the blue beret: december 2012

REGISTERED ADDRESS: 5 JEFFREY STREET CAPALABA QLD 4157

[email protected] PHONE/FAX: 07 3245 7174 www.adgblueberet.org

NATIONAL PRESIDENT ..……………….…….………...….. MERV REID

NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT………………….…..….……. HENRY CICHOWSKI

NATIONAL SECRETARY/TREASURER …….……...…....... JIM GABLE

EXECUTIVE ADVISOR …..………………….………......….. GLEN HOMBSCH

COMMITTEE MEMBERS .………………………….……...…. SPIKE DAINER

MAX HALING

BOB HOLT

MICK SHEEAN

BLUE BERET EDITOR .…………………….……….......…. JIM GABLE

ASSOCIATION wEBMASTER ………………………………. TONY PAHL

NEwSLETTER CONTRIBUTIONS TO: ……….….……….... [email protected]

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

This work is copyright and is published solely for the information of members of the Airfield Defence Association Australia Inc. Apart from any use

permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process, nor may any other exclusive right be exercised, without the

express permission of the Airfield Defence Association Australia Inc, 5 Jeffrey Street Capalaba 4157 Queensland Australia, 4157.

DISCLAIMER

Airfield Defence Association Australia Inc

takes no responsibility for any errors omissions or inaccuracies contained in this journal.

does not accept any liability for any loss or damage suffered directly or indirectly from the use of information contained in this journal.

Does not warrant that articles or opinions published in this journal are necessarily the opinions held by the Airfield Defence Association

Australia Inc.

THE BLUE BERET OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE

AIRFIELD DEFENCE ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIA INC.

PATRON: AIR MARSHAL S.D. EVANS AC DSO AFC RAAF RET’D

REGISTERED OFFICE: 5 JEFFREY STREET CAPALABA QUEENSLAND 4157 AUSTRALIA

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.adgblueberet.org/


Blue Beret December 2012, Issue 53: Page 1

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Welcome to the combined August/December issue of the Blue Beret. Unfortunately the

August issue wasn’t able to be published due to a combination of workload and personal

health issues, but we hope this one will make up for it.

ANZAC Day 2012 went very well, a good turn up of members, with some interstaters joining

us, Stan Hull from WA and Bill Strong from NSW to name a couple. So good to see them all

joining us locals.

With the 2AFDS Queens Colour on parade for the first time, Both 1 and 2 Squadrons were

given permission to wear berets with medals. what a wonderful, memorable sight to see, both

live and on the TV replay. Our members looked the goods as well (as always). Many thanks

to the four serving members who carried the Association banner.

Nice crowd at the Boundary Hotel after the march - our host Adam and his staff nailed it this

year, first with the bus transport from the city and then with the sangers and the barbecue,

which was a great hit with all present. Well done to you all!

Seeing the Old and Bold mixing with our Young and Brave and sharing this special day was

a moving experience for me. Special mention must be made of Skull Devantier for running

the Two-up. I know it took its toll on you, but many thanks old mate - next year one of the

young blokes can host the game. Great day had by all and of course I lost some of my

pension. Next year, maybe, I might pick up a few bob.

Our Patron together with CO 2AFDS (Wing Commander Simon Sauer) and myself attended

the annual Air Force Awards night at Amberley in early June. The presentations were held in

the Sergeants' Mess and hosted by CAF. The 2012 Air Marshal S D Evans/Airfield Defence

Association Award for outstanding leadership and performance by a Section Leader of any

rank in an operational role was won by LAC Justin Campbell of 2AFDS. well done mate!

Your pleasant company on Your Night was appreciated and you do the Mustering and

yourself proud.

We recently suffered a traumatic and emotional shock that was known only to our family

group, the committee, the advocacy team and our own families, at our request. The

comradeship, support and concern shown by all was overwhelming, from invites to dinner,

flowers, to an esky full of cooked meals. Thanks so much to you all. Through it all Jim had

his own problems but carried on. I am blessed to belong to such a close-knit family of

friends. those outside the mustering/category and the Association probably wouldn't

understand. "It's an Adgie thing"!

The 25th

Anniversary reunion in October was a massive success for all concerned, with the

highlights being the “day on the range” where anyone who wished, including the ladies

(some surprises there!) could fire the Steyr rifle if they wanted to. This was followed by a

Barbecue with Range staff and 2AFDS members, where I had the honour to present to

WGCDR Simon Sauer, CO 2AFDS, a plaque which was once on the wall of the Lightning

Ridge RSL, donated by Bushy Bill Trevethan. Thanks mate. Association stalwart Stewart

Kerr was also wished a very happy birthday, which was repeated at the Reunion dinner the

following night.


After the barbecue, Glenn Lyons opened the Historical Collection room for us and proudly

showed the display to those in attendance. More on that in 2013. Our appreciation and thanks

to all Squadron and other serving members who made the day a great success – it’s been a

talking point ever since.

The reunion dinner at the Port Office Hotel was attended by 102 members of our family, a

top night was had by all and we can’t speak highly enough of the professional and courteous

way that the staff looked after us all evening and they have all been officially thanked on

your behalf. We were even offered a selection of dishes for each course of the meal! Our MC

Spike Dainer kept it all in check and with his usual humour. Well done mate and thank you.

Special thanks also to Adam and Sarah at the Boundary hotel, firstly for Adam’s

recommendation of the Port Office for our dinner, but also for their usual great job with the

reunion Meet and Greet and the Farewell get-together. As always, without top staff at both

venues, great outcomes just don’t happen.

To Jess and the staff at the Royal Albert hotel in the city, sincere thanks for the great service

and the discount room rates. We’ll be back! Merry Christmas to you all.

Bob (Bear) and Donna Holt excelled themselves once again in their efforts with the raffle

during the dinner. Prizes just great, return to the Association even better. Did a bottle of

something go around twice? Who opened someone’s prize of a bottle of red?

Thanks also to: Jim for downloading the iPod music and his photography skills throughout

the whole reunion; to our Patron Air Marshal David Evans and Gail for flying up from

Canberra just for the evening and also for your speech David - we all enjoyed your company

and for many who were present it was a unique opportunity to renew an old friendship with

you; to our other special guests WGCDR Simon Sauer, WOFF Chuck Kearnan and lovely

wife Kerri and WOFF Glenn Lyons and Kelly for joining us and making the night a huge

success. Simon’s overview of the future of the category/mustering was interesting and

informative and held the attention of the entire room while he spoke.

