PENSION
RISE, NEW ALLOWANCE FOR VETERANS AND WAR WIDOWS
Veterans and war widows/widowers will receive an increase in their pensions
this month following the latest round of Consumer Price Index adjustments,
the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, De-Anne Kelly, announced on
March 13. Veterans and war widows receiving income support payments
will also receive the first instalment of a new allowance introduced
by the Australian Government to assist with the payment of energy, rates,
water and sewerage bills.
Mrs Kelly said veterans’ service pensions and the war widow’s
pension would increase by up to $5.60, while disability payments would
rise by up to $9.60 per fortnight. "The pension increase is effective
from 20 March, and will flow through to veterans and war widows on the
payday of Thursday 31 March, 2005," Mrs Kelly said. "The maximum
rate of the single service pension will rise to $476.30 per fortnight,
while the maximum rate for couples will increase by $4.70 to $397.70
each. "War widows/widowers will also benefit, with an increase
of $5.60 in their pension rate, bringing it to $501.30 per fortnight."
The ceiling rate of the war widow’s income support supplement,
which is paid to some 81,000 war widows and widowers, will rise to $141.60
per fortnight. Disability pensions will also increase, with the Special
(TPI) rate rising to $798.80 per fortnight.
"Veterans’ Affairs income support recipients will also receive
the first instalment of the Government’s new utilities allowance,"
the Minister said. "More than 300,000 members of the veteran community
will receive the non-taxable allowance of $100 a year for singles and
$50 a year for each member of a couple. "Half the annual amount
will be paid on the first pension payday after 20 March and 20 September
of each year. The first instalment will be paid on 31 March 2005."
Further information on the new rates or any other veteran’s or
war widows related matters is available from the Department of Veterans’
Affairs on 133 254 or on the internet at www.dva.gov.au
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RAAF
UBON VETERANS PRAISED FOR SERVICE
The Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, De-Anne Kelly, on March
11 praised the service of former RAAF personnel who served at RAAF base
Ubon, Thailand. Mrs Kelly made the comment after releasing the findings
of an independent review panel on Vietnam Campaign Recognition for RAAF
Service at Ubon 25 June 1965 - 31 August 1968.
This Review, chaired by Air Marshal D.J. Riding AO, DFC (Retired),
was established in June 2004 to review evidence presented to Government
by the RAAF Ubon Recognition and Reunion Group that justification may
exist to extend eligibility for the Vietnam Logistic and Support Medal
for RAAF service in Ubon Thailand between 25 June 1965 - 31 August 1968.
The committee has recommended the award of the Vietnam Medal for RAAF
service at Ubon. It has not made any recommendations concerning the
Vietnam Logistic and Support Medal. Mrs Kelly said the criteria for
the Vietnam Medal and the Vietnam Logistics Support Medal are clear
(see below). "Regrettably, RAAF Ubon personnel were neither established
in, nor operating within the recognised boundaries of the conflict,"
Mrs Kelly said. "Central to the consideration of this issue was
whether these personnel served within the boundaries of the area of
operations.
This criteria has been applied consistently and rigorously in every
case. "While their service is highly valued and has been appropriately
recognised, the conditions for the award of either medal has not been
met." Mrs Kelly acknowledged the Ubon Reunion Recognition Group
has pursed this issue for many years with sincerity in seeking further
recognition. "These former RAAF personnel have been recognised
by the Government for their service at Ubon," Mrs Kelly said. They
have been awarded the Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75 with Clasp
"Thailand" and the Returned from Active Service Badge. Veterans'
status has also been accorded to them under the Veterans Entitlement
Act 1986. In addition, many of these personnel may have been awarded
the Australian Service Medal 1945-75 with Clasp "Thailand"
for service in Ubon prior to 25 June 1965. The report will be available
soon on the Defence Honours and Awards web page at: www.defence.gov.au/dpe/dpe_site/honours_awards/
Criteria for Vietnam Medal and Vietnam Logistics Support Medal: The
criteria for the Vietnam Medal and the Vietnam Logistic and Support
Medal are clear:
Vietnam Medal
• Service of 28 days, continuous or aggregated, in ships or craft
employed in operations on inland waters or off the coast of Vietnam;
• Service of one day or more on the posted strength of a unit
or formation on land in Vietnam; • One operational sortie over
Vietnam or Vietnamese waters by aircrew on the posted strength of a
unit allocated for direct support of operations in Vietnam; or
• Service of 30 days, continuous or aggregated for official visits,
inspections or other occurrences of a temporary nature on duty inVietnam,
or in ships or craft engaged in operations off the Vietnamese coast.
