september 2010
DESCRIPTION
Quarterly RAAFVVA Newsletter: September 2010TRANSCRIPT
RAAF Vietnam Veterans
Association (Vic)
ABN 34 550 672 219
NEWSLETTER
September 2010 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
WEBMASTER Anthony (Tony) Pahl OAM [email protected] SPECIAL PROJECTS Nick LeRay-Meyer AM Phone (03) 9386-6961
SPECIAL PROJECTS Graeme Dodd OAM Phone (03) 9852-1653
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
Audrey Elliott (Welfare & Pensions) Wallan Phone (03) 5783-1567
Rob Hart (Welfare) Broadford Phone (03) 5784-4096
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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(VICE) PRESIDENT‟S REPORT
In the absence of President Lee Scully overseas, (he will be
back by the time you read this newsletter), I will be your scribe
this quarter.
Our membership remains reasonably static with 153 Ordinary,
21 Associates and 6 Second Members. By coincidence 7
Ordinary members who were financial in 2009 have not paid this
year, and we have attracted 7 new ones. It was interesting to
note at a recent VVA State Council meeting that although the
VVA Victorian total membership is approximately 2,300, DVA
believes there are over 8,000 Vietnam veterans living in Victoria.
It was also stated that there was evidence from various areas
that those veterans who were members of an Association, were
better informed, and hence were in a better situation, than those
who were not. If you know of any Vietnam veterans let them
know of the advantage of joining an Association, and, of course,
if they are ex-RAAF, get them to join our sub-branch.
A significant source of revenue is badge sales leading up to VV Day, and this year we were at three shopping centres, Sunbury, Highpoint and Westfield Doncaster. Committee member Andy Lapins also terrorised the patrons at the Palmerston Hotel at our VV Day lunch. A big thanks to everyone that helped, and to our hard working Secretary Rick Holmes, who did his usual excellent organisation of booking the sites and getting the badges etc. to the sales sites. I expect everyone that has Internet access has seen how our Newsletter now looks on our web site. We are so fortunate in having a webmaster with the skills of Tony Pahl, and as a volunteer!
We purchased a $300 paver at the Commemorative Walk in Seymour, located adjacent to a $500 paver purchased by the Air Force Association. Committee member Neil Morgan attended the „Turning of the first sod‟ ceremony.
A minor revamp of the RAAF display at the VV museum at Phillip Island has been carried out and we are continuing to lobby Defence to obtain a Caribou aircraft for the Museum. We have also purchased a two volume „History of the FAC in Vietnam‟ which has been presented to the museum for the library. We have been advised that a Huey helicopter will be made available to the museum.
Monthly luncheons continue to be held at Duckboard House, Melbourne RSL and attendances vary considerably, but we continue to take advantage of the excellent food and good company available at the lunches.
Welfare activities have been fairly quiet; which is good. Andy Lapins has completed a Basic Welfare Course Level 1 at DVA Melbourne, and he, and Gill Coughlan, who is very active in the veterans area, will provide further welfare resources in Melbourne.
Gareth Davis
Vice President
RAAFVVA
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NOTICE BOARD
WARNING OF RIP-OFF Dated 25
th August, 2010
Hi All I have just been advised by DVA Cairns that some people are scamming mainly ex National serviceman. The ex serviceman is initially sent a letter advising them that they are entitled to Service pension and to contact the author. Once they do this they are then sent a letter with AMF (not used for many years) headed paper asking for bank details to put the service pension into, date of birth and other personal information. Their bank accounts are then cleaned out. Please advise as many others as possible of this scam. Cheers John King JP (Qual) Advocate | Pensions, Advocacy & Welfare Services RSL (Queensland Branch) Australian Special Air Service Association Queensland Incorporated.
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 October, 2010*
AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION
VIETNAM VETERANS BURSARY 2011
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YOU AND THE AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION! Written by Brendan Lynch, former RAAFVVA President
The Royal Australian Air Force Association (RAAFA) or Air Force Association (as it is informally known in Victoria) has Divisions in all Australian States and Territories. Its mission is to foster friendships based on shared Air Force and Aviation experiences. The Association also conducts and supports commemorative activities, heritage and history projects whilst assisting in the welfare of members through advice, liaison, benevolence and representation. The Association also seeks to provide input to the development of Air Power policy.