Special mention must be made of the volunteers at the Amberley Aviation Heritage Museum,

all those at 1 and 2AFDS who gave their time to make our visits a success, especially the

Adgie bus drivers on the Tuesday and Wednesday, the professionalism shown by the range

staff and to FSGT Lloyd Schneider for putting it all together.

Speaking of putting it all together, all our Association activities in 2012 were organised

entirely by the members of your national executive committee, supported by their wives –

“The Family”, all of whom are very close to Helen and myself for being there, as is each of

you, our Association and serving families. Without your support, input, attendance and

participation it would grind to a halt very quickly.

Ski and I attended the Deployment Parade for 60 of our young and brave who are now in

Afghanistan doing the job of an entire Infantry company. They were pumped and ready to do

it. More on that in Ski’s report elsewhere in this issue. Our thanks to WOFF Marty Lawrence

for being our host and also to WGCDR Jeff Peterson, CO 1AFDS for the invitation.

The Remembrance Day Commemoration Ceremony in Brisbane was attended by Fred Brown

AFM, his wife Marlene, Jim and myself. Fred once again laid the Association’s wreath as

part of the official party – still got that salute happening Fred. Thanks again mate.


Ski, Jim, Vic Smith, Tom Nelson and myself attended the final basic ADG Graduation

Parade for the year on 28th

November, where we shared a barbecue breakfast with the

graduates and provided them with a brief outline of the Association and the beginnings,

culture and evolution of the mustering and what it means to us Old and Bold, as well as what

they are expected to live up to.

21 Graduates were handed their Blue Berets on the parade and told by the reviewing officer

Air Commodore Robert Rogers CSM that they must wear them with pride. A great bunch of

young men, our mustering is in good hands.

2013 will bring the completion of our Ground Defence Memorial, then we move on to The

Book, the finalisation of our eligibility criteria for our own long overdue Ground Combat

Insignia and in June, the election of your committee and Office Bearers for 2013-14 at the

Annual General Meeting.

What a year 2012 has been for us. A very exciting and busy year. It is you, the Association

family who I must thank for your continual support, together with the National Committee

and their families, with particular mention of our talented webmaster Tony Pahl and our

Young and Brave at all levels.

To our boys on deployment and in harm’s way, and their own families, you are in our

thoughts during this festive season and always. Remember – “Mission, Team, Self”.

Our condolences to Bob and Donna Holt, Roy and Kay Florence, the Ahrens family and

everyone who has lost a loved one recently. For all of you on the sick list, my thoughts are

with all of you. Remember we are here for you if you need us, even if it’s just for a chat.

So, on behalf of David and Gail Evans, Ski and Mary Cichowski, Jim and Kathryn Gable,

Max and Pam Haling, Spike and Heather Dainer, Mick and Neroli Sheean, Bob and Donna

Holt and Glen and Chris Hombsch, Helen and I wish you a very merry Christmas and a safe

and prosperous New Year.

Yours proudly

Merv Reid

National President


DVA ADDS MORE ONLINE SERVICES

Thousands of Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) clients have registered to use DVA’s

new online service, MyAccount.

From December 2012 additional services for MyAccount have been added and members are

now able to download and variety of letters including pension statements, income and asset

statements, concession letters and Medicare levy exemption letters. MyAccount members

will also be able to submit and monitor their feedback to the Department.

“Being able to download statements and letters means our clients can quickly access

documents they need for proof of income and concession eligibility” a DVA spokesperson

said, “making it easier to manage their affairs. Being able to submit and monitor feedback

provided to the Department will give clients the ability to track their feedback - compliments,

complaint or suggestions – and check on its progress.”

“Ex-Service Organisations and Serving members have responded enthusiastically to the

choice and convenience of online services and feedback from our clients has indicated that

once registered MyAccount is easy to use. “MyAccount will not replace traditional means of

communicating with DVA. You can still contact DVA by phone, fax, email, mail and face-to-

face.”

Visit myaccount.dva.gov.au for more information and phone 133 254 (local) or 1800 555

254 (regional) during business hours Monday to Friday to activate your account.

https://myaccount.dva.gov.au/


ADGs GO TO TARIN KOT By Henry Cichowski

On Sunday 20th October WGCDR Jeff Peterson, CO 1 Airfield Defence Squadron, invited

Merv Reid and myself to the farewell gathering of family and friends of the ADG'S going to

Tarin Kot. It was a very hot day and there were some very high dignitaries present as well as

family members who came to make this a very memorable day for those leaving our shores.

The troops wore special cam uniforms specifically for Tarin Kot for the first time and

they looked spectacular. They were so new to the Air Force that the clothing stores

didn’t even have time to put their name tags or insignias on.

It was interesting to see how keen the troops were to serve their country. We had an

opportunity to talk with them and it made me proud to see the way they handled

themselves with pride and dignity.

The ADGs will assume responsibility for security at Multinational Base – Tarin Kot (MNB-

TK). The deployment comes as the Slovak Force Protection Platoon prepares to depart after

providing security at MNB-TK since the formation of Combined Team – Uruzgan in mid-

2010.

The Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Ash Power said the Slovaks have played a

vital role in ensuring the safety of our troops at MNB-TK. Slovakia will maintain its

mentoring and advisory support to the Logistic Kandak of the Afghan National Army’s 4th

Brigade, 205 ‘Hero’ Corps in Uruzgan.

On behalf of the Association Merv and I wished them a safe tour and we assured them that

the hard training they just finished will come to the fore.

The parade ended with some encouragement from Air Marshal Geoff Brown AO, Chief of

Air Force, who said “the deployment was a testament to Air Force’s high standard of

training: “Air Force ground defence and security personnel are trained and ready to respond

for any type of situation. Their training includes security and access control, as well as

providing aircraft security, vehicle patrols, and road blocks.

“They are the perfect fit for the role and ready for the challenge,” Air Marshal Brown said.

The ADF Security Force Element will comprise Ground Defence Officers, Airfield Defence

Guards and Security Police from 395 Expeditionary Combat Support Wing headquartered at

RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland.

The Security Force Element will work directly to the Australian Multinational Base

Commander and will be responsible for security of the base and its airfield. The Air Force

personnel have participated in a variety of mission-specific training to prepare them for their

role in Uruzgan. This deployment coincides with the ADF’s move from a ‘mentoring’ role to

an ‘advisory’ role with the Afghan National Army’s 4th

Brigade.

Following the formal parade, we all gathered for a cuppa and sandwiches and a final farewell.

We are proud of these young men and we look forward to their safe return home.


