin

INCOMING PRESIDENT’S REPORT

OUTGOING PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Malaya and Borneo Veterans’ Association

The National Malaya and Borneo Veterans’ AssociationSunshine Coast sub-branch meets on the fourth Tuesday ofeach month at 10 am at the Kawana Surf Club, PacificBoulevard, Buddina.

On the second Tuesday of the month there is a lunchand social gathering. For further information contact Roy on4777758 or Fred on 54927506.



The OldThe Old

The Old

Postal address:ALARIC Veterans Retreat

C/- PO Quilpie Qld 4480Phone/Fax 07 4656 4740Email [email protected] Manager Scotty Scott (Feb)

Alaric Sub-Committee:Allan Bullock

Buddy Fuhrmann Mal Sayers

THE ALARIC VETERANS’ & EX-SEVICEMEN’S RETREAT February 2013

The Old

A NEW YEAR AND SUMMER HAS GONE. WE ARE STILL LOOKING FOR SHORT TERM RELIEF DUTY MANAGERSAND ALSO DUTY MANAGERS WHO HAVE THE TIME TO POSSIBLY PUT IN A COUPLE OF MONTHS A YEAR WHENALLAN NEEDS TO COME BACK TO THE COAST FOR FAMILY CONTACT. IF YOU ARE ABLE TO HELP-OUT WITHTHESE DUTIES, PLEASE RING ALLAN ON 0746564740 OR MAL SAYERS ON 0754927117.

Alaric Report. December-MarchWell, Alaric has been having a very dry time over the

last couple of months and the Duty Officers Laurie Wood andScotty Scott have done their best to keep water in the tanksand to filter the drinking water. Actually I have heard that asatellite videoed a naked man, with a soap on a rope, bathingin the Billabong at Alaric after the very recent rainfall. Thenaked man was barefooted as he moved to and from theBillabong. No other clues as to who it could be (other than asinglet on the ground). The video will be uploaded to you-tube.

Allan has requested that the Sub-Branch put in for agrant as he had a couple of items that were in dire need ofreplacement.

We applied for a DVA Community Grant for the itemsdetermined to be close to the end of their life. We received$6700+ which was for Kitchen and Dining areas. We lost outon the garden and yard equipment replacement. As you cansee from the pictures, we have a new stove and fridge, andwe will be getting new linoleum for a lot of the floor. There aresome smaller items to be replaced like toaster, electric kettle,and some cookware. Allan also requested some Dining Chairswhich yours truly forgot to put into the Grant Application,however we have managed to get twelve new chairs donatedby the brother of a Vietnam Veteran. Of course our sincerethanks go to this person who wishes to remain anonymous.

While all this was going on, one of the pumps decidedto quit. We have purchased a replacement and it will travel outto Alaric forthwith.

I would like to personally thank Rex Bullock, LaurieWood and Scotty for doing the December Xmas periodthrough to March as the Duty Officers. Also I would like tothank Buddy Fuhrmann and Allan for their assistance ingetting all these things together.

Well, things are all go out here with work parties coming and weare well into putting up the Camp Kitchen. The Bundaberg andother local Sub Branches are the labour market. Even thoughthey are not able to be financially helpful, the fact that theycome aboard the work parties is such a boon to this wonderfulpiece of sub-tropical paradise that one starts to feel that thefight so far has been worth the rewards. Now all we need isquite a bit more patronage from the veteran and servicecommunity. I guess all retreats want the same.

FRIDGE



At the Annual General Meeting held on 19 February 2013 inthe meeting room adjacent to the Drop-in-Centre, the ActingChairman, Patron Laurie Drinkwater, declared the nomineesfor the various Offices duly elected as there were not morenominees than positions for each Office.

Page 2 of This edition of Ricochet lists the various Offices andthose who were elected to them.

It was pleasing to have each position nominated for prior tothe meeting. Nominations from the floor were not necessary.

Very few changes occurred from the old to the new OfficeBearers .

Mr. Go-to, Malcolm Sayers, has now taken on the role ofSecretary as well as his previous ones of Assistant Treasurerand Junior Vice-President.

Pieter Reus has taken over from Bill Drewe as MembershipOfficer.

David Oliver comes onto the team as Assistant JuniorVice-President to give Mal a hand.

David Stevenson is now a member of the Sub-BranchManagement Committee as well as taking on the duties ofAssistant Secretary alongside Col Parkin.

ELECTION OF OFFICE BEARERS OF THESUB-BRANCH BAPTISM DEFINES US

THREE LITTLE BOYSwere concerned because theycouldn't get anyone to play withthem.

They decided it wasbecause they had not beenbaptised and didn't go toSunday school.

So, they went to the nearest church. But, only thejanitor was there.

One little boy said, "We need to be baptised becauseno one will come out and play with us. Will you baptise us?"

"Sure," said the janitor.He took them into the bathroom and dunked their little

heads in the toilet bowl, one at a time.Then he said, "You are now baptised!"When they got outside, one of them asked, "'What

religion do you think we are?"The oldest one said, "We're not Kathlick, because they

pour the water on you.""We're not Babtis, because they dunk all of you in the

water.""We're not Methdiss, because they just sprinkle water

on you."The littlest one said, "Didn't you smell that water?!"They all joined in asking, 'Yeah! What do you think that

means?'The littlest one said, "I think it means we're

Pissbitarian!"



STATE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AND AGMREMEMBRANCE HOUSE BURPENGARY 24 FEBRUARY, 2013

DELEGATE’S REPORTAttendance: 11 Sub-Branches including proxies for

Cooloola Coast and Burdekin.Sunshine Coast Delegate – Kevin LeadbetterBurdekin Proxy – Ron Strong

GeneralThe meeting was conducted in a much improved

atmosphere than previously was the case. Hopefully, thisimprovement will be maintained for the future.

The National President Ron Coxon was present andreminded attendees of the need to work progressivelytogether for the long term benefits of all veterans.

Dr Ken O’Brien, a clinical Counsellor with 20 yearsexperience, and the son of a Vietnam Veteran, hasestablished an office in Remembrance House. Dr O’Brien isnow a medical adviser to the Association and is activelyparticipating in the national Family Health Study as aCommittee Member.

DVA’s input should become clearer with a progressreport due 27 March, 2013. This study should focus on the“next generation” and not the remaining Vietnam Veterans, i.e.their children and grandchildren.

The VVCS is now fully funded by DVA..

MotionsThe following Motions were carried:Delegates to be able to record SMC proceedings on

request, and if approved by the SMC.State to cover the costs of Delegates attending SMC

meetings.Video Conferencing to be established for the Executive

initially.Zac’s Place to be incorporated.Definition of a Delegate and a Proxy confirmed with

Constitution changes to follow.The Business Plan framework approved.Constitution and By-Law changes approved.Draft Budget approved.2 Executive members only to be funded for attendance

at National Congress.Proceeds of Zac’s Place car sale to be held in

abeyance pending confirmation of a grant to support furniturepurchases for Remembrance House.

Central Sub-Branch to be disbanded.NASKAM quote for security installation at

Remembrance House approved.Due to some Sub-Branches (that are) in arrangements

to collectively bid for BEST grants, the Sunshine Coast motionto have State established as Queensland Best Grants Hub,was withdrawn.

The following motions will lay on the table until thenext meeting:

Sunshine Coast motion to form a SMC AuditCommittee.

Sunshine Coast motion to amend National, State andSub-Branch Constitutions to endorse a changed status forAssociate Members.

Bundaberg motion to allow disenfranchised (forwhatever reason) Members to pay dues to State to maintaintheir membership and entitlements.