Vietnam Logistic and Support Medal
The Medal may be awarded for service of one day or more in the area
of operations in Vietnam during the relevant period (29 May 1964 to
27 January 1973): . As a member of the crew of a ship or aircraft operating
in support of the Australian Armed Forces; or . While attached to a
unit or organisation operating in support of the Australian Armed Forces;
or . While attached to, or serving with, a unit of the Australian Armed
Forces or allied forces as an observer.
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BERYLLIUM INFORMATION SERVICE
NOW OPERATIONAL
The Department of Defence on February 17 announced that the Beryllium
Information Service (BIS) is now operational via the ADF Defence Service
Centre, Cooma, providing an opportunity for concerned Defence personnel
and the public to register their names. Individuals who believe they
were exposed to beryllium as a result of Defence-related activities
will be offered the opportunity to register their details with the Defence
Service Centre. This Beryllium Information Service is now available
and concerned individuals are encouraged to ring 1800 000 644. The Beryllium
Register will record each caller's personal and potential exposure details.
The Service Centre expects to be contacted by four potential groups
of callers:
• Currently Serving ADF and APS members.
• Ex-serving ADF members.
• Contractors working on ADF facilities or projects.
• Other third parties including former APS civilians, cadets and
family members.
Individuals who register will be contacted in writing regarding the
appropriate course of action for their individual circumstances. A Defence
Health Service Beryllium Fact Sheet will make up part of all information
packages sent out along with other specifically targeted advice.
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Review
of the Welfare System at BMVVets & Assoc Forces
A review has been initiated to determine if our association is meeting
the members’ needs for welfare & pension support. To that
end, the Welfare Officers have been invited to register interest in
attending a Seminar (planned for a day in February 2005) to: address
training requirements; receive updates from DVA on welfare matters;
and, examining what needs to be done to ensure we meet current and future
welfare support needs of our members. If you would like to attend this
Seminar (initial planning seems to suggest the Penrith area) drop me
an email or give me a call – all are welcome to attend!
Contacting our Group of Welfare Officers
Please contact our group of Welfare officers with any question you have
concerning the above information or on any other Welfare or Pension
related matter. Best of luck to everyone and their families,
John Staal
Welfare Co-ordinator
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Welfare
Waffles
Hello Everyone,
Welcome again to the column of Welfare Waffles. The aim of the column
is to keep everyone in the “loop” concerning general welfare
and pension matters.
Welfare Seminar
Members with an interest in Welfare or Pension matters are invited to
join the group of Welfare Officers and Committee members at the Welfare
seminar. The Seminar will be held on 15 April 2005 at the Springwood
Bowling Recreation Club, 83 Macquarie Road, Springwood If you have decided
that you would like to come along please email me or call me immediately.