SOCIAL SUPPORT CRITICAL FOR FAMILIES OF DEPLOYED TROOPS

A report launched in September by the

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister

for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren

Snowdon, reveals the importance of social

support for families of our deployed troops.

Mr Snowdon said the Timor-Leste Family

Study, the first Australian study of its kind,

investigated the effects of deployment to

East Timor on the health and wellbeing of

the families of Australian Defence Force

(ADF) personnel.

“We know that when a member of the ADF

is deployed in overseas operations there is

an impact on family life and for some

families this presents its challenges,” he

said.

“While families cope with deployment in

different ways, and indeed some families

are faced with multiple deployments, the

study showed the importance of partners

and children staying connected with their

community and family while their loved one

is on operations.

“The study showed partners who had more

support experienced better mental health,

lower psychological distress and fewer

behavioural issues with their children.

“The Australian Government is keenly

aware of the importance of good support

networks, and established the Defence

Community Organisation and Defence

Families Australia to encourage these

networks.”

Mr Snowdon said in general, the study also

revealed positive results for families and

few differences in the impact of service on

the families of those who deployed to East

Timor when compared with families of

ADF personnel who did not serve overseas

during this period.

“In terms of the mental health of family

members, it showed some evidence that the

mental health of the serving members can

affect the mental health of partners and the

emotional and behavioural health of

children,” he said.

The Timor-Leste Family Study, which

commenced in 2009, will help the

departments of Veterans’ Affairs and

Defence to better understand the impact of

deployment on families and which support

services will best help them.

Today marks 13 years since 5500 troops

were deployed to East Timor to serve with

the International Force for East Timor

(INTERFET). Since 1999, more than

20,000 ADF personnel have deployed to

East Timor in 10 operations.

The study is part of the Australian

Government’s ongoing Family Study

Program to assess the impact of service on

the health and welfare of Defence

families. It was commissioned by the

Department of Veterans’ Affairs and was

undertaken by the Centre for Military and

Veterans’ Health. A copy of the report is

available from the DVA website:

www.dva.gov.au

http://www.dva.gov.au/


BASIC COURSE 034 GRADUATION PARADE By Jim Gable

Amberley is always warm in November/December, as everyone who has trained as an Adgie

should know.

Wednesday 28th

November was no exception, even at 7.00 am, when Merv Reid, Henry

Cichowski, myself, Tom Nelson and Vic Smith all turned up at the main gate to connect with

SGT Scott Nuku, our host for the day. (Most of you will remember that Scott was a recent

winner of the Air Marshal S D Evans/Airfield Defence Association Award two years in a

row).

When we arrived at the lines, we were

introduced to the twenty graduating course

members, and Merv spoke very movingly

about their role in the Air Force, the pride in

being a part of an elite unit and the benefits of

Association membership.

After his address, Welcome Certificates were

presented to each graduate and we all moved

in to the break room for a barbecue breakfast

of bacon, eggs, sausages and the usual add-

ons. (all cooked, I might add, by the course

members themselves).

Following breakfast and an informal chat with

the graduates and staff, we left them alone to

run through a final parade rehearsal and drove

to RAAFSFS Headquarters for a brief break

before the big

moment – still

gobsmacked by

the facilities and

equipment that

the mustering enjoys today, compared to weatherboard huts and

fighting with Transport for a Land-Rover or truck back in the

day.

The parade started bang on time and was a combined

graduation ceremony for the ADG Basic Course and the ADF

Firefighter Basic Course, with the drill and turn-out for both

flights as impeccable as always. Impressively, RAAFSFS

paraded their Squadron Standard as part of the ceremony – one

of the first times the Standard has been paraded publicly since


being presented by the governor-General earlier this year.

By this time the heat was really starting to build up, but in the best traditions of the Service,

the parade went on without a hitch – each member of both courses was in turn presented with

their ADG blue beret or their firefighter helmet by the Reviewing Officer, Air Commodore

Robert Rodgers CSM, Director-General, Air

Force Personnel, followed by the presentation

of Awards and trophies.

Dux of the Course was AC Matt Brouff,

with the Thomas Irvine Award for Most

Improved going to AC Stephen Irving; the

PTI Award jointly to ACs Adam Barneveld

and Joel Russell; and the Livingstone field

Award awarded to 1 Section and collected

on their behalf by Course Instructor CPL E

Neill. Air Commodore Rogers presents the

Terrence Toole Dux Award to AC Matt Brouff

AC Stephen Irving and the “Most Improved” Award The Dave Dubber PTI AWARD and ACs

Adam Barneveld and Joel Russell

CPL Neill accepts the

Livingstone Field Award


Once again the Air Force excelled itself with refreshments after the parade, this time in

blessed air conditioned comfort and it was encouraging to see the pleasure of the large crowd

of family and friends at the achievements of these fine young men, who will without doubt go

on to be a major asset to the mustering.

Congratulations to the staff of RAAFSFS on another successful course and also to the

graduates, who will take up their new roles with the Squadrons after a very brief break.

The Graduates from course 034 are:

ACs Michael Anderson, Anthony Andrews, Adam Barneveld, Christian Barucca, Matt

Brouff, Shaun Cucca, Mark Derksen, Keaton Devine, Joshua Hughes, Stephen Irving, Tyler

Kekich, Blake Mason, Jonathon Nicholas, Joshua Rogers, Thomas Rookwood, Max

McQueen, Mark Sinnott, LAC David Standing and LAC Jack Tagg

For those who are wondering, the background to each of the awards is as follows:

Dux of the Course

The AC Terence Toole Memorial Trophy, is awarded to the Airfield Defence

Guard who achieves the highest level of academic and practical skills during the


course.

Most Improved

The LAC Irvine Trophy is in memory of LAC Thomas Irvine who was the first member of

2 Aerodrome Defence Squadron killed in action defending the airfield on Tarakan

Island in May 1945. This trophy is awarded to the Most Improved student on course.

PTI Award

This award is presented to the student who has achieved the highest level of physical

fitness during the course.

The Livingston Field Award

This award is named after Livingston Field in the Northern Territory where the first

Airfield Defence Squadron was formed in 1944 to provide guards for Air Force

Units. The award represents the coming together of a brotherhood of airmen whose role

is to defend airfields.

This award is presented to the Section that has consistently performed at a high

standard during the 15 weeks of ADG Basic training, thus representing the modern version

of a brotherhood of fighting men tasked with the defence of Air Force personnel and assets.

The award is received on behalf of the Section by the CPL Instructor of that Section.

This CPL has displayed the high level of professionalism and leadership that has

inspired his section to achieve this award.