The motion to endorse Messrs Smith and Fiechtnernominations for National President and Treasurer,respectively, was lost.

The motion to have D. Feitchner’s nomination forDeputy President declared null and void due to his resignationfrom the SMC, was lost.General Business

Dr Ken O’Brien has installed an IT Server inRemembrance House for his, and general, usage.

A Grant application has been made to Jupiters tosupport the $19,561 installation of air conditioning inRemembrance house.

Capitation Fees National $6, State $5, PLI $1. Thesefees may be changed at the National Congress in May, 2013.

The following Members were elected to the (State)Executive for the coming year:

President: John Smith OAMDeputy President: David FeitchnerVice President: Rob MoseleySecretary: John Smith OAMTreasurer: Gwen Moseley.

Ron Strong was appointed as State Training ConsultativeGroup Representative and Operation Life Representative.

The next SMC meeting 14/15 May, 2013 – Redcliffe.The next AGM 26 February, 2014

Kevin Leadbetter25.2.13

Ed: Well done Ron and Kevin

STATE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE GENERAL AND ANNUAL MEETINGS



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Call Anthony on (07) 5443 2821102 Sugar Rd. Maroochydore 4558

Locally owned and operated.Proud to be of service to our Veterans.

The Fishing Segment. (By Scaly Tails)

Emergency AccommodationAssociation member, Doug Wakefield, has two properties atConondale, approximately 22 Km West of Maleny, that he isoffering as emergency temporary accommodation to Veteransand other ex-service personnel.

Doug says that they are ideal for those who need peaceand quite while they contemplate their lives. Doug would likewhoever takes up his offer, to do a bit of caretaking whilethere.

Light and water are available at the houses. There isample space for those who would like to take a caravan, tentor mobile home.

The houses are a bit light-on for beds and furniture. Ifyou have any to spare, Doug is happy to take them.

Contact Doug on Ph. 0407 680 868

Sensitive Aussie Blokes

Three Aussie blokes are working up on an outbackmobile phone tower:...Mongrel, Coot and Bluey.

As they start their descent, Coot slips and falls off thetower. He is killed instantly.

As the ambulance takes the body away, Bluey says,“Well, bugger me! Someone's gotta go and tell Coot's wife.”

Mongrel says, “OK, I'mpretty good at that sensitive stuff.I'll do it.”

Two hours later, he comesback carrying a case of beer.

Bluey says, “'Where'd youget the grog, Mongrel?”

“Coot's wife gave it to me,”Mongrel replies.

“That's unbelievable! You told Coot’s Missus that herhusband was dead and she gave you a case of beer?”

“Well, not exactly,” Mongrel says. “When she answeredthe door, I said to her, ‘You must be Coot's widow’”

She said, “You must be mistaken. I'm not a widow.”Then I said, “I'll betcha a case of beer that you are.”

Aussie blokes are good at that sensitive stuff!------------------------------------------------

What do you call a naturalised Aussie citizen who was born inNew Zealand?A Kangiwi!

Sorry, no Scaly Tails this monthdue to Scaly having Knee operations.We wish Scaly a speedy and fullrecovery.

The Hookers’ Union

A dedicated Teamsters’ Union Organiser wasattending a convention in Las Vegas and decided to checkout the local brothels.

When he got to the first one, he asked the Madam, "Isthis a Union house?"

"No," she replied, "I'm sorry, it isn't.""Well, if I pay you $100, what cut do the girls get?"“The house gets $80 and the girls get $20," she

answered.Offended at such unfair dealings, the union man

stomped off down the street in search of a more equitable,hopefully unionised shop.

His search continued until finally he reached a brothelwhere the Madam responded, “Why yes sir, this is a Unionhouse. We observe all Union rules."

The man asked, "And, if I pay you $100, what cut dothe girls get?"

"The girls get $80 and the house gets$20."

"That's more like it!" the union mansaid.

He handed the Madam $100, lookedaround the room, and pointed to astunningly attractive green-eyed blonde.

"I'd like her," he said."I'm sure you would, sir," said the

Madam. Then she gestured to a 92-year oldwoman in the corner, "but Ethel here has 67years seniority and according to Unionrules, she's next!"



As the Pentagon pours attention and resources into theconflict-ridden Asian-Pacific theatre, it's made an unheard ofcommand choice.

The AP (Associated Press) reports Australian Maj.General Richard Burr is now Deputy Commanding General forOperations at U.S. Pacific Command (USARPAC) out ofHawaii.

It's the first time a non-American has served in such ahigh-ranking position at this type of command.

This isn't some out-of-the way little military base - this isthe command led by Major General George Moore in the daysafter World War II. Moore fought at Battan along with enoughother dark Pacific campaigns to fill a wall map. This commandtoday will be pivotal in organizing and supplying militaryoperations in the region, and key in building U.S. projectionwithin the Asian theatre.

USARPAC is commanded by LTG. "Frank" Wiercinski,who just left the Acting Commander Spot at Ft. Campbell,home to the 101st Airborne Division. That "Air Assault" groupcalled the Screaming Eagles has perhaps been deployedmore in the past ten years than any other military division inthe U.S.

With nearly non-stop, back-to-back deployments, LTGWiercinski has a bevy of experience with active troop rotations"down range". That logistical, hands-on experience withforward troops may come in handy if conflicts spring up in theregion. Together, the men will package and deliver troops tolocations where U.S. Forces haven't been in decades. Itseems like a solid match as the Pacific Command strives tofulfil its mission, defined as:

USARPAC postures and prepares the force for unifiedland operations, responds to threats, sustains and protects theforce, and builds military relationships that develop partnerdefence capacity in order to contribute to a stable and secureUSPACOM area of responsibility.

They've got their work cut out for them as the U.S. triesto renew and forge fresh relationships with countriesthroughout the Pacific Rim.

Along with many medals (and honours), and USMCtraining, Maj. Gen. Burr also holds the honour of the Patron ofthe Defence Australian Rules Football Association.

Australian Major General Richard (Rick) Burrwas officially welcomed by the United StatesArmy Pacific at Fort Shafter, Hawaii on the17 January 2013 (local time).

AUSSIE GENERAL IS 2 I.C. FOR OPERATIONS AT U.S. ARMY PACIFIC COMMAND



THURSDAY THRASHERS

MANY OF OUR MEMBERS PLAY 9 HOLES OF GOLF EACH THURSDAYAT 12.15HRS. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PLAY, COME TO NAMBOURGOLF COURSE. SUITS BOTH GOOD AND HACKERS.COST: $15 INCLUDES GREEN FEES & PRIZESGUARANTEED GOOD FUN AND LAUGHTER .WANT MORE INFO? RING SCOTTY ON 0411569534

ASSOCIATION’S WEEKLY GOLF DAY

VOLUNTEERS STILL REQUIREDFOR DROP IN CENTRE

To ensure that we continue our excellent service toVeterans, volunteers are needed to act as Duty Officersat the Drop-In-Centre

Shifts are less than a half day commitment. You’ll enjoy the time!Norm Cooper will assist with the small amount of training

necessary.Please phone Norm, our Office Manager, on 54453433 or, on a

Tuesday, at the Drop-In-Centre on 54794552.

NORM NEEDSYOU!!!!!

Attention MembersThursday Brekky is back!

The Thursday Morning Breakfast, (backof the Mooloolaba Surf Club), continuesto be one of the Association’s socialhighlights thanks to the commitment of the King Of TheThursday BBQ, Geoff Jewell.

If you haven’t experienced the breakfast, comealong, bring your partner, and partake of great food andcompany.