A strong and active Air Force Association can work to ensure that matters of interest and concern to serving and former members of the RAAF, which would not necessarily be afforded any priority by other ex-service organisations, are brought to the notice of those in Government. However, throughout Australia membership is in decline because of the numbers of WWII veterans and the growth of unit and squadron associations outside the umbrella of RAAFA (the latter has probably occurred in many instances because in previous eras various Divisions and/or Branches of RAAFA were seen to have focused too much on WWII veterans). The decline in Victoria is also a result of the disestablishment of major RAAF units (with resultant less former RAAF retiring and residing in Victoria) and recruitment of RAAF members by organisations such as the RSL (especially in regional areas where the RSL operates local clubs/bistros) and the Peace-Keepers and Peace-Makers Association (a relatively new organisation with a strong recruiting credo). If this decline continues, so will the ability of the Association, particularly here in Victoria, to support and protect the interests of those who served the Nation in the Royal Australian Air Force.
Therefore, we need the Air Force Association and for it to continue it needs us as members.
Here in Victoria, the RAAFA, through the leadership of Peter Colliver and his Board of Management, has actively sought to assist the RAAF Vietnam Veterans Association over the past few years. During that period, substantial funds have been provided to assist in our administration, visits (to the Philip Island Museum), functions and more recently the establishment of an annual Bursary and dedication of a plaque at Pt Cook to honour those who served in Vietnam (something the RAAF has itself never done!). RAAFA(Vic) also strongly welcomed our re-joining the main RAAF Contingent at the ANZAC Day March. RAAFVVA involvement in a range of RAAFA projects has been actively sought and greatly appreciated. Indeed, it is true to state that RAAFA(Vic) has provided more support to the RAAFVVA than has the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia – the organisation which receives some $14 (capitation charge) of your $20 membership fee and in which we are simply one of a myriad of sub branches (the others being predominantly Army focused).
As a result of the increased cooperation and involvement of your Committee with RAAFA, a new "Concurrent Membership" category has been established, to enable members of other RAAF unit, squadron or role Associations to join RAAFA at a reduced cost of $25 per annum. You are therefore strongly encouraged to take up that offer and support an organisation that needs to be kept effective in order that those who followed our service are properly supported when not active.
An application form is available on our website: www.raafvva.org.au or from the RAAFA(Vic) website: www.raafavic.org.au It will be money well spent!
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NATIONAL VIETNAM VETERANS MUSEUM – Phillip Island
Back to the Museum Day – 21st November 2010 All are invited to attend an Open Day at the Museum on 21st November. This will not only be an opportunity to inspect the numerous displays but RAAFVVA will be conducting a Dedication Ceremony for a RAAF Vietnam Veterans Plaque (similar to the plaque at Pt Cook) that will be situated opposite the replica Long Tan Cross in the Museum‟s Garden of Remembrance. RAAFVVA will also present to the Museum a framed print of a Cessna „Bird Dog‟ in flight over South Vietnam. As an added interest, we are hoping that by November, an ex RAAF Iroquois helicopter will have been delivered and made ready for inspection. Those who have not visited the Museum before will find it near the entrance to the Phillip Island airport, off the left side of the road, just 3 km‟s over the bridge from San Remo. Address is:- 25 Veterans Drive (formerly Churchill Rd South), Newhaven We will display more information on the RAAFVVA website closer to the day, but for general information or contact details about the Museum, their website is:-
www.vietnamvetsmuseum.org RAAFVVA CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2010
Next Monthly Luncheon will be held at The Duckboard Club (from 1200hrs), Wednesday 22 September.
Generally, our monthly get-togethers are planned for the third Wednesday of each month. However dates for the remainder of the year are yet to be finalized, but will be posted on our website as soon as available.
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OUT AND ABOUT
BADGE WEEK 2010 This year‟s Badge Week activities were conducted at three locations: Sunbury on 5th/6th and Highpoint Maribyrnong and Westfield Doncaster on 12th/13th of August. Despite ongoing effects of the „GFC‟ many people generously supported Vietnam veterans by purchasing badges, or by simply making a cash donation. Proceeds from the three stalls, extra selling by Andy Lapins on VV Day and additional efforts from Nick LeRay-Meyer, and Maree Jongkryg, all combined to achieve our highest Badge Week result. Congratulations and thank you to all who took part.