VIETNAM VETERANS WELCOME HOME THE LONG TAN CROSS

On 17th

August this year, The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon joined the

Governor-General, Her Excellency Quentin Bryce AC CVO, and veterans of the Vietnam

War for the unveiling of the Long Tan Cross at the Australian War Memorial.

In 1969, the Long Tan Cross was installed at the site of the Battle of Long Tan, where 108

Australian and New Zealand soldiers primarily of Delta-Company 6RAR fought a pitched

battle against more than 2,000 North Vietnamese and Viet Cong soldiers three years earlier.

The battle saw the loss of 18 Australian soldiers and another 24 wounded, entering military

history as an example of overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds, like the campaigns at

Gallipoli, Tobruk, Kokoda and Kapyong.

The Australian War Memorial, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the

Australian Embassy in Vietnam have worked to secure the cross on loan from the Dong Nai

Museum until April 2013. The loan of the cross coincides with the 50th

anniversary of the

arrival of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam in country.

The Long Tan Cross is an important part of Australia’s military history, it represents not only

those D-Company soldiers who were lost in the rain-saturated rubber tree plantation in 1966,

but it symbolises the bravery and determination of all those who fought in Vietnam.

Almost 60,000 young Australians were sent to Vietnam, many of them conscripted into the

armed forces. Those who returned often bore the physical and mental scars of conflict, many

of which still persist today.


THE ADG MONUMENT: WE NEED YOUR HELP

Most readers will hopefully know by now that the long-planned monument to fallen Airfield

Defence members is slowly progressing towards completion.

The stone is mounted at the new Squadron Headquarters complex at Amberley, thanks to

outstanding work by serving members, but the next steps are vital – it needs to be cleaned,

smoothed and have the various plaques and crests attached before it can be dedicated.

Spike Dainer and the Committee have done sterling work in finalising the design and getting

quotes etc and once again the Squadron members have been right at the front of the queue

when things need to be sorted out. Henry Cichowski is seeking grants from DVA and other

organisations to help with the cost of finishing the job, but we need your help as well.

Grants will only go so far towards meeting the cost, which we have tried to keep as low as

can), so we still need more cash to finish the job. With that in mind the Association is

appealing to all former and serving members to help out where you can by donating as little

or as much as you can to our Monument Fund. We are seeking “Not for Profit” status from

the Australian Taxation Office so that your donations can be tax deductible.

This memorial is dedicated to all ADGs and Ground Defence Officers who have lost their

lives either on active service or during training and will hopefully be a lasting memorial to all

of them. Because of that, we’re certain that all former members of the mustering/category

will be happy to help, whether you are an Association member or not. We also ask current

members to pass this information on to any non-members that you know, so that they too can

have the opportunity to help us reach this goal.

The response so far has been outstanding, but we need a lot more than we’ve been given so

far if this is to be a goer, so if you can help us, perhaps in the next month or so, it would be a

huge bonus and you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you have been part of a very

worthwhile project. Every donation will be acknowledged unless specifically requested. Will

you add your name to the list please? A copy of this form will be on our web site as well.

To: Airfield Defence Association Australia Inc. 5 Jeffrey Street Capalaba Qld 4157

Please find enclosed my cheque/money order for $ as a donation to the Association’s Ground Defence Memorial Fund.

Name: ………………………………………………………..………..…

Address: ……………………………………………………………..……

…………………………………………. Postcode …………… PLEASE NOTE; WE ARE NOT YET ABLE TO ACCEPT CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS, BUT DIRECT

DEPOSITS CAN BE MADE TO OUR BANK ACCOUNT: BANK: St George Bank Ltd ACCOUNT NAME: Airfield Defence Association Australia Inc. BSB: 114879 ACCOUNT NUMBER: 455299926. (Please let us know if you are making a direct deposit).

ALL DONATIONS WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED UNLESS OTHERWISE REQUESTED


SHARED HISTORY HELPS FORGE STRONGER TIES WITH BELGIUM

The shared military history between

Australia and Belgium and the approaching

commemorations around significant

anniversaries of the First and Second World

Wars have been recognised today at the

signing of a new Memorandum of

Understanding.

At the Australian War Memorial, Minister

for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister Assisting

the Prime Minister on the Centenary of

Anzac Warren Snowdon joined the Minister

of Defence of the Kingdom of Belgium,

Pieter De Crem, to sign the agreement.

Mr Snowdon said Australia has been

working with Belgium in ensuring

appropriate commemoration of the

involvement of both nations in the World

Wars. “This MoU commits both our nations

to cooperate closely in the lead up to a

significant period of commemoration for

both World Wars,” he said.

“Specifically the MoU considers stronger

education of younger generations to learn

about, and build an appreciation for, the

shared military history of Australia and

Belgium, and strengthening ties between

veterans’ organisations and cultural

institutions.”

Belgium and Australia fought as Allies in the

First World War and each of the five

Australian infantry divisions that served on

the Western Front, as well as other branches

of the Australian Imperial Force, fought in

Belgium. More than 305,000 Australians

served on the Western Front, including

Belgium, and some 46,000 were killed.

Many of the Australians who lost their lives

during 1917, the most costly year in

Australia’s military history, died in Belgium.

Many were killed in costly battles such as

Messines and the long campaign known as

the 3rd Ypres during which Australians

played a central role in the fighting at the

Menin Road, Polygon Wood, Broodseinde,

Poelcappelle and Passchendaele.

During the Second World War, Australians

and Belgians were allied in the common

cause against the Axis. Many Australians

served in Belgium as members of the Royal

Australian Air Force serving with the RAF’s

Bomber or Fighter Commands. Late in the

war, after Belgian territory had been

liberated, Australian airmen serving in Royal

Air Force squadrons flew operations direct

from Belgian airfields.


ANNUAL ASSOCIATION TROPHY PRESENTED With acknowledgements to Air Force News

Each year, in May or thereabouts, the Air Force holds an Awards Night at the Combined Mess

at Amberley and each year at that Awards Night, our patron, Air Marshal Dave Evans joins

with the Association to present a very special Award to a serving member.

This year’s Presentation was attended by nearly 100 members and guests and were hosted by

Air Marshal Geoff Brown, the Chief of Air Force.

In his welcoming speech, Air Marshal Brown described the occasion as one of the most

significant events on the Air Force calendar. He said it was about the extraordinary

contributions made to the Air Force and ADF by Air Force people - both military and

civilian.

"It provides us with one of the few opportunities to showcase our people and their

achievements and, importantly, recognise individual and squadron achievements," Air Marshal

Brown said.