See you there at 0730hrs.

When He’s not cooking it, he’s eating it!51/2 star Chef Etraordinaire, Dave Oliver, relaxing during

a recent cruise.



POSH 2013A women’s support group for all current and former

partners and war widows of veterans with qualifying service;peacekeeping/peacemaking operations and hazardousservice, regardless of which armed force or conflict theveteran served in.POSH offers support, friendship and education, in a safe andinformal environment.

Friday 1.00pm to 4.00pm

POSH PAGEPartners Offering Support and Hope

Cooinda Mental Health ServiceThe Sunshine Coast Private Hospital has opened the new stand alonemental health facility on the 27th Feb 2013. Margie Andrews (carer) andAlex Chesters (consumer committee Sunshine Coast Private Hospital),Kevin Leadbetter, (President VVAA Sunshine Coast Sub-Branch) andDallene Finlay (carer of a Vietnam Veteran) were invited to the opening ofthe new state of the art Cooinda Mental Health Service.Veterans on the Sunshine Coast have waited at least ten years for this buildto happen and I can assure them it was worth the wait.

Happy Valentines’ Day 2013POSH looked after the ladies who wereforgotten on Valentines Day

POSH OP shopping. As you can see, we had fun!

Sheryl & grandson Beau loving POSH



DVA - COMMUNICATION WITH CLAIMANTS

It has come to notice that DVA have advised that from lateFebruary 2013, they will be undertaking nationally tocommunicate with veterans, members and dependants wholodge a claim under the VEA, MRCA and SRCA forcompensation or for income support.

This means that on receipt of a claim at DVA, an officerwill telephone the veteran, member or dependant to introducethemselves to establish an "open door" relationship which DVAbelieve will improve communication between DVA and clients,and also ensure that clients understand the claims process.

An outline of what will happen when the DVA Officer callsthe Veteran/client is as follows:

A Veteran’s claim is submitted by an ESO Representative/Pensions Officer to DVA.· When DVA receive the claim, the claims assessor will calland advise the Veteran:

That they (the claims assessor) will be handlingtheir claim at DVA.

What will happen next from a DVA perspective.Timeframes for determining the claim.Likely milestones.Any issues that may result in possible delays.

As per existing procedures, any correspondence about theinvestigation of the Veteran’s/client’s application will be directedthrough the ESO Representative/Pensions Officer, i.e. the personwho first submitted their claim to DVA.· If the Veteran/client has a nominated representative, anyenquiries the Veteran/client may have in relation to their claimshould be directed through their nominated representative.

DVA have further advised that:· The approach is not intended to disrupt the ESO/Clientrelationship but is aimed at strengthening the DVA/Clientrelationship; and

Any correspondence about the investigation of a claim willstill go through the Veteran’s/clients’ nominated representative.

It is understood that this change has taken place as therehave been instances (not so much in Victoria) where a Veteran/client has been left in the dark about what happens after theirclaim goes into DVA. When it takes a couple of months beforeanything happens, there is the Veteran/client perception that theclaim has been forgotten.

This process certainly seems to be straightforward anddoes not appear to pose any issues, although perhaps abackhanded message to Pension Officers to keep their Veteranclients up to date with the status etc of their claim.

Peter BrightSecretary Victorian State Branch (VVAA)

ED: It has been brought to my attention that claimantsshould be aware of what they say to the DVA Assessor astheir comments are noted and may be referred to during theassessment.

TOO MUCH SPAGHETTI

For several years, an Aussieman had been having an affair withan Italian woman.

One night, she confided to himthat she was pregnant.

Not wanting to ruin hisreputation or his marriage, he wouldpay her a large sum of money if shewould go back to Italy to secretly have the child. If she stayedin Italy to raise the child, he would provide child support untilthe child turned eighteen.

She agreed, but asked how she would let him knowwhen the baby was born.

To keep it discrete, he told her to simply mail him apostcard when the child was born, and write “spaghetti” on theback of it. He would then arrange for the child supportpayments to begin.

One day, about 8 months later, he came home to hisconfused wife.

'Honey,' she said, 'You received a very strangepostcard today.'

'Oh, just give it to me and I'll explain it later,' he said.The wife obeyed and watched as her husband read the

card, turned white, and fainted.On the card was written:Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti.Three with meatballs, two without.Send extra sauce!!!!



MAL’S STUFF

VOLUNTEERS

TriathlonWell, the Caloundra Triathlon is over, and I thank all

those who put their hand up to once again show just howcompetent we are. It was so heartening to see the namesfly up on the board, so my special thanks to:-

Norm Cooper, Margo Christie Steve Boutlis, GlenPreston, Tom Scott, Bill Bunter, Ron Roberts, BruceHooper, Tom Upson, David Montague, Barry Vassella,John Huxham, John Cunnington, Denis Bird, BruceFraser, Heather Fraser, Kevin Leadbetter, Kevin Lynch,Jens Schrouder , Denise Hodgson, Keith Hodgson,Warren Proud, Cecelia Proud, Peter Alvin, Pieter Reus, SteveHastie, Robert Strong, Peter Thomas, Donna Vardy.

It was a trying time as the Events Crew were organizing forthe first time but in the end they complimented our effort and turnout.Well done all.

The Mooloolooba Triathlon will be held on the 17th March butwe also need ten volunteers for Saturday afternoon the 16th whichwill give us more money. A reminder notice will be sent by heads-up.Put your name and shirt size onto the Roster on the Drop-in-Centrenotice-board, and give me a call re the Saturday arvo.Ph.0403 834 324.

Duty OfficersAll of these great members make it possible for the Drop-In-

Centre, Welfare, and of course, Alaric, to operate from day to day, soa very BIG THANK YOU to these people. Allan Bullock has been thevolunteer at Alaric, doing both Duty Manager and Manager. WithAllan on holidays, Scotty Scott, Buddy Fuhrmann, Laurie Wood andRex Bullock have stepped in.If you would like to have a go at being a Duty Officer at theDrop-in-Centre, contact the Office Manager as we are alwayslooking for more.

Jewellery MakersThe Diggers Hat crews are back at work again as the ordersroll in, so, to the Guys and Gals who work so efficiently andprofessionally, a BIG THANK YOU. There are plenty ofspaces for more willing workers. Sometimes it gets hard forthose regulars, so, if you can see yourself being able tohelp, give Barry a call on 54452874

Folders, Staplers and MailersA thank you, to those who formed a team to compile,

print, fold, tape, and post the Ricochet Newsletter. Lastmonth it was:John Cunnington, Dennis Bird, Margo Christie, Buddy

Fuhrmann, Peter Alvin, Norm (Stormin) Cooper, and Struan (Strop)Hoggan.

Well done Guys, it’s a big job.

BIRTHDAYSThe Ricochet Editor, Committee, and Members, wish the followingMembers a very Happy Birthday on your Special Day in the month ofMarch.Don Beavis, Peter Bradford, Terry Card, Barbara Cooper, WilliamDallas, William Edwards OAM, Arthur Fry, IanFuhrman, Trevor Graham, Andrew Henry, WilliamHinds, Keith Hodgson, Ken Holst, John Hunter,Anton Kretschmann, Ian Lawson, DesMalcolmson, Eric Marques, Ivan Maunder,Wayne McCullagh, Graham McLeod, Paul Musk,Bruce Neilson, Russell Perren, Cecelia Proud,Ralph Stephenson, Robert Strong, John Rowell, John Saez, IanSavage, Helena Smith, Len Spanner, Kerry White, Robert Wooten.