How to contact our Pension/Welfare Officers
Dennis Roles –
Queensland 07 3288 5602 Home
0408 769 889 Mob
Email: evsg@office.net.au
Terry Pracy – Queensland
07 5448 2028 Home
Email: g_gnome@bigpond.com
Del Heuke - NSW Mid North Coast
02 6557 0779 Home
Email: delnfred@optus.net.com.au
Bob Metcalf - NSW North Coast
02 6582 6280 Home
Email: rjm60@bigpond.net.au
Clive Cotter - ACT
02 6255 3788 Home
John Pritchard - Western Sydney
02 9626 3376 Home
Email: jpritc@iprimus.com.au
Jack Giddey - North West Sydney
02 9639 6126 Home
Email: jackgid@value.com.au
Ray Westwell - Blue Mountains—Lithgow
02 6352 1945 Home
0404 489 734 Mobile
Gordon Hopkins - Southern Highlands
02 4872 2546 Home
Email: hileigh@mitmania.net.au
Bob St John - Northern Beaches
02 9949 3746 Home
0415 957 902 Mobile
Email: benny_76@msn.com
John Staal - Northern Beaches
02 9977 6872 Home
0407 00 3932 Mobile
Email: gstaal@bigpond.net.au
Sons & Daughters of Vietnam Veterans – A new book
from VVCS
VVCS has recently published a new book containing some wonderful reflections
by the sons and daughters of Vietnam Veterans in words and images. The
book also contains information on a range of mental health issues of
interest to veterans and their families. You can receive a free copy
of the book from VVCS by contacting them on 1800 011 046 and requesting
that an application for the book be sent to you. I have read the book
and shared the content with my family – all agree that the content
is excellent.
Temporary Absence of your Welfare Coordinator
I will be taking a break during May and June. Bob St John has kindly
stepped in to help out and do the Welfare Co-ordination during these
months – thanks Bob! All the best to everyone – and remember
give us a call or send an email if you need further information regarding
pension and welfare matters for you or your family.
John Staal
Welfare Coordinator
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MEMBER
PROFILE BARRY THOMAS GRACIE
Barry was born December 7 1939 at Elstenwick in Victoria. Barry’s
last three years of school were completed at Hurstville Junior Technical
School, Sydney, in 1955 after which he went into an apprenticeship as
a carpenter and joiner only to prove just how accident prone he was.
A career change was required and what better than one of adventure,
travel and excitement, a career in the Royal Australian Air Force started
may 1958 as an adult trainee. First it was Rathmines after which came
RAAF School of Technical Training (RSTT) at Wagga Wagga before starting
as an Airframe Mechanic at Richmond with 86 Wing, in wheel bay, then
to Dakota Maintenance where he stayed until his return to RSTT an conversion
to Fitter then it was back again to 486 Maintenance Squadron and ‘D’
Servicing on Dakotas.
There Barry stayed until 1964 when he was posted to 38 Squadron, and
his first pre-flight inspection, in an operational squadron, which just
happened to be A4-134 on the morning it finished its career on the end
of the runway in Nowra. It was whilst at Nowra clearing the mess of
A4- 134 that Barry received a phone call from Flight Lieutenant Wade
to say that he should learn as much about aircraft as he could as he
was leaving for Vietnam on Sunday week, and, that he did via Butterworth
with the rest of a group who were to become known as RAAF Transport
Flight Vietnam.
His return to Australia in March 1965 saw him remain with 38 Squadron,
to do the first Caribou Squadron, Detachment ‘A’ in New
Guinea and his eventual posting to 2AD Neptune Servicing in 1966. Not
having enough of Caribous Barry Applied for and was posted back to 38
Squadron in 1967 this time to do a Loadmaster’s Course which lead
to another tour of Vietnam, this time with 35 Squadron, which left him
owing a “deep debt of gratitude” to two very able pilots,
the unanswered question of “what is 500 pounds of ice cream worth?”
and the eventual award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.
After his return to 38 in March 1969 he did several attachments to Detachment
‘A’ before being posted back to 2AD in 1973 and the ‘E’
Servicing of Neptune’s. In 1975 Barry was posted to Maintenance
Squadron, East sale and his last eighteen months in the Service, up
until August 1978 was spent at SOPUBS in Melbourne, compiling, editing,
validating and producing aircraft flight manuals and check lists.