Geoff Rose and Ron Douglas display their wares at the Sunbury Square Shopping Centre Members who volunteered to help raise welfare funds at the shopping centres during Badge Week 2010 were:- Doncaster: Gareth Davis, Andy Lapins, Alan White and Ken Ewin Highpoint: Nick LeRay-Meyer, Pieter Jongkryg, Bob Brackin and Rick Holmes Sunbury: Ron Douglas, Neil Morgan, Noela and Geoff Rose This year, due to VVAA insurance complications, we limited the number of people who participated in badge selling activities, but we look forward to this being sorted by next year and all will be back to normal. So, next year we will be calling for as many volunteers as possible. If you could be available to put in as little as an hour or two, in just one day, to assist in this very worthwhile activity, your effort would be very much appreciated.
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VIETNAM VETERANS‟ DAY
At 1045hrs on a good old-style, overcast, chilly and windy Melbourne winter‟s day, a total of 23 members and wives huddled at the RAAF Vietnam Plaque in the Shrine‟s Garden of Reflection for a short remembrance ceremony conducted by RAAFVVA Vice President, Gareth Davis.
Wreaths were laid by RAAFA (Vic) President, Peter Colliver and RAAFVVA member, Neil Boulton.
Following the plaque ceremony there was enough time to head back to the refreshment tents to keep out of the icy wind and try to increase body temperature with an egg and bacon roll and a hot cup of tea or coffee before lining up for the march which began at 1200hrs.
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Members of the RAN Association led this year‟s march, followed by the RAAFVVA contingent and then individual Army Associations. The strong and blustery conditions made it very difficult for banner carriers and it was not easy for Neil Morgan and Pieter Jongkryg who did a great job of keeping the RAAFVVA Banner in a stable and upright position.
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The Victorian Vietnamese Veterans Association also took part in the commemoration and many members proudly wore (and still fitted into) the uniform in which they served. Members of this organization are very enthusiastic to be included in Vietnam War remembrance ceremonies and many had already attended the RAAF Vietnam Veterans Plaque dedication at Pt Cook in March this year. Everyone was feeling the cold: Bob Elworthy commenced his Welcome Address with, “It‟s days like today that make you wish „Charlie‟ had turned up at Long Tan in February - instead of August”.
(The only warm place was near the Eternal Flame)
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Keynote Address „The Vietnam War and the Royal Australian Navy‟ was delivered by Capt Ralph T. Derbidge MBE RAN (Retired). Capt Derbidge had served as gunnery officer aboard three HMA Ships (Quiberon, Vampire and Brisbane) in Vietnamese waters. Having travelled down from Sydney for the Commemoration he described Melbourne‟s weather as similar to standing on the forecastle during midwinter in the North Sea. The address was a very informative history of the conflict in Vietnam from 1954 to 1975, including details of each RAN Ship involved and how many rounds they fired at the enemy. The speech certainly impressed its listeners because I overheard many people commenting about it after the ceremony - which had run overtime. The post ceremony get-together and lunch was again held at the Palmerston Hotel on Kings Way. Numbers were certainly down on previous years, but this enabled the RAAFVVA‟s generous bar donation to cover more than the usual one or two drinks for each of our participants.
Andy took the opportunity to sell more badges, which helped bring this year‟s total to a record high.
Sue and „Chick‟ Mercieca
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Maree and Pieter Jongkryg
Despite the cold weather, it was certainly cosy and inviting indoors and it did not take too long for people to thaw out and enjoy the hot food, cold drinks and convivial atmosphere.
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Long Tan Memorial Ceremony
RAAFVVA representatives at the 2010 Long Tan Memorial Ceremony conducted, on Saturday 21st August, by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Lodge at the Ivalda Masonic Centre were Nick LeRay-Meyer, Maree and Pieter Jongkryg, Kevin O‟Neill, Peter Ashley, Mac Cottrell, and his son Tim. The Ceremony was based on the traditional parading of a vacant chair (symbolizing those who have made the supreme sacrifice) draped with the Australian Flag, a bayonet, recovered from the battle field the next day and presented to the Lodge by Dave Sabben (decorated for bravery at Long Tan) and a wreath. Nick, Pieter, and Mac took an active role in the Ceremony by forming one side of a hollow square of nine Vietnam Veterans, representing the military stance of „holding ground‟.
DID YOU KNOW?