BIG BAD BOLD BEVIE’S TRIVIA

1. What is the capital of the United ArabEmirates?2. What was Laurel and Hardy's firstnames?3. What is the square root of 169?4. What is the term for a male giraffe?5. Marco Polo's home city was?6. By what other name is kiwi fruit also known?7. What river runs through Florence, Italy?8. What does a Cartographer make?9. What do the letters in MASH stand for?10. What is 75% of 300?11. Is Manila east or west of Bali?12. What is the capital of Switzerland?

ANSWERS ARE ON PAGE 18

MANUFACTURING REPORTDIGGER-HAT JEWELLERY

FEBRUARY 2013

As you read this Katie and the Fat Controller will beswanning around Vietnam and Cambodia. It has been 43years since FC has been there. He hopes this time will bemore pleasant.

Our thanks go to all DHJ teams for rising to the call aboveand beyond normal activities. The extra shifts wereneeded because Mr & Mrs FC needed a break.

We must make special mention of several people. NormCOOPER came up on a Saturday and helped FC press,bend and drill 650 sixpences. Graham WEEKES, LarryBARKER and “Dubbo” POWTER came on their bowls dayand performed the onerous task of stringing the coins inreadiness for plating.

This extra diligence has resulted in all of theaforementioned diggers being honoured with the receiptof a Quadruple Certificate in pressing, drilling, de-burringand stringing. The presentation will be made at a laterdate. This is the first time in the history of DHJ that thiswill occur. In honour of this we have decided to increasetheir stipend to two thirds of four fifths of stuff all. Butwait, there’s more! They will be allowed to have an extrascone and brownie for morning tea!!!!

On the income front it is pleasing to see that ourcustomers are continuing to order from us at the newprices. This will help us keep parity with our profitmargin.

Barry & Kay RODGERS

Cairns to BamagaSEA SWIFT www.seaswift.com.au

Freight & Cruise 1800 424 422

TRUSTThere comes a time when a woman just has to trust herhusband... for example...

A wife comes home late at night and quietly opens thedoor to her bedroom.

From under the blanket she sees fourfeet instead of two.

She reaches for a baseball bat and startshitting the blanket as hard as she can. Onceshe's done, she goes into the kitchen.

As she enters, she sees her husbandthere, reading a magazine.

"Hi Darling", he says, "Your parents havecome to visit us, so l let them stay in our bedroom.”“Did you say hello?”

————————————————————————-



A small but enthusiastic number of members attended theannual volunteer’s BBQ at Cotton Tree Park on Wednesday5 December last.

President Kevin Leadbetter thanked the myriad ofvolunteers who, in a variety of ways, contributed to theSunshine Coast branch being the largest and most viablesub-branch in the country.

Dave Oliver (Cookie) engrossed in hisculinary voyeurism. What he does tosnags, steak and onions defiesdescription

Our regular ‘Ladies of The Day’. Names andages not released for privacy and selfpreservation reasons.

Above, Left to right:Mike Sealy, (looking intelligent), ShadyLane, (not looking intelligent), Peter Alvin,(look at my muscles), Col Parkin, (This isn’tmy best profile).(we can see that Col!!!!)

Above:The one and only, PeteVelteneggertucks into a feast. Thishealth conscious nutavoided sugary drinksand stuck to his diet;red wine, white wineand beer.‘You must never under

estimate the power ofantioxidants,’ is hisinspirational motto.

VOLUNTEERS’ BBQ (Better late than never feature!)



SIMONE is a lovely 7.5 kilogram 5year old female white Poodle .. Herowner was forced to surrender her due tohealth reasons and has had to enter intoa nursing home.

Simone has been a well loved pet,and being surrendered did initially frightenher. At her foster home she is with similarsize pets, and gets along well with them all.

Simone is an inside dog day and night but yard accessis required as she is toilet trained. She walks well on a leadand has a gentle, sweet nature.She has previously lived in a gated community and is use to asmall yard. As she is a poodle, commitment to her groomingwill be required on a regular basis.Please apply on line if you believe you have the commitmentto adopt Simone .. giving her the grooming requirements sheneeds, and a yard and home that you are willing to share withher.

This is CHUTNEY .. she is a short haired Dark Tortoiseshell, 3year old female.

Chutney has a lovely nature and would love to find ahome where she is a member of the family .. they must havelots of love and cuddles to give away.

Phone Julie on 0411 144 689 Or visit 4PAWS’colourful website, http://www.4pawsanimalrescue.org.au/

4PAWS

One day, shortly after joining the PGA tour in 1965, LeeTrevino, a professional golfer and married man, was at hishome in Dallas, Texas, mowing his front lawn, as he alwaysdid.

A lady driving by in a big, shiny Cadillac stopped in frontof his house, lowered the window and asked, "Excuse me, doyou speak English?"

Lee responded, "Yes Ma'am, I do."The lady then asked, "What do you charge to do yard

work?"Lee said, "Well, the lady in this house lets me sleep

with her."The lady hurriedly put the car into gear and sped off.

Judging a Book By its Cover?



THE FUTURE OF THE VVAA

As you are aware there is talk outthere that we will need to develop a plan toclose our doors in the very near future.Victoria has prepared a position paper onthis plus WA requested that an extra day beadded to the national Congress for a workshop to develop this plan.

I personally believe that this is thewrong attitude for us to adopt as I see thatwe have a very bright future that will enhance ourachievements of the past.

Ever since we were established we have activelyencouraged our Dependants and Descendants to join ourAssn as ordinary members with the same rights as we have. Ibelieve this has been the right approach but we do need toask the question, “Why encourage them to join us if we arenot going to be prepared to hand over to them when we areno longer capable or willing?”

I ask this question for a number of reasons. The firstone being that our descendants, if members, should ensurethat the VVAA does continue for many years, and the secondis that many of us have young wives who are still verycapable. The third is that many of our children andgrandchildren are, indeed, the younger returned people oftoday.

I believe that the solution to our problem is not toactively encourage closure but in fact (it) should be thecomplete opposite, and encourage the younger people to join,learn the ropes and then takeover when we are ready. I do not

believe that we should ever talk aboutclosing the doors. We are too well knownand too well respected for that to happen.

The only thing that we have to do toachieve this is to actively encourage ourDependants and Descendants to becomemembers, get involved, learn the ropes andthen harmlessly take over when we are nolonger willing or able.

We do not have to change our rules or constitution orBy Laws. One way of doing this is to maybe establish a virtualSub-branch whereby the younger ones can join us on line nowwhilst they are still moving around, give them all theinformation and help that we can. The only change that wouldbe required sometime in the future would be to change therestriction on the President and Vice-President being Vietnamveterans. I know that this motion was voted on at the Octobermeeting and was lost but I believe it was lost because we arenot ready to take that step yet.

I believe Remembrance House could very well be thefirst step for those in SE Qld and maybe Zac’s place could bedeveloped on the same lines to assist those in the North. Ifthis system is adopted up here and works well then I couldvery easily see it being adopted Australia wide.

Very simple, Very easy and we will ensure a long andfruitful life ahead.

ED: This article was distributed by VVAAQLD PresidentJohn Smith OAM. What do you think?



BBB’S TRIVIAANSWERS

1. Abu Dhabi.2. Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy.3. 13.4. Bull.5. Venice.6. Chinese Gooseberry.7. Arno.8. Maps.9. Mobile Army Surgical Hospital.10. 225.11. East.12. Bern.

DOES DAVE HAVE ASECRET DESIRE?CHANGING HIS VOCATION?No longer a 51/2 Star ChefExtraordinaire, now a sailor?!