After his discharge from the Service Barry went into industrial hydraulics,
sales and warehousing, with Archer Hydraulics where he remained for
several years before changing to the manufacturing side of an industry
that specialized in the plastic lining of steel pipes and vessels, this
took him to Singapore in 1991 where he set up the manufacture of the
above product and introduced from the Netherlands the technology and
equipment to extrude and cure Teflon tubes used in the process.
During his time in Singapore he also spent 3 months in Bangkok setting
up a similar manufacturing facility in partnership with a Thai company.
After his return to Australia in 1995 Barry settled down to working
on the house and in the garden with the odd game of golf thrown in.
The year 2000 saw him lose his brother Bob, also a veteran, to drink
and since then Barry has become very involved in Tenpin Bowling, bowling
in three leagues a week with another two being less often. Some will
tell you that it has become an obsession, he’ll tell you it is
therapy, it’s amazing the faces you can see on the pins. Barry
can be found every Tuesday morning bowling in the biggest Senior’s
League in Sydney at Castle Hill along with his wife Ester whom he married
in 1988, third marriage, and who is the rock by his side keeping him
on the straight and narrow.
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MEMBERSHIP
RENEWALS
2005 membership
fees become due as of January 1. Would those members who have not paid
their subscription ($10.00 per calendar year), and who intend remaining
members of this association, please assist your management committee
by remitting their monies ASAP. If you do not wish to remain a member
would you please advise the treasurer so that the membership data-base
can be adjusted accordingly. If there is a membership renewal form attached
to copy of this newsletter, this association’s records indicate
that you are unfinancial for 2005. If you dispute this please contact
the secretary. Your committee thanks you for you continuing support.
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2005 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The 2005
annual general meeting of your association was held on Saturday March
19. The meeting was well attended and the following members were elected
for the 2005 year:
President Colin Field
Vice-president: John Staal (also welfare co-ordinator)
Treasurer: John King
Secretary: Keith Harrington
Committee: Jack Lake Ronald Glew Maurice Green John Fenton
Congratulations to all on your appointment to our committee and may
this association have yet another successful year.
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CONTACTING
DVA
Following the number of recent announcements about veterans’
entitlements, members of the veteran community are reminded of the avenues
available to find out more about developments in Veterans’ Affairs.
You can contact you Department of Veterans’ Affairs State office
by calling 133 254, or your nearest Veterans’ Affairs Network
office on 1300 551 918. Veterans seeking more information about the
Clarke Report, including the new Defence Force Income Support Allowance
can call 1300 735 464. Counselling and support services are available
through the Vietnam Veterans Counselling Service and the after hours
Veterans Line on 1800 011 046. Veterans Line operates 24 hours a day,
every day of the year and is available to veterans, peacekeepers and
their families who are in crisis. Please note North Queensland and NSW
Vietnam Veterans Counselling services previously had different 1800
numbers. They have now been incorporated into the single national number
, 1800 011 046. Detailed information about the range of Veterans’
Affairs entitlements and services is also available on the internet
at: www.dva.gov.au or www.minister.dva.gov.au
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VETERANS’ AFFAIRS NSW VISITS
2005
The NSW VAN Section of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs
has advised that the following NSW visits are planned up until the end
of May 2005.
Apr 13 Denman, Merriwa
Apr 14 Singleton
Apr 15 Stockton
Apr 19 Cardiff, Orange
Apr 20 Bathurst
Apr 21 Bathurst
Apr 22 Bathurst
May 3 Nowra, Ulladulla
May 4 Sussex Inlet, Gerringong, Ourimbah
May 6 Richmond
May 18 Gloucester
May 20 Toronto
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Invest
just 60 minutes today to live the life you want tomorrow
As a BMVets member you can access this free service to review your finances
and superannuation.