VETERANS and your PARTNERS, please read these excerpts from a report on the Vietnam Veterans Family Health Study by Dr Brian I. O‟Toole, Chief Investigator, ANZAC Research Institute.
“The Mental Health of Partners of Australian Vietnam Veterans Three Decades After the War and its Relation to Veteran Military Service, Combat and PTSD”.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This study aimed to assess psychiatric diagnoses in female partners of Australian Vietnam veterans, to compare these with national Australian population statistics, and to assess their relationship with veterans‟ military service and mental health.
Independent assessments of 240 veteran-partner couples used standardized psychiatric diagnostic interviews that permitted comparison with Australian population data. Multivariate statistical regression modelling examined associations of veterans‟ war service, combat and psychiatric status with women‟s mental health.
Anxiety disorders and severe recurrent depression were among 11 of 17 psychiatric diagnoses that were significantly in excess of population expectations. Despite higher diagnosis rates, there was no commensurate increase in health service usage. Veterans‟ combat and PTSD were significant predictors of women‟s depressive disorder, particularly severe depression.
We conclude that veterans‟ war service and mental health sequelae including PTSD are associated with higher rates of mental disorder in their female partners three decades after the war.
“In conclusion, the results of the study go beyond the general measures of psychological distress
of war veterans‟ partners reported by other studies. They show that the partners of veterans are
not just struggling with their impaired partner but are suffering elevated rates of serious psychiatric
illness, even 30 years after the war. The disparity between rates of psychiatric disorder and
healthcare utilization suggests greater attention to ensuring adequate assessment and treatment of
partners is required. These results reinforce the need to continue surveillance of veteran health
and to take into consideration the impact of war service and combat exposure on veterans‟ intimate
partners when future studies of veterans are undertaken. Higher rates of mental ill-health in both
veterans and their partners may have major implications for the mental health of their offspring.”
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FEMALE VETERANS WELLBEING RESEARCH PROJECT
The wellbeing of female Vietnam and contemporary veterans: an ethnography of military health personnel. BACKGROUND This project has been funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) to investigate the experiences and impact of war on female veterans. The researcher will conduct confidential face-to-face interviews with female veterans across Australia, as well as facilitate a small number of focus groups. BENEFITS The findings of the research will contribute to new insights into women‟s service and transition experiences and the impact on their health and wellbeing. This new knowledge will inform DVA policy to better promote the health and wellbeing of women veterans. RESEARCH TEAM This three year project will be conducted by an experienced team of researchers for the Australian National University. RECRUITMENT: HOW YOU CAN HELP US The research team is seeking assistance to recruit women nursing veterans and other female military health personnel veterans to take part in a 1-2 hour confidential interview, and/or focus group with other female veterans, to discuss their experiences and perceived effects of war. Those who are interested in participating are invited to contact the principal researcher for further information. Some financial assistance will be available for travel expenses, if required, on completion of the focus group. PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY Personal details and any responses by participants that could identify them, will remain confidential to the research team, unless otherwise specified by participant, and will not be passed on to DVA. Their participation will not in any way affect their pension, benefits or any health services that they are entitled to from DVA. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: Dr Samantha Crompvoets Principal investigator, The Australian National University Tel: (02) 6125 1310 (m) 0406 732 313 or email: [email protected]
Your answers will be completely confidential and any personal details, which may identify you in any way, will not be passed to the Department of Veterans' Affairs. Your answers will not in any way affect any pension, benefits or health services which you are entitled to from DVA, or to which you may become entitled in the future. Those who participate in the study are also invited to share any memorabilia, photos, documents they have from their service. If you would like to be involved, or seek further information, please contact: Dr Samantha Crompvoets Medical School, Australian National University Canberra 0200
Supported by: The Department of Veterans Affairs
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FEELING ANGRY?
The veterans Doing Anger Differently program will be held at VVCS offices in Melbourne on 7th October until 16th December from 1.00 - 3.30pm, and we still have some places available. By participating in the 'Doing Anger Differently' program participants will have an opportunity to develop: * An understanding of anger and aggression * An understanding of the impact of anger on relationships and develop skills to deal with conflict constructively * An understanding of how thoughts, values and beliefs, including military culture influence anger and aggressive behaviours * Skills to manage and prevent angry feelings and aggressive behaviours Anyone interested is welcome to contact our Intake Worker to discuss their interest in the program on 1800 011 046.