(By) Capt Sean ChildsINTELLIGENCE, surveillance and reconnaissance

(ISR) are the cornerstones of a modern commander’s battlespace tool kit.

The Shadow, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), is asensor in the sky over Afghanistan, with Shadow Group 2providing ISR in Uruzgan since late last year.

Shadow Group 2’s Battery Commander, Maj. ScottLehmann, said the Group spent seven weeks training fordeployment at the Woomera Test Range in South Australiabefore being certified.

“The UAV role here in Tarin Kot is to provide thecommander and his staff situational awareness across thebattle space, through the persistent capability we have withinour payload,” Maj. Lehmann said.

“The UAV allows the planning staff to get up-to-dateinformation on the battle space.”

The aircraft is flown from a ground control station by anair vehicle operator, while a mission payload operatormanipulates the camera and ancillary sensors.

Information collected is passed to the MissionCommand Centre, where images are analysed and highercommand requests for information are met.

Shadow Group 2’s Mission Command Centre OIC SgtSue Osborn said the technical proficiency and skill required ofShadow’s operators was demanding, with data flow andExternal variables constantly impelling quick, accuratedecision making. Multi-skilling is the norm for the team atShadow Group 2.

“I am an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle operator and I’mdual hatted with a number of tasks as a flying instructor and amission commander,” Sgt Osborn said. “I also fly and pilot the

aircraft as an Air Vehicle operator or as a payload operator”.Shadow Group 2 provides ISR for the International

Security Assistance Force (ISAF), the Afghan NationalSecurity Forces (ANSF) and coalition partners in Tarin Kot.

The Shadow also provides infrastructure support to theAfghan National Army (ANA) and Afghan National Police(ANP), contributing to the transition of Afghanistan’s securityresponsibility to the ANSF.

“With the ANA and ANP we provide an overwatchcapability, allowing coalition force assets a timely response toany incidents or application the ANA require to complete theirmission,” Maj. Lehmann said.

Shadow Group 2 has 45 Australian personnel, drawnfrom the 132nd Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Battery, 20 STARegt. from Enoggera Barracks.

Surveillance: Aircraft technicians and crew chief Cpl. Tyrone Tynanprepares a Shadow UAV for a mission in Tarin Kot, Afghanistan.Photo by Cpl Christopher DicksonSourced from “Army” February 14, 2013

THE SENSOR IN THE SKY

LIPSTICK ON THE MIRROR

According to a news report, acertain private school in Newcastle uponTyne was recently faced with a uniqueproblem.

A number of 12-year-old girls were beginning to uselipstick and would put it on in the bathroom. That was fine, butafter they put on their lipstick they would press their lips to themirror, leaving dozens of little lip prints.

Every night, the maintenance man would remove them,and the next day the girls would put them back.

Finally the Headmistress decided that something had tobe done.

She called all the girls to the bathroom and met themthere with the maintenance man.

She explained that all these lip prints were causing amajor problem for the custodian who had to clean the mirrorsevery night (you can just imagine the yawns from the littleGeordie Princesses).

To demonstrate how difficult it had been to clean themirrors, she asked the maintenance man to show the girlshow much effort was required.

He took out a long-handled squeegee, dipped it in thetoilet, and cleaned the mirror with it.

Since then, there have been no lip prints on the mirror.

There are teachers............and then there are educators.



The exercise physiology programme, funded by DVA,has proven to be one of the most popular health efficientstrategies ever introduced for veterans. It’s proactiveapproach has improved physical and mental health andundoubtedly reduced medical visits and hospital admission forparticipants. The economic benefits are obvious.

Grant, Cathy and staff, through their professionalismand genuine caring approach have created a familyatmosphere where individually designed and carefullymonitored programmes have resulted in, believe it or not,enjoyable exercise.

Every year Quantum Rehabilitation hosts a ChristmasBBQ breakfast for its veteran community clients and the eventhas ballooned in popularity. Over one hundred and fifty clientsand partners (and a dog) attended the BBQ in December.

At the BBQ, a number of veterans were presented withawards recognising their recalcitrant antics during the year.One veteran (would be inappropriate to mention Dave Oliver),was recognised for his continual pilfering of the jelly bean jarreserved for those who may need a medical sugar fix.Shame, Cookie, Shame!!!

A number of veterans publically expressed theirappreciation to Quantum and presented one of the newerexercise physiologists, Eva, with a motivational devicenecessary for managing the larrikin element (a hand craftedwhip). (ED: What, another Madam Lash!?)

It was an enjoyable morning and the pictorial record

says it all.If any member out there is serious about improving his

or her health, there are hundreds currently participating whowould highly recommend the exercise physiology programme.

Exercise Physiology&

Physiotherapy Services

Please, do not hesitate to contact us on5452 7538KAWANA

NOOSA

MAROOCHYDORE

CALOUNDRA

Veterans’Programs

4 Amazing Locations

2012 Quantum Christmas BBQ (Another better late than never feature)



Maroochy Carpet CleanersServicing the Coast since 1986Commercial and DomesticHot Water ExtractionQuick Dry Carpet &UpholsteryFlood Damage

Mark & Evette CopleyPh: 5450 8408

MEMBERSHIP

Hi to all members,

As you are all aware, after three years, Billstood down from his time as Membership Officerand effective as of the AGM, I have accepted to take his place.I would like to take this opportunity to formally thank Bill for histime in the seat and to wish him and Georgina the very best intheir planned touring.

The records indicate that there have been 4 new members inthe month of February, these being, Eric Archinal, DavidMorgan (Army) and Barry Andrew, Frank Ross (Navy). I would,on behalf of all members, like to extend a warm welcome to theabove and hope their stay with us is most enjoyable.

On the business front I would remind all current members thathave not renewed their membership that from the 31st March2013 you will no longer be considered financial. Currently thereare in excess of 180 members who have not renewed for the2013 calendar year. Please make the effort to renew at yourearliest, and assist in the operation of your sub branch.

Until next month, keep well and enjoy your world.

Cheers,Pieter

ED: I am pleased to introduce our new MembershipOfficer, Pieter Reus, to you all.

SHADY’S MERCHANDISE REPORT

A fool born every minute. I againaccepted the position of MerchandiseOfficer. Including my first stint asMerchandise Officer and this new period, Iwill have served for six years in thisposition and hope to make this my last term.

The merchandise is mostly up to date and when theTreasurer has solved his money problems all items willbe brought up to date.

I have determined that the stock holdings will bedrastically reduced and only certain well selling items willhave more than the two items that I intend to hold. Theseare items that are in great demand and need more stockon hand. I will hold two of most of the stock and theyshall be one on display and one in stock, both items maybe sold and a note telling me that I am down to nil or tothe one on display.

There is a lot of money tied up in the stock on handand this can be better used by the Treasurer for day today trading.

I express my gratitude to the Duty Officers for theirattention to detail so as the correct stock can be writtenoff by the Treasurer. Occasionally though, some incorrectitem numbers have been used and there is an up on oneitem and down on another. The item number is the mainmeans of identification and, really, the description of theitem on the receipt is not necessary .

Shady

When asked about Ted’s leg, Buddy,cheekily grinning, emphaticallydenied that he was responsible.