As a Certified Financial Planner I can show you how much you're likely
to retire with, given your current circumstances and how best to top
up your savings and super, if you need to. As 1 am fully accredited
in Centrelink and DVA regulations, I'll also show you how to make the
most of any pension or tax concessions you may be entitled to. With
expert financial planning advice you can create a better futureand enjoy
the life you want.
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Two of the conditions of the Professional Indemnity Insurance policy
that this association holds are-. That assistance will only be given
to financial members of this association; That the assistance will be
given without cost to the members. Should there be any out of pocket
expenses associated with a claim (and there usually is) the welfare
officer will be reimbursed for any costs and they will be borne by this
association. Please don't embarrass the welfare officers by offering
them donations. If you have any concerns about these conditions, or
feel that these conditions are unfair, you should contact the president
or senior welfare offibcer on the telephone numbers listed in thispublication
for clarification.
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WELCOME
TO NEW MEMBERS
The president, committee and members of this association warmly welcome
the following new members:
Ian Russell Gordon (ex 36 Squadron RAAF Vietnam)
Lindsay Owen Plim (ex HQ Battery, 12 Field Regiment RAA Vietnam)
John Grenfell Prowse (ex 35 Squadron RAAF Vietnam)
Mark John Willcocks (ex 35 Squadron RAAF Vietnam)
Robert Charles Winckel (ex 35 Squadron RAAF Vietnam & 38 Squadron
Detachment A RAAF PNG)
Desmond Robert Lovett (ex RAAF Transport Flight Vietnam & 37 Squadron
RAAF Vietnam)
Jeffrey Allan Pedrina (ex 35 Squadron RAAF Vietnam)
Robyn Wilbur Farrell (ex RAAF HQ Saigon & 35 Squadron RAAF Vietnam,
Airfield Defence RAAF Ubon Thailand)
associate members:
Nil
May your membership of this association be of mutual benefit.
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Residential Programme
A 5 day residential programme that seeks to provide single veterans
and couples with information to improve their lifestyle, build social
networks and integrate more into the community. Bookings are essential:
Contact the Vietnam Veterans Counselling Service on 1800 043 503 or
02 9635 9733.
Would you like further information? Call Helen Bradford or Robert Catford
on the above number. Call VVCS to find out when and where this programme
will next be run in your area.
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NEED
HELP OR WELFARE ASSISTANCE ?
Then contact - Senior welfare officer: Position currently being re-evaluated
Welfare officers:
Dennis Roles tel: (07) 3288 5602 Home tel: (07) 3233 4236 Work fax (07)
3233 4212 Work
Terry Pracy tel: (07) 5448 2028 Home
Del Heuke tel: (02) 6557 0779 Home
Bob Metcalfe tel: (02) 6582 6280 Home
Clive Cotter tel: (02) 6255 3788 Home
John Pritchard tel: (02) 9626 3376 Home
Jack Giddey tel: (02) 9639 6126 Home
Jeffrie Cleary tel: (02) 4729 1864 Home
George Batley tel: (02) 4751 5886 Home
Kevin Riley tel: (02) 6241 5278 Home Ray Westwell tel: (02) 6352 1945
Home
Gordon Hopkins tel: (02) 4868 1531 Home
John Staal tel: (02) 9977 6872 Home
Bob St John tel: (02) 9976 5515 Home
email address: welfare@bmvets.com.au
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President's Message
Another AGM has passed and I’d like to thank all those
who stood for positions on the Committee and were duly elected. You
should be able to find out who they are somewhere in this issue. Mid
year raffle is coming up and once again we are seeking additional assistance
in ticket sales on and around the mountains. If you can give us a hand
for a few hours either on a Thursday at Emu, Friday in Springwood or
Saturday in other locations, please give me a call. I can assure you
full training will be given a uniform and a biro will also be provided.
So, if you can help, give me a call in the evening on 4753 6574 and
I’ll only be too willing to discuss with you. Keep safe.