Kind regards Melinda Austen Group Programme Coordinator Melbourne VVCS - Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service Department of Veterans' Affairs Tel 03 8640 8700
(A computer once beat me at chess - but it was no match for me at kick boxing!)
IT‟S TIME CARERS WERE RECOGNISED FOR ALL THE WORK THEY DO. Apply today for your Carer Card!
The Victorian Government Carer Card is a free
discount and benefits card available to unpaid
primary carers in Victoria.
Carers include people like foster, kinship and
primary carers. They can be a carer of a
person with a disability, a severe or chronic
medical condition, a mental illness, or someone
who is frail, aged or in need of palliative care.
More information, including online application form, can be found on:-
www.carercard.vic.gov.au/carers
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An Interesting Article from Joseph „Chick‟ Mercieca: “You'll never look at the Monopoly game the same way again!” Starting in 1941, an increasing number of British Airmen found themselves as the involuntary guests of the Third Reich, and the Crown was casting about for ways and means to facilitate their escape. Now obviously, one of the most helpful aids to that end is a useful and accurate map, one showing not only where stuff was, but also showing the locations of 'safe houses' where a POW on-the-lam could go for food and shelter. Paper maps had some real drawbacks -- they make a lot of noise when you open and fold them, they wear out rapidly, and if they get wet, they turn into mush. Someone in MI-5 got the idea of printing escape maps on silk. It's durable, can be scrunched-up into tiny wads, and unfolded as many times as needed, and makes no noise whatsoever. At that time, there was only one manufacturer in Great Britain that had perfected the technology of printing on silk, and that was John Waddington, Ltd. When approached by the government, the firm was only too happy to do its bit for the war effort. By pure coincidence, Waddington was also the U.K. Licensee for the popular American board game, Monopoly. As it happened, 'games and pastimes' was a category of item qualified for insertion into 'CARE packages', dispatched by the International Red Cross to prisoners of war. Under the strictest of secrecy, in a securely guarded and inaccessible old workshop on the grounds of Waddington's, a group of sworn-to-secrecy employees began mass-producing escape maps, keyed to each region of Germany or Italy where Allied POW camps were. When processed, these maps could be folded into such tiny dots that they would actually fit inside a Monopoly playing piece. As long as they were at it, the clever workmen at Waddington's also managed to add: 1. A playing token, containing a small magnetic compass. 2. A two-part metal file that could easily be screwed together. 3. Useful amounts of genuine high-denomination German, Italian, and French currency, hidden within the piles of Monopoly money! British and American air crews were advised, before taking off on their first mission, how to identify a 'rigged' Monopoly set -- by means of a tiny red dot, one cleverly rigged to look like an ordinary printing glitch, located in the corner of the Free Parking square. Of the estimated 35,000 Allied POWS who successfully escaped, an estimated one-third were aided in their flight by the rigged Monopoly sets. Everyone who did so was sworn to secrecy indefinitely, since the British Government might want to use this highly successful ruse in still another, future war. The story wasn't declassified until 2007, when the surviving craftsmen from Waddington's, as well as the firm itself, were finally honoured in a public ceremony. It's always nice when you can play that 'Get out of Jail' Free' card!
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HEALTH and WELFARE
“I don‟t know what you are going to do with this but I feel I have to write it anyway.”
It is with great grief that having read Noddy Parsons speech for Vets Day 2010, that I learned of the cruel passing of our little mate Fred Ferry.
I‟ve not maintained a close link with the RAAF for several reasons; mostly I closed the „hangar doors‟ and tried to make a new life because of the effects of VN. However I still try to keep an ear to the ground regarding old friends.
Fred and I were in 9/5 Sqn and then sent to start the SAR/Flt Detachment at Pearce in 1969. We were a small unit, away by ourselves at the Tower. There were three Freds: Fred Monahan {Fox Mike}, Fred Fellowes {Fred Squared} and Fred Ferry {Fred Three}. I still hang on to my F2.
The results of VN have led some of us to the point of thinking about suicide, some to attempting it, like me, and some like Fred who did it. This is the great sadness of the VN war.
I‟m writing this down now because I keep rolling over in my head what MIGHT have been for Fred, with the counselling I have had.
When I first broke down in 1994 counselling was pills and, “Take it easy, relax and smell the roses.”