"As you might imagine, choosing the recipients of our awards is a difficult task when so

many of our men and women consistently exceed the demands placed on them and their

families. "I see outstanding performances by our people on a regular basis, operating at all

levels across many different environments."

Air Marshal Brown said the outstanding performances behind every one of the 2011 awards

covered a period of great pressure on Air Force to reform the way it does business. "This will be

an ongoing challenge as we make adjustments to ensure

we continue to deliver first rate air power within a

constrained budget," Air Marshal Brown said.

"To the recipients, you are the ambassadors of our

continuous improvement. Moreover, I see your

approach delivering real benefits for Air Force, making

the difficult choices, cutting out the waste where it

exists and focusing your efforts on adding value and

delivering the quality outcomes," he said.

"What I need from your peers is the sort of commitment

that you have given, to ensure that we remain a most

capable, responsive and flexible force in our region, if not the world. "I congratulate and

commend the men and women and those units being honoured tonight as their efforts have

set them apart from their peers during 2011."

The annual S D Evans/Airfield Defence Association Award for 2012 is presented for

outstanding leadership and operational performance by a junior NCO within an airfield defence

squadron. This year’s Award went to LAC Justin Campbell of 2AFDS. Finding out he had

won the Air Marshal S.D. Evans and Airfield Defence Association Award was a real shock for

Justin: "I found out at the awards dinner after they got me there on a pretext," he said. "I was

over the moon really. But seriously, I owe this to the boys I work with at 2AFDS Recon."

Congratulations Justin on your exceptional achievement.


MORE SCAMMERS – WATCH OUT

This in via Steve

Ladies and Gentlemen, I have received the

following and thought that it might be a

good time to remind everyone of some very

real dangers. I might add that I have

received phone calls from people purporting

to "fix" my computer, so be warned the

scammers are there and they will call you.

If anyone calls me and claims to be from a

charity I ask them to send the details to me

by mail. If they won't do this then do not

deal with them! Simple!

SCAMwatch is warning consumers and

businesses to be on the look out for carbon

price scams, particularly calls asking for

personal information in order to receive

compensation.

How these scams work: Carbon price

scams may come in a number of forms,

targeting consumers and businesses:

• Beware of phone calls seeking your

personal banking details to pay carbon ‘tax’

compensation into your bank account.

These are likely to be scam calls;

• Scammers may set up fake websites which

look very similar to Australian Government

websites. The sites may ask you to enter

your personal or financial details, or offer to

sell you fake carbon credits;

• Scammers may also make telephone calls

posing as government officers, asking for

your personal information (such as banking

details or identification numbers) in order to

claim household assistance from the

government. Protect yourself.

• The Australian Government will never call

you to ask for your bank account details or

to offer you carbon price compensation.

Government services are never paid via

wire transfer.

• The Australian Government

websitewww.australia.gov.au is a safe portal

for finding government services.

• Be alert to scam telephone calls which ask

for personal, business or financial details.

Hang up immediately if you receive a phone

call out of the blue: asking for your bank

account or personal details; claiming you

need to pay or transfer money, or provide

your banking details, to receive a

compensation payment or tax payment;

asking for personal details, such as your

Department of Veterans Affairs/DVA client

number or other identification or offering to

sell you carbon credits or permits for a

carbon pricing mechanism or emissions

trading scheme.

Scam telephone calls & letters:• Never

provide or confirm your personal or

business details over the phone (including

banking details or identification numbers)

unless you made the call using contact

details you found yourself.

• If you think that a call might be a scam

hang up and check by using official contact

details which you have found

independently. Never use phone numbers,

etc. provided by the caller.

If you receive a phone call or letter asking

for personal information such as your DVA

client number or banking details, do not

answer straight away. Contact your nearest

DVA office on 133 254 or 1800 555 254

from regional Australia to confirm the

source is legitimate. Scam websites

• Never enter your credit card or banking

details on a website unless you have

checked it is authentic and secure.

Legitimate websites which ask you to enter

sensitive personal or business details are

commonly encrypted to protect your details.

This is usually identified by the use of

“https:” rather than “http:” at the start of the

internet address.

This can also be identified by a closed or

unbroken key or padlock icon at the bottom

right corner of your browser window.

http://www.australia.gov.au/


If the ‘s’ is missing or there is an open

padlock or broken key icon, your

information may not be secure and the

website could be a scam site. If you think

you have provided your account details to a

scammer • Contact your bank or financial

institution immediately.

Report: You can report scams to the ACCC

via the report a scam page on SCAMwatch

or by calling 1300 795 995.

More information: Stay one step ahead of

scammers, follow @SCAMwatch_gov on

Twitter or visit

http://twitter.com/SCAMwatch_gov

CHANGES TO DVA TRAVEL CLAIM PROCESS

DVA has made some improvements to the process for clients claiming travel expenses. These

changes include a new simplified version of the D800 Claim for Travelling Expenses form.

The layout and colour of the new D800 form has changed, including a reduction in the

number of pages from six to four.

Significant changes to the new D800 form include:

* health providers are no longer required to sign the form for travel under 100 km return;

* entitled persons are no longer required to submit travel receipts with their claim. However,

receipts must be retained for expenses of $30 or more, per transport mode per trip, for a

period of four months after claim finalisation. Any receipts for commercial or subsidised

accommodation are still required and must be attached to the form.

* entitled persons can self declare their need for a medically required attendant and/or a taxi

(health provider approval is no longer required);

* the hospital admission and discharge section of the form has been removed. These trips can

now be claimed like any other trip;

* additional space to record extra information that may assist with processing the claim; and

* a simplified health provider section with reduced questions.

The D800 form cannot be used to claim travel under the Military Rehabilitation and

Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) or the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988

(SRCA). There is no specific form for claiming travel expenses under MRCA or SRCA, so

claims should be made in writing and include supporting documentation such as invoices for

medical treatment and receipts for travel. It is recommended that entitled persons discuss

their SRCA/MRCA travel requirements with DVA staff before travelling to treatment. Also,

any travel expenses relating to Veterans' Review Board or Administrative Appeals Tribunal

hearings must be lodged using the existing D803 Application for Travel in Connection with a

Review form.

Entitled persons can continue to use the old version of the D800 until their stock runs out.

The Department will continue to process claims using the previous form for the time being. A

new D800 will be posted to entitled persons with their reimbursement notice.

DVA's MyAccount online service includes the ability to claim for travelling expenses online.