Colin
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INFORMATION ON AUSTRALIAN
MEDAL RECIPIENTS
For information you should try www.itsanhonour.gov.au
This site has information on honours to Australians. The website also
includes a database of recipients.
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PADRÉ’S
CORNER
At the end of March I attended celebrations in Canberra to commemorate
84 years since the RAAF was formed at Point Cook in Victoria. No doubt
in Tri-Service terms the ‘junior’ service, but none-the-less
the second oldest Air Force in the world after the RAF. Tribute was
paid to RAAF members and families past and present who have worked and
sacrificed in the name of national security and the standard of life
we enjoy. It all set me thinking—As human beings we seem to be
pretty good at remembering and commemorating special events and occasions.
On a personal level we remember birthdays, anniversaries (often after
a few hints) and special occasions. As a community at large we celebrate
events of National, local and religious significance. Easter has just
passed and with it our special remembrance of the Almighty and His expression
of love for His creation in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus,
His Son and out personal Saviour. We belong to a special group in the
community, that is, people who are associated with the military in one
way or another. As such our remembrances of special occasions are usually
a mixture of sadness, perhaps regret, certainly pride and definitely
a desire to honour those who have gone before us and those who still
serve to preserve our heritage and to help out people and nations in
need.
This week we have been
only too dramatically reminded of the dangers and the cost of military
service for our Nation. Nine lives lost delivering humanitarian aid
and assistance after a natural disaster exemplify the best traditions
of our Services. Please pray for the families and comrades of these
men and women as they try to come to terms with a loss that will change
their lives forever. With their lives, these men and women have written
the latest chapter of our proud military tradition which began 90 years
ago at ANZAC Cove. It was there that the practical, independent and
under-stated bravery of Australians and New Zealand troops became legendary
and laid the foundation for our participation in conflicts and actions
to this present day.
Over the years it has not just been the servicemen and women who suffered
hardships bravely, but relatives and loved ones at home have sacrificed
and done it hard to support them. As we approach ANZAC Day let us remember
all who have been and are involved in and affected by the activity of
our Defence Force.
Bill Wheeler
Ph: (02) 47544575
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REVIEW
OF KOREAN MEDAL ENTITLEMENTS
The Australian Government has set up an independent review into the
level of recognition of service following the armistice in Korea in
1953. An estimated 5000 Australians served in Korea following the armistice
until August 1957. The Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence,
De-Anne Kelly, said a review panel had been established to investigate
the appropriateness of the award of the Australian Active Service Medal
1945-1975 with clasp "Korea" and the Returned from Active
Service Badge for this period of service in Korea. Rear Admiral Ian
Crawford, AO, RAN (Retd), a former Korean War veteran, and former Deputy
Speaker of the House of Representatives Garry Nehl will jointly chair
the review.
"Korean War veterans from this period have been concerned about
their level of recognition for some time and it is appropriate that
this service be given the fullest consideration," Mrs Kelly said.
The independent review panel will consult with relevant veterans' organisations,
including Korean War veterans, and report its findings to the Government.
The Korean War, fought between June 1950 and July 1953, is recognised
by the Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75 - Korea and the British
Korea Medal. The United Nations Service Medal was awarded for service
from 1953 until 1954. Service after armistice currently attracts the
Australian Service Medal 1945-75 - Korea.
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ASBESTOS
DISCOVERED AT RAAF BASE WAGGA
Three Fairchild Metroliner aircraft used as training aids at the Royal
Australian Air Force School of Technical Trades (RAAFSTT) in Wagga,
New South Wales were recently discovered to contain asbestos. Aviation
Technical Staff and students, serving and former serving, as well as
non-Defence civilian staff, may have come into contact with this asbestos.
As a precaution, the aircraft
involved have been sealed and subject matter experts are assisting Defence
to conduct tests to determine potential levels of exposure. Although
initial indications suggest the nature of any exposure is likely to
be minimal, current staff and trainees are being provided with personal
medical advice.