However I was involved with the Toodyay fire last year as a Radio Operator for the Incident Control Centre, and put in too many hours, too fast and accepted too much blame for things I couldn‟t control. Again, there were depressive thoughts of speed and a big tree. Again I broke down, but with the instant gathering of my friends in this rural community and the level headed approach of my wife Gail, I went back to VVCS for help. In a short time I was sitting in Northam where I was talking to a Councillor with NEW IDEAS!!!
Times have changed! Counselling now teaches you ways to combat the minds tricks. It explains “WHY” these things happen and gives you a clear picture of what you can do. Would this have helped Fred, I wonder?
The Psychs have learned new ways to work on our problems in the last ten years, so without a second break down I would have gone on taking tablets and going up and down depending on the day.
Losing touch with friends is sad but to hear that they have taken the cruellest way out makes us all think, that there but for the Grace of God go all of us.
If only one Vet reads this and goes back to the VVCS, then perhaps, I have made a difference. If one bloke pulls his head out of the sand and goes to counselling for help for the first time, then what Fred did will have a meaning.
We are thin on the ground fellas - let us not lose anymore.
Fred Fellowes
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PERSONAL WELFARE CHECKLIST This Checklist is from the recent Welfare Presentation provided by the State Branch (VVAA). It contains information that may seem annoying at present but it can come back and „bite you‟ if you do not attend to the matter/s – sooner, rather than later.
Are YOU on the radar with everybody that YOU will want to HELP you, or that YOU hope (and need) will help you or your partner in a time of crisis?
Are your personal affairs/circumstances in order, and are they and YOUR future wishes and desires known to YOUR wife/partner, YOUR family members, YOUR trusted friends, YOUR legal representatives, YOUR executor, YOUR legal advisors, YOUR doctor, YOUR financial advisor, YOUR bank manager, YOUR insurance providers, YOUR pensions officer, YOUR welfare officer or YOUR Sub-Branch or DVA? Do YOU know all the agencies or people you would need to deal with?
Up to Date and Legal Will – who should be your executor?
Power of Attorney (financial, medical guardianship) – who should be YOUR attorney? (Remember DVA needs to be advised of this).
Personal Information – is YOUR personal information up to date, and important documents stored together? (Consider where to store documentation – property titles, wills, power of attorney documents etc – and let those who need to get access to those documents know where they are stored. It would be a good idea to give a copy of the will and/or power of attorney document to the person who may be your executor or power of attorney).
Insurance Protection – personal, house, income protection, accident, funeral cover.
Financial/Superannuation – be actively involved in YOUR finances and be comfortable with YOUR financial advisor/investments.
Doctor – have regular visits/checkups, maintain an ongoing relationship with YOUR doctor (do not doctor shop!).
Medication – be safe with YOUR medication/s (correct dose, correct frequency, don‟t hoard, have a home medication check, be wary of non-prescription drugs/supplements).
DVA – time is running out!! See YOUR pensions officer, have YOUR compensation situation reviewed regularly and assessed if you are not TPI.
Veterans – be a member, and get involved. Talk to your mates and keep in touch.
Health- get active, exercise regularly, do a Heart Health program, join a gym.
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A Health Message from the TPI Federation President
We spend a lot of time and effort trying to ensure that the entitlements of members of the Federation are not eroded and they continue to enjoy a standard of living that reflects the Nation‟s obligations to care for service men and women disabled in their service to the country.
But sometimes we forget that that is only part of the story. We need to remember that it is also very important for each of us to try and maintain the best level of health we can achieve. It is important because it will allow us to live a fuller and more active life with our friends and loved ones – and will cause them less concern and stress by not having to worry about how we are.
Members of the Federation have access to a wide range of treatment programs and some are simply not taking advantage of what‟s on offer. There are tests which can help in the early detection of conditions and that early detection can significantly improve and indeed can sometimes be vital in producing successful outcomes. It can also significantly lessen the impact on our quality of life.
Talk to your GP or other treating doctor and discuss which tests you should consider having on a yearly basis. Some of the more common tests are:
1. Liver function 2. Cholesterol level 3. PSA Prostate 4. Digital rectal examination 5. Thyroid 6. Magnesium 7. Blood pressure 8. Faecal occult blood test 9. Testosterone
I am sure there are many other tests but the key is to discuss it with your GP and find out which are the ones most relevant to you – and then make sure that you have them on a regular basis.