Entitled clients are able to claim for return trips of less than 100 km. Using the online service

also enables up to 10 trips to be claimed at once.

The new D800 form can be downloaded from www.dva.gov.au/dvaforms or obtained by

contacting the Department's general enquiry number on 133 254 (metropolitan areas) or free

call 1800 555 254

http://twitter.com/SCAMwatch_gov

http://www.dva.gov.au/dvaforms


FAKE SOLDIERS CLAIM INNOCENCE

TWIN brothers who allegedly masqueraded as war veterans were charged by Queensland

police.

A police spokesman said two men aged 68 were

charged with falsely representing to be a returned

soldier, sailor or airman and improper use of

service decorations under the Defence Act of

1903.

It will be alleged Jack and George Hines, born on

April Fool's Day in 1944, had marched alongside

veteran SAS soldiers at this year's Anzac Parade

in Brisbane.

During the march the pair were photographed

together displaying their medals. It prompted

complaints from a member of the public who

claimed one of the medals in the photo was really

a surf lifesaving medal from the US.

It is alleged the twins served only in the Citizen

Military Forces and did not join the Australian

Regular Army or serve overseas.

Police searched the men's homes at Beenleigh and

Oxenford, south of Brisbane, where a large quantity

of military paraphernalia was seized. Both men appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court on

October 10.

The Defence Act 1903 states that if found guilty, the brothers could face up to a year in jail along

with hefty fines.

The Act governs legal technicalities related to the armed forces, including how ranks of different

countries can be compared, who can be compelled to serve and how medals and service may be

represented.

The brothers say they have "a lot of credibility" but other soldiers "find it abhorrent" that "they

are denigrating the honour of those of us that did serve".

John Hines, 68, is maintaining his innocence and has claimed he served in a specialist

surveillance unit that spied on former prime minister Harold Holt. He claims he and his brother

would fight the charges and he was recruited to a specialist unit called Military Assessment

Surveillance Keep in the 1960s, after first signing up to Citizen Military Forces.

Mr Hines said the secretive nature of the unit was the reason he did not show up on any standard

Australian Army rolls.

ARRESTED: Twins John and George Hines.

Source: The Courier-Mail


He said he carried out surveillance with MASK in more than 20 countries including Vietnam,

Borneo, Mozambique, Cambodia, Nigeria and Thailand.

As part of his duties, Mr Hines said he carried out surveillance at Cheviot Beach, where former

prime minister Harold Holt disappeared, and watched Mr Holt himself at the Lodge in

the weeks before he was lost in the ocean.

"I wasn't really comfortable with doing surveillance on the Prime Minister but those were my

orders," he said. Mr Hines said his brother had served in Vietnam twice "that I know of".

The pair were reported to police after attending an Anzac Day parade in Brisbane this year in

uniform that was unfamiliar to other Vietnam veterans as well as with a host of medals, some of

which were of very high calibre and others were not recognised by the other veterans.

Police said they raided the twins' Oxenford and Beenleigh homes on Wednesday, seizing

"military paraphernalia".

Mr Hines said he had written a book about his experiences with MASK and said it would be

ridiculous for someone to make up his background. "I have nothing to hide ... to know about us

you would have to be at a pretty high level," he said.

"What sort of person would write a 1700 page manuscript over a couple of years, get uniforms

made up, wear all these medals and go and stand out like a beacon at an Anzac Day parade

purporting to be a regular Australian soldier?”

“I have never said and I have never written anywhere that I was part of the regular Australian

army.”

"MASK was backed by the Australian government, not the ADF, the UK government and the

American government. Israel was not financial enough to back us but they supplied logistical

support which was mainly weapons."

Mr Hines said he was glad "in a way" about the arrest as it would help get the story of MASK

out. He has sent letters and emails about the unit to various media outlets but has so far been

ignored.

"I'm a sensible type of person, I'm not a thief or a bloody axe murderer, I lead a normal life, I'm

not a frustrated person, I've been a policeman I know the law, I'm not about to break the law and

do something on such a grand scale and purport to be service man from the regular army," he

said.

Mr Hines said it took him so long to emerge with his story because he signed a "40 Year Secrecy

Act" when he first joined MASK.

by: Brooke Baskin, Kieran Rooney

From: The Courier-Mail

September 28, 2012

http://www.couriermail.com.au/


JUST A PENNEY’S WORTH – 2012

To our family and friends, we thought that we

would be writing this year’s greetings from

South Africa, but we are still in SE Asia for

our 6th

year. Our year started with a visit to

Perth for Christmas and New Year, spending

time with Cass and Stuart, and Gary’s sister

Chris and her family. We also managed a few

days away and drove north along the coast to

Cervantes to see the Pinnacles. After a

thoroughly enjoyable visit we returned to

Langkawi to finish putting Aquarius back in

shape so as to begin our next plans.

Our year started with exciting plans and

preparation for the next major leg of our

proposed circumnavigation. We finally left

Langkawi and the many friends we had made

there and sailed south with the view to pass

through Indonesia and out into the Indian

Ocean via the Sunda Strait between Java and

Sumatra.

All was going well until in the middle of

Indonesia we encountered bad weather with

very strong winds. The end result was a

shredded mainsail and the end of the journey

to South Africa this year. Not to be beaten, we

turned about and returned to a marina in the

north of Indonesia and decided to visit our

daughter Jo and her family in the USA.

Two weeks later we were in Virginia enjoying

our family and the delights of grandchildren.

We spent a wonderful time with Jo, Dave, Will

and Molly travelling through Yellowstone and

Grand Tetons National Parks. Libby and I

visited my cousin Paul and his family in

Canton near Detroit and met Libby’s penfriend

of 48 years who lives near Kalamazoo about 3

½ hours from Detroit.

We were also able to catch up with friends in

Virginia, Washington DC and Pennsylvania.

On our return to Asia, we spent a few days on

the boat before flying to Bali for Gary’s 60th

birthday and a week’s holiday with our

daughter Cass and her family. Again, quality

time was had with family and enjoying the

delights of a beautiful granddaughter.

Family-wise, Cass is working as a beautician

in Perth and her husband Stuart continues his

offshore survey work. Matilda (Tilly) is

thriving and is an absolute treat. She loves her

dancing and swimming lessons, and starts

kindy in the New Year and so is growing up.

Jo is enjoying being a mum in the US and is

really busy with organising Will and Molly to

their various sports, school activities and the

plethora of things Mum’s have to do. On top

of that, she is in training for a half marathon to

be run next February. Dave is enjoying his

posting to the US and ran a full marathon of

26.2 miles this November at Richmond

Virginia. Will is in grade 3 and is doing very

well, he is a good baseball player and has

made many new friends. Molly started school

after the summer holidays and is playing T-

ball and is proving to be a good player, she

also goes to gymnastic classes.