The existing Defence Asbestos
information hotline will be updated to address any concerns of former
service personnel. Current serving members are encouraged to contact
their local Defence medical centre. Defence is concerned for the well
being of the current and former Australian Defence Force personnel.
The safety and well-being
of all Defence people is of the upmost importance and a range of initiatives
have been implemented to assist all people who may have worked with
these aircraft. Defence is actively locating and contacting all personnel
who may have been at risk. Defence has set up a team to examine the
issue in more depth and to provide immediate advice for the way ahead.
The three aircraft used at
Wagga were acquired as non-flying training aids in 1999. Safety assessments
based on legislation, and available knowledge at that time, did not
identify any material hazards. The presence of asbestos was identified
during a routine maintenance inspection.
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AUSTRALIAN
VETERANS’ CHILDREN ASSISTANCE TRUST (formerly Vietnam
Veterans’ Trust)
The Australian Veterans’ Children Assistance Trust (AVCAT) provides
grants, renewable each year, for selected Vietnam veteran’s children.
AVCAT currently administers 15 different schemes funded by the Federal
Government, the Australian ex-service community and private donors.
In 2004 AVCAT is offering 47 new grants. The schemes have eligibility
differences and range in value from $3,000 to $6,000 per year. Some
are for one year and others are for all study years. To apply for a
AVCAT grant a person must be: The child of a Vietnam veteran; under
the age of 25 when applying, unless exceptional circumstances exist;
enrolled, or planning to enrol in a full time, post-secondary course
by attendance in Australia at a university, TAFE or college at undergraduate
level; within the AVCAT means test
(This
is eligibility on financial grounds for Youth Allowance benefits for
fulltime education). Applications open on August 18, Vietnam Veterans’
Day, and close on October 31. Full details are available from:
Australian Veterans’ Children Assistant Trust,
Post Office Box K978, Haymarket NSW 1240
tel (02) 9281 7077
fax: (02) 9281 9164
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Brian Day continues his series
on Australian VC winners and others.
REMEMBERING Award: The DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS MASTER SERGEANT
EDWARD ZIOBRON
5th Group Special Forces MSG Ed Ziobron was awarded the DSC in 1971
for ‘Extraordinary Heroism’ in the Republic of Viet Nam.
He had been recommended for the Medal of Honour Due to confusion and
misplacement of the documentation and the medal at that time MSG Ziobron
was not aware he had been so honoured. Finally, on February 11 2005,
MSG Ziobron was officially awarded his DSC by Major General John Singlaub,
34 years after the DSC was originally awarded.
CITATION: The President of the United States of America,
authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, has awarded the Distinguished
Service Cross to: EDWARD C. ZIOBRON SERGEANT, UNITED STATES ARMY
Fore extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving
conflict with armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: Sergeant
Ziobron distinguished himself while service as squad leader of an American-
Vietnamese exploitation force operating deep within enemy controlled
territory. On the first day of the mission, Sergeant Ziobron’s
squad stopped for a security break when he detected enemy soldiers advancing
towards their position.
Reacting immediately he led his team in an assault against the enemy’s
defensives. Although seriously wounded by fragments from an impacting
B-40 round, Sergeant Ziobron continued to advance upon the adversary
by unleashing a steady concentration of automatic weapons fire. So devastating
was his assault that the foe broke contact and fled in confusion.
The following day no contact was made and the friendly element departed
for a landing zone for medical evacuation of wounded personnel. Upon
arrival his patrol again encountered enemy resistance. Firing light
anti-tank weapons, Sergeant Ziobron successfully repelled the attackers.
Refusing medical extraction, he remained with his team to direct their
night defensive positions.