And while you are at it don‟t forget to encourage your family members to do the same. Encourage your partner and daughters to have their mammograms and pap smears and your sons to have ... whatever sons have.
It is an important issue as many of our members are older than their years due to the impact of their service on their physical and mental condition. Our families bear the brunt of having to live with our diminished capacities and we owe it to them and to ourselves to keep the rusty and creaky old units in the best shape we can.
Cheers
Blue Ryan President TPI Federation of Australia
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REPATRIATION BENEFITS LIST FOR GOLD CARD VETERANS
Here is a list of Pharmacy Medications available to Gold Card Veterans on a Doctor‟s prescription. You could have been paying full price for any of these items without realising you could have them on prescription. Remember, after 60 prescriptions per annum, your prescriptions are free.
You should take this list with you to your doctor as he/she may not be aware of all of these medications being available to Veterans and then when you get to your Chemist he/she may have to order them in. Remember, this list changes from time to time – updates are available at the DVA website:-
www.dva.gov.au
(Always check with your GP as the list changes from time to time.)
Skin Care – Sorbolene & Glycerine Crem, Calmurid Cream, Pinetarsol Solution.
Hair Care – Sebitar Shampoo, Sebi Rinse Conditioner, Nizoral Shampoo, Selsun.
Sun Care – 15+ Cream, Lotion, Solarstick, Ego Sun Sense 30+, Aquasun.
Allergies – Telfast, Claratyne, Zyrtec, Phenergan, Drixine Nasal Spray, Beconase Nasal Spray, Rhinocort Nasal Spray, Sudafed, Demazin Tablets.
Cough Mixtures – Senagar & Ammonia, Durotuss.
Fibre Supplements & Laxitives – Nucolox, Normacol, Metamucil, Coloxyl with Senna, Senokot, Glycerine Suppositories.
Dressings – Micropore Tape, Cutilfilm Plus Waterproof Dressings, Melolin Dressings, Hany Bandages, Cotton Wool, Betadine Antiseptic, Solugels, Barrier Creams, Disposable Gloves, Prantal Powder.
Antifungal Agents – Lamasil Cream, Canesten Cream, Loceryl Nail Paint.
Haemorroidal Treatments – Protoccedyl Ointment and Suppositories, Anusol.
Ear Preparations – Ear Clear for Wax, Waxsol, Ceromol Ear Drops.
Vitamins and Minerals – Calcium Supplement Tablets, Caltrate, Vitamin B1 (Betamin), Magnesium Tablets (Mag-Min), Accomin Liquid Tonic.
Joint Pain & Arthritis – Metsal Cream or Ointment, Arthro-Aid (Glucosamine).
Sexual Health – Viagra, Cialis, Caverject.
Pain – Asprinse – Cartia, Astrix Capsules, Cardiprin, Paracetamol, Ibuprofen.
Weight Loss – Optifast, Xenical.
Various – Nicorette Patches (Quit Smoking), Veral Ural Sachets (Urinary Alkalinizer).
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SECRETARY'S SNIPPETS
Hi all
I commend all who took part in the pomp and ceremony on the 18th of August at the Melbourne Shrine of Remembrance. Bloody cold with a minus wind chill factor but we soldiered on. Peter Colliver President of the Victorian Branch of the RAAF Association and RAAFVVA member Neil Boulton laid wreaths at our Plaque in a short ceremony conducted by Vice President Gareth Davis.
Lunch followed at the Palmerston as usual however numbers were way down due to weather conditions and other commitments. For next year we will have to book individual names and numbers early as the Palmerston put on extra staff to compensate with our expected numbers but we let them down.
In regard to succession planning for committee membership, I again ask all members who may have time to give, to please consider joining our committee. Be part of a dynamic group who provide your current services.
We do need fresh ideas - and also a new Secretary (as I have stated previously I will be standing down at AGM 2011). It‟s a simple job with a bit of commitment, but extremely rewarding. On a personal note I have renewed many friendships and have made many more friends in my time as your Secretary but someone will have to stand up and take over! If you are Melbourne based and have some time to spare and would like to support your committee give me a call. I also remind all members that our meetings are open house and we encourage members to be part of these meetings.
Monthly lunches continue although due to the late posting of this Newsletter we have delayed September lunch until the 22nd of September.