VIETNAM VETERANS FRIENDLY RETREATSPUBLISHED IN VVAA “DEBRIEF” SUMMER 2012 EDITION

Queensland

Standown Park: 91 Radke Road, Kia Ora (halfway betweenGympie and Tin Can Bay). Power, water, pets, open fire,showers, toilets, disableds’ facilities, coin laundry, secure offthe highway, restful surrounds. No cabins/onsite vans.Discount for veterans.Contact owners Rod (ex 9RAR) and Pam Elkington (07) 54865144 or 0417 718 127

Cockscomb Veterans Camp: Located only 23km fromRockhampton. Camp kitchen, showers, toilets, no power, $5donation. Contact Allan Evans (07) 4934 4941 for directions.

Pandanus Park: Follow the three red stripes from Mareeba,no facilities, take all and remove your rubbish. This is anisolated retreat in Cape York

Sapphire Gemfields: Located behind the post office at theRSL. Power, toilets, showers, water, and barbecue. The Clubbar is open Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. $5.00 per nightContact Peter Johnson (ex 6RAR) 0439 797 175

Alaric Homestead Veterans’ Retreat at Quilpie: TheHomestead is fully furnished and managed by a Veteran DutyOfficer. Very low nominal fee charged per day. Caravans andcamper trailers can be parked at a low daily fee.Booking essential for the Homestead (not necessary forcaravans/campers) Contact the Duty Officer (07) 4656 4740.Email:[email protected]: C/O PO Quilpie Qld 4480

Rocky Creek War Memorial Park: This camp spot is locatedat Tolga. The Atherton Shire Council maintains it. There is a 72hour limit and a gold coin donation. There are toilets,barbecue, and non-potable water. It is a memorial site to allsoldiers who trained on the tablelands before being sentoverseas. There is a caretaker on site.

Zac's Place: Located at 715 Ross River Road, Kirwan,Townsville, run by VVAA Qld Branch. There is accommodationfor up to 11 people with all facilities. Tariff is $35.00 per nightsingle, $55.00 per night double or $175.00 per week single or$225.00 per week double, for accommodation.Contact manager Mr Jason Spurr, Ph. (07) 4773 6980.

Homestead Caravan Park: Located along the LandsboroughHighway at Barcaldine, Queensland. Every day in the lateafternoon during winter, your hosts Ben and Thanh prepare thecampfire, with damper and billy tea prepared the old bush way.Entertainment nightly. They always have something special onfor Vietnam Veterans Day, 18th August. Cabins available. ForReservations Ph. Ben or Thanh on (07) 4651 1308.

Camp Gregory is a rural acre property inside a national parkwith the Gregory River running along one side. A long droptoilet is available. The camp is ideal for camping and caravans,free of charge to Veterans and their families.A maximum stay of 2 weeks.Contact Roger Dwyer first Ph: (07) 4129 4030Address: 168 Darville Rd, Woodgate, Qld, 4660

South Australia

Bublacowie Military Museum: Located between Stansburyand Giles Point, Yorktown. Three Veteran Museums, $5.00admission, $2.00 children. Accommodation enquiries:Contact owner Chris Soar (ex vet of Malaya) (08) 8853 4379or 0419 853 294.

Camp Andrew Russell in South Australia, is located 35kmSouth East of Loxton along the Murray Bridge Road. Turn left(or right if coming from Adelaide) onto the Lameroo Road,taking the right fork along the road. The entrance is markedwith a cream tractor tyre, just past a road sign. You will need akey for access and thus need to contact John Hough mobile0409 098 093

New South Wales

Ramon Deed Veterans Retreat: This retreat was named afterRamon John Deed, of 1 Fld. Sqn., Vietnam. The retreat islocated at Dareton, 17Km from Mildura & 16Km fromWentworth. It is open to all Veterans, serving & ex-servicePersonnel & their families. There is power & water. Unpowered($10.00 per night) powered ($20 per night) Phone:Barry & Di Langan (03) 5027 4447Email: [email protected]

Murraguldrie Veterans Retreat: It is situated on the edge ofthe Murraguldrie State Forest about forty minute drive fromWagga Wagga, and approximately seven kilometres from theHume Highway turn off point to Tumbarumba on theTumbarumba Road. To arrange access or booking enquiriescontact: Gordon Irvine" (02) 6971 2488 or 0428 381 292

Les White: (02) 6922 6097 or 0428 226 097Bob May: (02) 6931 2634 or 0417 490 127

Email: [email protected]

TasmaniaTasmania Veterans Retreat: Offers fully equipped houseaccommodation in the remote Central Highlands area, 20minutes from Bothwell. $30.00 double + $5.00 per extraperson. Bookings made through the State RSLAHeadquarters, Hobart. (03) 6224 0881. Open to all APPVAmembers.

Western Australia

Camp Hart: A combination of private and crown land vestedwith the Shire of Kulin. It is situated 3.5 hours south-east ofPerth, 14kms east of Kulin. Camp Hart is a memorial parklocated next to Lake Jilakin and in the shadow of Jilakin Rock.It offers shade, ablution block, sheltered barbecue and bushkitchen. Donations are welcome. Open to all ADF Veterans. Allinquiries are to be made to Roger Lingard (08) 9527 8000 or0419 944 627.

Bruce Rock: Situated 254Km from Perth in the wheat belt.Vets always welcome but each year in November, theyconduct a Vietnam Veterans activity. Most stay at the BruceRock Caravan Park Ph. (08) 9061 1070

Northern Territory

Roper Retreat: Same as for Pandanus Park, take onlyPhotos. Leave no footprints. Located 31Km along the NorthernTerritory Highway. TurnNorth at Elsey Station sign. 3Km alongyou pass the Manager's House and just after 5km, you reachthe Roper.PH Tony 0401 100 514 or Jimbob 0419 414 209

Coral House: Located at 107 Bagot Rd, Ludmilla. Run byVVAA NT. Shared kitchen facilities, laundry and bathroom.Linen, TV in common room, three shared bedrooms providingseven beds. Contact manager Jack Hamilton onPh. 8948 0050.



BIG BOLD BEVY’S TRIVIA ANSWERS1. BOWEN.2. WINTON.3. LONGREACH.4. CAIRNS.5. EMERALD.6. ROMA.7. IPSWICH.8. QUILPIE.9. GLADSTONE.10. MOUNT ISA.

DVA wants to start a conversation among current andformer serving members — about mental health. In consultationwith the Australian Defence Force, the Department hasdeveloped a series of videos available online at the DVAYouTube channel www.youtube.com/DVAAus or via the DVAFaceBook page www.facebook.com/DVAAUS .

The videos tell real stories of servicemen and women,returning from operational service facing mental health issues athome — anxiety, anger, depression, post-traumatic stress,alcohol abuse, and loneliness, and comprise interviewsinterspersed with dramatised scenes.

They share the impact these conditions have on theirfamilies — and how they embarked on the road to recovery.Powerful and at times confronting, the videos show the courageof seeking help and finding a way through what can be achallenging time.

Young war widow Danielle Kitchen talks about thedepression she suffered after losing her fiancé CPL RichardAtkinson in Afghanistan in early 2011. MEAO veteran SQNLDRCindy Chawner describes how her PTSD affected her day-to-dayfunctioning.

Dane Christison recalls how he needed to be careful tomake sure his trauma didn’t become his fiancé’s trauma as well.

These interviews are combined with those from leaderssuch as the Repatriation Commissioner, Major General MarkKelly AO DSC, and the Chief of the Defence Force, GeneralDavid Hurley AC, DSC, encouraging anyone suffering from theirmilitary service to come forward.

As at July 2012, approximately 46,500 DVA clients wereknown to have a mental health condition. Of these, about 28,000have a stress disorder (including PTSD). These numbers onlyrepresent those DVA clients who have sought assistance fromthe Department. There are others out there who are sufferingalone or in silence. The message from the videos is that theydon’t need to. Reaching out is a sign of strength and more talkwill help overcome the stigma of mental health.