Ben is with the Army’s water transport unit in

Townsville and has completed a very

successful year passing his skippers course

which sets him in line for promotion. He has

had a couple of deployments away this year

and is enjoying his job. Karen is enjoying

being a very busy mum with both Isabel and

Ruby now at kindy. Karen has been

increasing her cake making and decorating

talents and has been turning out some really

amazing pieces. Isabel and Ruby are enjoying

their kindy and love their walks, fishing,

camping and swimming with mum and dad.

We returned to Australia in late November,

first spending 2 weeks in Tasmania with

Libby’s family, and then home to Buddina for

Christmas and the New Year. We are very


excited that we will be sharing Christmas at

our home with Ben, Karen and their girls. We

also hope to visit family and friends in the

sunshine coast area.

Our plans for 2013? Well we are going to

have another crack at South Africa with a new

sail and perhaps depart a bit earlier in the year

than the last attempt ……….. more to

come!!!!

We close by wishing our family and friends a

very merry and holy Christmas and a very safe

and prosperous New Year 2013.

Gary and Libby

SUPPORTING A LASTING TRIBUTE TO OUR PEACEKEEPERS

The Australian Peacekeeping Memorial Project (APMP) has been granted Deductible Gift

Recipient (DGR) status by the Australian Tax Office, which means donations towards the

construction of the memorial will be tax deductible.

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, said we can honour the service and

sacrifice of Australia’s peacekeepers by giving generously to the construction of the

Peacekeepers Memorial.

“The memorial will be a reminder for all Australians of the hard work undertaken by our

peacekeepers in many of the world’s troubled areas, such as Rwanda, Cambodia, the Middle

East, Mozambique, East Timor, the Solomon Islands, Iraq and Afghanistan.”

More than 66,000 Australians have served as peacekeepers in over 50 United Nations (UN)

peace operations. This year marks 65 years since Australia’s contribution to the first UN

peacekeeping mission to the Netherlands East Indies, now Indonesia, in 1947.

Mr Snowdon said peacekeepers are a diverse group of men and women who are not only

members of the defence force, but also the Australian Federal Police, state police agencies and

civilians.

“Our peacekeepers’ contribution to world peace and stability is something all Australians can be

proud of and this memorial will stand as a lasting tribute to their efforts.”

In 2006, the Australian Government provided $200,000 to the Australian Peacekeeping

Memorial Project Committee towards the construction of the memorial.

Once built the memorial will occupy its place on Anzac Parade in Canberra alongside our other

national memorials.

For more information on how to donate to the project visit the Australian Peacekeeping

Memorial Project website at www.peacekeepingmemorial.org.au

Information on Australian Peacekeepers and current deployments around the world is available

at www.defence.gov.au/adfwc/peacekeeping/aipo.htm

http://www.peacekeepingmemorial.org.au/

http://www.defence.gov.au/adfwc/peacekeeping/aipo.htm


ADVERTISEMENTS FROM A DIFFERENT TIME


COMMENTS MADE IN THE YEAR 1955! IF WE KNEW THEN …

I'll tell you one thing, if things keep going the way they are, it's going to be impossible

To buy a week's groceries for £5.00. ($10.00)

Have you seen the new cars coming out next year? It won't be long before £2,000.00

($4,000.00) will only buy a used one.

If cigarettes keep going up in price, I'm going to quit; Two and six (25 cents) a pack is

ridiculous.

Did you hear the post office is thinking about charging sixpence (5 cents) just to mail a

letter?

When I first started driving, who would have thought petrol would someday cost three

shillings (30 cents) a gallon. Guess we'd be better off leaving the car in the garage.

I read the other day where some scientist thinks it's possible to put a man on the moon

by the end of the century. They even have some fellows they call astronauts preparing

for it in Texas.

I never thought I'd see the day all our kitchen appliances would be electric. They're

even making electric typewriters now.

It's too bad things are so tough nowadays. I see where some married women are having

to work to make ends meet.

It won't be long before young couples are going to have to hire someone to watch their

kids so they can both work.

Thank goodness I won't live to see the day when the Government takes half our

income in taxes. I sometimes wonder if we are electing the best people to government.

The fast food restaurant is convenient for a quick meal, but I seriously doubt they will

ever catch on.

There is no sense going on short trips anymore for a weekend. It costs nearly £1.00

($2.00) a night to stay in a hotel.

No one can afford to be sick anymore. At £15.00 ($30.00) a day in the hospital, it's too

rich for my blood.

If they think I'll pay a shilling (10 cents) for a haircut, forget it.


WHY PARENTS DRINK

The boss wondered why one of his most valued employees was absent but had not phoned in

sick one day. Needing to have an urgent problem with one of the main computers resolved,

he dialed the employee's home phone number and was greeted with a child's whisper.

' Hello ? '

'Is your daddy home?' he asked.

' Yes ,' whispered the small voice.

May I talk with him?'

The child whispered, ' No .'

Surprised and wanting to talk with an adult, the boss asked, 'Is your Mummy there?' ' Yes '

'May I talk with her?' A gain the small voice whispered, ' No '

Hoping there was somebody with whom he could leave a message, the boss asked, 'Is

anybody else there?'

' Yes , ' whispered the child, ' a policeman . '

Wondering what a cop would be doing at his employee's home, the boss asked, 'May I speak

with the policeman?'

' No, he's busy , ' whispered the child.

'Busy doing what?'

' Talking to Daddy and Mummy and the Fireman , ' came the whispered answer.

Growing more worried as he heard a loud noise in the background through the earpiece on

the phone, the boss asked, 'What is that noise?'

' A helicopter ' answered the whispering voice.

'What is going on there?' demanded the boss, now truly apprehensive. Again, whispering, the

child answered,

' The search team just landed a helicopter '

Alarmed, concerned and a little frustrated the boss asked, 'What are they searching for?'

Still whispering, the young voice replied with a muffled giggle...

' ME . '


NOTE TO SELF: 'CANCEL CREDIT CARDS PRIOR TO DEATH!

Be sure and cancel your credit cards before you die! This is so priceless and so easy to see

happening - customer service, being what it is today!

A lady died this past January, and her bank billed her for February and March for their

annual service charges on her credit card, then added late fees and interest on the monthly

charge.

The balance had been $0.00, now is somewhere around $60.00.