Finally a “heads up” for the 21st November Back to the Museum Day at Phillip Island. Your committee has done a bit of work with the RAAFVVA corner in the National Museum at Phillip Island – tweaked a bit but if you don‟t get there you will never ever know!!!! The plan is to unveil our Remembrance Plaque opposite the Long Tan Cross in the updated gardens. Expect some surprises.
BE THERE!
Cheers,
Rick
Secretary
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THE PADRE’S PAGE
GOD HEARS AND ANSWERS
In times of trouble it is easy to wonder if God hears us.
God does hear our prayers, and he carries us through our
difficulties.
Since God is more moved by our hurt than our
eloquence, He responds. That’s what fathers do.
That’s exactly what Jim Redmond did. His son Derek, a
twenty-six-year-old Briton, was favoured to win the four-
hundred-meter race in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
Half way into his semi-final heat, a fiery pain seared
through his right leg. He crumpled to the track with a
torn hamstring.
As the medical attendants were approaching, Redmond
fought to his feet. “It was animal instinct”, he would
later say. He set out hopping, pushing away the coaches
in a crazed attempt to finish the race.
When he reached the stretch, a big man pushed through
the crowd. He was wearing a t-shirt that read, “Have
you hugged a child today?” And a hat that challenged
“Just do it.” The man was Jim Redmond, Derek’s father.
“You don’t have to do this,” he told his weeping son.
“Yes, I do”, Derek replied. “Well then”, said Jim,
“we’re going to finish this together.”
And they did. Jim wrapped Derek’s arm around his
shoulder and helped him hobble to the finish line.
Fighting off security men, the son’s head sometimes
buried in the father’s shoulder, they stayed in Derek’s
lane to the end.
The crowd clapped, then stood, then cheered, and then wept as the father and son finished the race.
What made the father do it? What made the father leave the stand to meet his son on the track?
Was it the strength of his son? No, it was the pain of his child. His son was hurt and fighting to
complete the race. So the father came to help him finish.
God does the same. Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the
power of prayer is in the one who hears it and not the one who says it, our prayers do make a
difference.
God wants us to pray to him without getting bogged down in proper words and phrases. Forget the
fancy words and eloquent phrases. Don’t get caught up using the right prayer words. Pour out
your joys, fears, concerns, and requests.
He hears and will aid and comfort you – for he has promised never to leave you or forsake you.
With all best wishes,
As ever, (Rev) George G. Ashworth, OAM
23
VALE
RAAF Vietnam Veteran
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
Keith (Bones) Archibald EINAM
RAAF Element, 161 Recce Flt – Mar 68 to Oct 68
RTFV/35 Sqn – Jan 66 to Jan 67
4th
July 2010
Robert (Bob) John CUTTRISS
2 Sqn – Dec 69 to Sep 70
37 Sqn
31st August 2010
Richard (Dick) William WITTMAN DFC AFC
2 Sqn – Jun 76 to Jul 67
9 Sqn – Apr 70 to Apr 71
3rd
September 2010
LEST WE FORGET
ON THE LIGHTER SiDE
24
An Ear Infection
They always ask at the doctor's surgery why you are there, and you have to answer in
front of others what's wrong, and sometimes it is embarrassing.
There's nothing worse than a Doctor's Receptionist who insists you tell her what is
wrong with you in a waiting room full of other patients.
I know most of us have experienced this, and I love the way this guy handled it.
A 65 year old man walked into a crowded waiting room and approached the desk.
The Receptionist said; 'Yes sir, what are you seeing the Doctor for today?'
'There's something wrong with my dick', he replied.
The receptionist became irritated and said, 'You shouldn't come into a crowded waiting
room and say things like that.'
'Why not, you asked me what was wrong and I told you,' he said.
The Receptionist replied; 'Now you've caused some embarrassment in this room full of
people. You should have said there is something wrong with your ear, or something,
and discussed the problem further with the Doctor in private.'
The man replied, 'You shouldn't ask people
questions in a roomful of strangers, if the
answer could embarrass anyone.
The man walked out, waited several
minutes, and then re-entered.
The Receptionist smiled smugly and asked,
'Yes Sir?'
'There's something wrong with my ear,' he
stated.
The Receptionist nodded approvingly and
smiled, knowing he had taken her advice.
'And what is wrong with your ear, Sir?'
'I can't piss out of it,' he replied.
25
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.