The following morning his patrol was attacked by a North Vietnamese
force firing B-40 rockets, automatic weapons and small arms. Wounded
again, Sergeant Ziobron led men in an aggressive assault, causing the
foe to withdraw. Afterwards, the allied patrol moved towards an extraction
site. During their movement they were again, attacked by a large hostile
force. Wounded in the leg, Sergeant Ziobron crawled forward, tossed
hand grenades and firing his weapon upon the foe.
Realizing the numerical superiority of the belligerent force, he summoned
air support and directed accurate air strikes upon the hostile positions.
Then, ignoring his own painful wounds, he led his patrol to an extraction
zone where they were rescued the following morning. Because of his determined
actions, he averted total annihilation of the allied patrol by the superior
enemy force. Sergeant Ziobron’s extraordinary heroism and devotion
to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United
States Army.
Editors note: One of our own members, Brian Day, was awarded the US
Army Bronze Star in Viet Nam in 1972. Due to Australian Government policy
at that time Brian did not officially receive the Bronze Star medal
until 1999, 27 years after the medal was originally awarded.
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ASSOCIATION
RAFFLE
Your association’s mid-year raffle for 2005, of which the first
prize is a SONY 66cm Trinitron Wega flat wide screen Picture In Picture
colour TV and a SONY combination VCR/DVD player, the second prize is
a portable, “Professional” hooded 6 burner with side burner
stainless steel barbercue with a rotisserie and 9 kilo gas bottle, and
the third prize is a SONY 4.2 megapixel digital still camera, will be
drawn on Sunday, July 10. Tickets ($2 each, 3 for $5, or $17 for a book
of 10) have been sent to those members who have not indicated they do
not wish to participate whilst tickets are available to interested readers
from the secretary.
Your
committee sincerely thanks all members and interested readers who provide
assistance with this association’s only fund raising activity.
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Vietnam
Veterans Counselling Service
WHO IS IT FOR ?
*Vietnam veterans
*Australian veterans of all conflicts and peacekeeping operations
*Wives and partners of veterans*Veterans' children and adolescents
*Veterans from allied countries
*Ex?serving members of the Australian Defence Force.
*Veterans' extended family with war-related problems
*People involved with veterans, including employers
The effects of a veteran's stress and re-adjustment difficulties can
be most strongly felt by family and close friends, and so the veteran
and his/her family are encouraged to use the service. The WCS provides
a confidential, relaxed and informal service free of charge.
WHAT DO THEY DO ?
They have a comprehensive range of services:
*Crisis counselling *Individual counselling
*Relationship counselling
*Groups
*Vetline ? After hours emergency line
*Family therapy*Service to rural areas
*Case management/follow up
*Community liaison and education
*Referral as required
Vietnam Veterans' Counselling Service (24 hours a day) VVCS Vetline
NSW 1800 043 503 From anywhere else in Australia 1800 011 046
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The management committee of this association, is still searching for
interested members to become Pension/welfare Officers. Members who would
like to become Pension/ welfare Officers will be trained at courses
conducted by the Department of Veterans' Affairs and assisted by current
welfare officers. As this association has a membership base extending
from Cooktown to Perth, the Pension/ welfare officers need not be based
in the Blue Mountains as there are members throughout Australia.
If you are interested in being a welfare/pension officer, or know of
members who may be interested, then it would be appreciated if you contacted
the senior welfare officer, Greg Meek, on 02 47542266.
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DISCLAIMER:
This newsletter is produced for the
membership of the Blue Mountains Vietnam Veterans &
Associated Forces Inc. and complimentary copies are also
distributed to interested parties. It is written with care, in good
faith and from sources believed to be accurate at the time of
writing. However, readers should not act, nor refrain from
acting, solely on the basis of information in this newsletter about
financial, taxation or any other matter. Readers, having regard
to their own particular circumstances, should consult the
relevant authorities or other advisers with expertise in the
particular field. Neither the Blue Mountains Vietnam Veterans &
Associated Forces Inc., nor the management committee or
editor, accept any responsibility for actions taken by readers.