For information about mental health issues, visit DVA’s AtEase website www.at-ease.dva.gov.au or contact the Veteransand Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS).

For thirty years the Veterans and Veterans FamiliesCounselling Service (VVCS) has been providing a wide range ofservices in a friendly and safe environment to help veterans andtheir families deal with the emotional impact of military service.

Initially established in 1982 to support Vietnam veteransand their families, over time VVCS has expanded to meet theneeds of Australian veterans and peacekeepers from all militaryoperations, their partners and dependants, along with

Australia’s F-111 fuel tank maintenance workers and theirfamilies.

In 2011-12, VVCS supported more than 21,000 membersof this community.

The relevance of VVCS services to the veteran communityis guided by the National Advisory Committee to the Minister forVeterans’ Affairs, which provides independent advice onchanging community needs. VVCS also holds RegionalConsultation Forums with ex-service and Defence communitiesacross Australia to ensure this national service continues to meetlocal need. This relationship with the veteran community hasenabled VVCS to identify trends and seek innovative ways tomeet the emerging needs of contemporary veterans and theirfamilies.

VVCS is increasing accessibility to services through theexpansion of office hours in some centres, and is exploringoptions to more effectively engage through social media. Inaddition to its 15 centres across the country, VVCS has beenpiloting several outposts near military bases and has acomprehensive national network of outreach counsellors.

VVCS also offers an after hours crisis telephone service“Veterans Line”. Veterans and their families are always able tolink to VVCS support.

All VVCS counsellors maintain a knowledge andunderstanding of veteran and military culture. Care is responsive,effective and tailored to the specific needs of veterans and theirfamilies.

VVCS is the legacy of Australia’s Vietnam veterans. Thestrength and resilience Vietnam veterans showed in bringing theemotional impact of military combat into the spotlight, long beforethere was community acceptance of mental health issues, is acredit to them.

The first office of the then Vietnam Veterans CounsellingService was opened in South Australia in 1982. By the end of thatyear, there were centres in most capital cities.

VVCS services have adapted to meet client need overtime, reflected by the expanding client base and confirmed by the2007 name change to the Veterans and Veterans FamiliesCounselling Service (VVCS). VVCS is committed to continuing toimprove and modernise its counselling, mental health andwellbeing support services into the future, to ensure our veteransand their families continue to receive the support they need.

VVCS – 30 years young

ED: This article appeared in the Summer edition ofVetAffairs.

Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS)

Merry Christmas and Happy New year to you.As you have probably heard, mine was unusual to say the

least!. Out of 3 weeks, I spent 2 in hospital, including the twoaforementioned days.

We decided to cut our losses and come home, in case therewere further complications that we would rather havecoped with on familiar ground. Alas! A couple of problems croppedout which we hadn't foreseen.

The medical fraternity, in their wisdom, decided that I couldnot drive home, unless I did it in the backseat with my legs raised tofacilitate blood circulation, and Sheila actually driving some 2000 pluskm's. Nor was I allowed to fly, without an oxygen supply and medicalsupervision.

A solution was found, which I've been asked to pass on to youfor inclusion in the "Ricochet". Sheila was making phone calls all overthe place; RSL's, DVA's, Welfare Associations etc., when someonesuggested an organisation called Aussie Assist, an organisation withwhich the RACQ is associated, and with who we've got our carinsured comprehensively. She got in touch with them eventually, andafter Sheila explained the situation, they said that they wouldinvestigate our case, and get back to us. They consequentlyrequested relevant copies of doctor's reports, all hospitaldocumentation and any other documentation that was relevant.

Numerous phone calls, requesting further info, were madeand the doctor in charge of my case finally rang and told Sheila that adecision would be made and she would find out within forty eighthours.

He rang the following day and told Sheila that they had comeup with a solution.

1. We would be picked up from the place we were staying inMelbourne, with a Registered Nurse providing Medical Attention, andtaken to Melbourne Airport.

2. Qantas flight Melbourne - Brisbane. Oxygen would beavailable to me, used under constant supervision.

3. Car then supplied to take us to the Sunshine Coast,including Nurse.

4 Our car would be picked at an arranged date, put on a truckand in fact, trucked to the Sunshine Coast.

We obviously agreed to this solution and arranged to departthe day after next.

The courtesy and help that was extended to Sheila, at alltimes by Aussie Assist, was excellent. This was also a greatendeavour by RACQ.Cheers,PeterED: This item is submitted by Peter for member’s information.

PETER VELTMEIJER’S CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY TRIBULATIONS



The following article corresponds withROP {(Records of Proceedings) (or Ship’sJournal )} and was copied from thewebsite of the USS Newport News CA-148,Research Pages, as compiled by FormerHMAS Perth veteran John Marek.

Monday 16th October 1967End of Perth’s first period on gunline, start

of first period on Sea Dragon.The ship’s first period on gunline ended on the morning of

Monday 16th when USS MANSFIELD (DD 728) arrived onstation. Perth transferred turnover material to DUPONT andbefore proceeding for Sea Dragon operations a signal wasreceived from CTU (Commander Task Unit) 70.8.9 which stated,"On your departure from TU 70.8.9, I desire to express mysincere appreciation on behalf of myself and my staff for yourtrue spirit of co-operation and tenacity in pursuing yourassignment. The ability of your personnel to manufactureparts for your 5/inch 54 mounts to remain in operation isdeserving in much praise. It is with regret that you leave ourgunline team. Your initiative combined with aggressive tactics,high speed manoeuvring and superb marksmanship haverendered immeasurable support to our in-country forces andwill be missed in the DMZ area. Please commend for me theofficers and men of the Perth for a job well”"CAPTAIN CORNWALL COMDESRON 22"

Tuesday 17th October 1967After a quite day on Monday the 16th the ship

rendezvoused with TU 77.1.1 at 0400 Tuesday the 17th wherePerth relieved USS GOLDSBROUGH (DDG 20) as supportship for the USS NEWPORT NEWS (CA-148). Handovermaterial were passed by highline and briefings conducted bytelephone, after which Perth proceeded in company withNEWPORT NEWS for a planned mission off SAM SON at0730.

While the cruiser engaged the primary target, Perthsuppressed C.D. sites, firing a total of 50 rounds at a meanrange of 21,250 yards. No hostile fire was received. The twoships then swept south in search of Waterborne Logistic Craft(WBLC) before the day’s second mission at 1030. Thismission was conducted with air spot and Perth againsuppressed C.D. sites while NEWPORT NEWS, making fulluse of her 28,000x gun range, fired on a bridge to the west ofthe Bay of Brandon. On completion of the mission the TaskUnit proceeded to rendezvous with the USS MISPILLION(AO-105) and USS MOUNT KATMAI (AE-16) for UNREP. Thereplenishment occupied the entire afternoon and evening,during most of which Perth remained in lifeguard station.Embarkation of ammunition by NEWPORT NEWS was aprotracted evolution and it was not until 2100 that the TaskUnit left the UNREP ships to resume patrol. For the remainderof the night Perth was stationed 2 miles ahead of NEWPORTNEWS whilst both ships searched the coast and river mouthsfor signs of WBLC activity.

Wednesday 18th October 1967First time under fire

At 0800 Wednesday 18th, Perth was instation 2 miles ahead of NEWPORT NEWS inposition 19 Deg 34’N 105Deg 59.5’E. TheTask Unit was carrying out intensivesurveillance of river mouths as it proceedednorthward for a planned firing mission later inthe forenoon. Attention was concentrated on a

group of craft ahead, suspected of being WBLCs.Almost simultaneously with the identification of these craft asfishing junks and before a turn away from the coast had beenexecuted, Perth and NEWPORT NEWS came under heavyand accurate fire from shore batteries 16,500 yards westward.

The customary turn away was made and telegraphs set atFULL AHEAD with no delay. My evasive tactics were thoserecommended by Hobart and consisted, in the main, ofaltering course away from the fall of shot whilst keeping the Aarcs of at least one Mount open.

One direct hit was sustained shortly after the turn away.Either an 85mm or 100mm S.A.P. shell glanced off the rearend of Mount 52, penetrated 01 Deck above the C.B. vaultand exploded in that compartment.

Most of the enemy fire was concentrated on Perth and theaccuracy of the 12 or more guns which were firing at usseemed to indicate a computed fire control solution withprovision being made for alteration to left or right. During thecourse of the running fight, mount 52 suffered 3 separatecasualties, two of which were cleared quickly but resulted inonly 44 rounds being fired from that Mount. The 3rd casualtymade it necessary to alter course to bring Mount 51 to bearand 11 rounds were fired from this mount using extendedRange Procedure. Twenty five of our rounds were seen to fallin the target area and as the enemy ceased firing when therange had opened to 21,500 yards, we like to think ourCounter battery had some effect.

Personnel casualties were fortunately few and the sevensailors wounded (2 serious, 5 minor) were all proceedingalong the main passageway when the explosion occurred.Details of those injured are summarised in Appendix Echo. Itwas also fortunate that none of the compartments in theimmediate vicinity of the explosion were occupied at the time.

Damage repair began immediately. Mount 52 was fullyoperational by 1200 and the Tartar System restored during theafternoon. At 1025 Perth proceeded alongside NEWPORTNEWS to transfer two wounded sailors for medivac to USSORISKANY. On completion of the transfer, the Task Unitresumed surveillance and WBLC search.

A planned mission was fired during the afternoon in thevicinity of the morning’s incident but there was no sign of C.D.site activity on this occasion.

Ed: The article was suggested by returning member FrankRoss.

H.M.A.S. Perth; 1st Deployment - Captain Peter. H. DOYLE



THE TRUE - BLUEAIR FORCE

NEWS PAGE

TO START THIS YEAROFF, WE LOOK AT THEGRUMMAN MOHAWKOV-1 AS USED INVIETNAM (VUNG TAU)

The Mohawk began as a joint Army-Marine programmethrough the then Navy Bureau of Aeronautics (BuAer), for anobservation/attack plane that would outperform the CessnaL-19 Bird Dog.

In June 1956, the Army issued Type SpecificationTS145, which called for the development and procurement ofa two-seat, twin turboprop aircraft designed to operate fromsmall, unimproved fields under all weather conditions. It wouldbe faster, with greater fir-power, and heavier armour than theBird Dog which had proved vulnerable during the Korean War.

The Mohawk 's m iss ion wou ld inc ludeobservation, artillery spotting, air control, emergency resupply,naval target spotting, liaison, and radiological monitoring. TheNavy specified that the aircraft must be capable of operatingfrom small "jeep" escort class carriers (CVEs). The DoDselected the Grumman Aircraft Corporation's G-134 design asthe winner of the competition in 1957.

Marine requirements contributed an unusual feature tothe design. As originally proposed, the OF-1 could be fittedwith water skis that would allow the aircraft to land at sea andtaxi to island beaches at 20 kts. Since the Marines wereauthorized to operate fixed wing aircraft in the close airsupport (CAS) role, the mock-up also featured underwingpylons for rockets, bombs, and other stores.

The radar imaging capability of the Mohawk was toprove a significant advance in both peace-time and war.

The SLAR could look through foliage, and map terrain,thus presenting the observer with a film image of the earthbelow only minutes after the area was scanned. In militaryoperations, the image was split in two parts, one showingfixed terrain features, the other spotting moving targets.

The prototype (YAO-1AF) first flew on April 14, 1959.The OV-1 entered production in October 1959.

The very nature of the joint Army/Marine program hadforced design compromises, such as ejection seats, that madethe aircraft an expensive and, sometimes, openly resisteditem in Army budgets. Orders for the OV-1 stopped in Fiscal1964, and the controversy in the Pentagon over the armedMohawk peaked with a 1965 directive that prohibited the Armyfrom operating armed fixed wing aircraft. Operational successin Vietnam led to additional Mohawk orders in 1966, and by1968, five surveillance companies were operating inSouth-east Asia.

The last of the Mohawk versions to enter productionwas the OV-1D, with more powerful T53-701 engines,improved avionics, and interchangeable mission pallets thatmake it possible to switch the aircraft from infrared to SLARconfiguration in about an hour. The first four OV-1Ds wereprototypes converted from earlier production airframes, andthe first flew in 1969. These were followed by 37 new-buildaircraft, the last of which was delivered in December 1970General characteristics.Crew: Two: pilot and an observerLength: 41 ft 0 in (12.30 m)Wingspan: 48 ft 0 in (14.40 m)Height: 12 ft 8 in (3.86 m)Wing area: 360 ft² (33.45 m²)Empty weight: 12,054 lb (5,467 kg)Loaded weight: 15,544 lb (7,051 kg) (Normal take-off weight,

for IR mission)Max. takeoff weight: 18,109 lb (8,214 kg) (SLAR mission)Power plant: 2 × Lycoming T53-L-701 turboprops of

1,400shp (1,044 kW) each.

ED: Article submitted by Junior VP Mal Sayers



The Merchandise Page

A wide range of merechandise is available for sale from our rooms and new items will beordered on request and delivered within one week normally, a little longer for some items.

Your support in purchasing the items held in stock helps us to continue in giving assistance toour veterans and welfare to our members

SET OF SIXMEDALIONS

$200

SIGNALS$40

INFANTRY$40

ARTILLERY(worth heaps, but only

$40 to you)

$15.50 50 YearLong Tan Cross

$10.00

Vietnam Nasho Logistic Support

NAVYARMY AIR FORCE

NEW 50th ANNIVERSARY MERCHANDISE AVAILABLE FROM V.V.A.A. NATIONALPrices are retail at the Drop-In-Centre

The above three are $5 each

AIR FORCE$40

ARMOURED$40

NAVY$40

STOP PRESS!!!Nasho caps andpatches are now

available



Application for Membership/RenewalRENEWING 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/N13. 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 and service details to be printed in the Newsletter? Y/N15. BRANCH OF SERVICE— NAVY — ARMY — AIRFORCE (Please circle)

Ex-service personnel other than Australian must supply copy of Discharge Certificate and Drivers License.

Annual Subscription

Ordinary $25.00Associate $20.00POSH $7.00Donation $............. Thank you!Please make Cheques/Money Order payable to: VVAA Sunshine Coast Sub-Branch Inc.Post to: VVAA Sunshine Coast, PO Box 533, COTTON TREE, QLD. 4558I, the undersigned, hereby apply to be admitted to membership and if elected I agree to be boundby the terms and conditions of the rules, By-laws and standing orders of the Sub-Branch whichare now in force and which hereafter be in force.

# Signature............................................................ # Date........./........../.............

1st Tour 2nd Tour 3rd Tour

From......./....../......To ....../....../...... From....../....../......To ...../...../...... From ......../......./....... To ...../..../....

Received by .............................................. (Please Print) Receipt No.................Date ......./......./.........

“ricochet” · digger hat jewellery ceremonial officer historian assistant historian honorary...

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