A family member placed a call to the Bank:

Family Member: 'I am calling to tell you that she died in January.'

BANK: 'The account was never closed and the late fees and charges still apply.'

Family Member: 'Maybe you should turn it over to collections.'

BANK: 'Since it is two months past due, it already has been.'

Family Member: ‘So, what will they do when they find out she is dead?'

BANK: 'Either report her account to the frauds division or report her to the credit bureau,

maybe both!'

Family Member: 'Do you think God will be mad at her?'

BANK: 'Excuse me?'

Family Member: 'Did you just get what I was telling you . . . The part about her being

dead?'

BANK: 'Sir, you'll have to speak to my supervisor.'

Supervisor gets on the phone:

Family Member: 'I'm calling to tell you, she died in January.'

BANK: 'The account was never closed and the late fees and charges still apply.'

Family Member: 'You mean you want to collect from her estate?'

BANK: (Stammer) 'Are you her lawyer?'

Family Member: 'No, I'm her great nephew. (Lawyer info given)

BANK: 'Could you fax us a certificate of death?'

Family Member. 'Sure. ( fax number is given ).

After they get the fax:

BANK: 'Our system just isn't set up for death. I don't know what more I can do to. help.'

Family Member: 'Well, if you figure it out, great! If not, you could just keep billing. her. I

don't think she will care.'

BANK: 'Well, the late fees and charges do still apply.'

Family Member: 'Would you like her new billing address?'

BANK: 'That might help.'

Family Member: '…....Rookwood……Memorial……Cemetery, 1249 Centenary Rd,

Sydney, Plot Number 1049.'

BANK: 'Sir, that's a cemetery!'

Family Member: 'Well, what the …k do you do with dead people on your planet?'


MERCHANDISE INFORMATION AND ORDER FORMS, TOGETHER WITH

APPLICATION AND OTHER MEMBERSHIP FORMS, CAN NOW BE FOUND ON THE ASSOCIATION

WEB SITE,

www.adgblueberet.org

IF YOU DON’T HAVE INTERNET ACCESS AND YOU NEED A PAPER

COPY, PLEASE CONTACT US.


NEWS FROM DVA

DVA services over the holiday season With Christmas just around the corner, DVA wishes to advise that all offices will be closed

over the holiday season from Tuesday 25 December 2012 to Tuesday 1 January 2013

inclusive. The Department will re-open for normal business on Wednesday 2 January 2013.

During this time, many important services will still be available to the veteran community:

Crisis counselling – VVCS – Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service

offers 24-hour crisis counselling through Veterans’ Line, call (toll free) 1800 011 046.

This service is also available outside business hours every day.

Transport – if you haven’t booked your transport before the Christmas period, please

pay up front and seek reimbursement from DVA later. Alternatively, if you have

registered with MyAccount you can book and claim travel expenses online, anytime.

Hospital admissions – doctors can admit DVA patients into hospital and then request

admissions approval, where required, when DVA offices re-open.

Defence Service Homes Insurance – help with policy and claim enquiries is available

24-hours a day on 1300 552 662, and payments can be made on 1300 304 989 or via

the DSH website.

Pension payments will be made on the usual days during the period of reduced services. For

more information visit the DVA website.

More DVA services available online in December Over 6500 veterans and family are already using DVA’s

new online service MyAccount. From December more

services will be made available including downloading

your pension statements and concession letters, as well as

submitting and tracking feedback to DVA.

Currently via MyAccount you can book transport to

medical appointments, view information about payments and concession cards, lodge travel

claims (VEA only), change contact details and view the status of claims.

More services are being added every six months for the next three years.

To register or find out more, visit the MyAccount website, or phone 133 254 or 1800 555 254

(from regional Australia).

Want to get your Vetaffairs newspaper faster? Make the switch to receiving the Vetaffairs newspaper

online! You no longer have to wait to receive a hard copy.

To receive an online version of Vetaffairs instead of the hard copy, complete a request for an

electronic version of Vetaffairs newspaper form.

Recent Publications Mental Health and Wellbeing after Military Service booklet Vetaffairs MHPE magazine Australian Remembrance Trail along the Western Front brochure


http://www.dsh.gov.au/




http://www.dva.gov.au/_layouts/FormServer.aspx?XsnLocation=/formservertemplates/vetaffairsnewssubscription.xsn&[email protected]

http://www.dva.gov.au/_layouts/FormServer.aspx?XsnLocation=/formservertemplates/vetaffairsnewssubscription.xsn&[email protected]

http://at-ease.dva.gov.au/www/html/239-mental-health-and-wellbeing.asp?intSiteID=1

http://www.dva.gov.au/aboutDVA/publications/corporate/vetaffairs/Pages/index.aspx

http://www.dva.gov.au/health_and_wellbeing/physical_health/mhpe/mag/Pages/magazine.aspx

http://www.dva.gov.au/commems_oawg/OAWG/war_memorials/overseas_memorials/france/Pages/western%20front%20projects.aspx


Calls to Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) now free from Vodafone mobiles

Veterans and their families have always been able to call the VVCS

and Veterans Line on 1800 011 046 for free from any landline.

Since late July 2012, calls from Telstra mobiles have also been free.

Thanks to Vodafone, this benefit is now available to Vodafone

customers who can also call VVCS and Veterans Line for free from

their mobile phones.

VVCS provides free and confidential counselling and group programs to Australian veterans,

peacekeepers and their families.

VVCS and Veterans Line can be reached 24 hours a day across Australia for crisis support

and counselling.

Income Support: Your Obligations Do you receive a regular payment from DVA, such as a service pension, income support

supplement or the age pension?

Do you know when you need to tell DVA about a change in your life, such as going overseas,

selling your house or getting married?

If you’re receiving an income support pension, you have a legal obligation to tell DVA within

14 days of any changes that may affect the amount of pension you receive. If you receive

Remote Area Allowance or live overseas you have 28 days to notify DVA.

See DVA’s online guide, You and Your Pension.

Avoid the heartache of underinsuring As Australia’s bushfire season approaches, now is a good

time to make sure that your home is adequately insured.

Underinsurance is a significant problem for Australian

homeowners and this can cause devastating financial

impacts when disaster hits.

In 2005, an Australian Securities and Investment Commission report found the homes

destroyed in the 2003 Canberra bushfires were, on average, underinsured by 40 per cent. This

had significant consequences for those affected.

Defence Service Homes Insurance (DSHI) has a new online calculator to help the veteran and

Australian Defence Force communities better estimate the replacement cost of their

homes. Try the new calculator.

Christmas – (not always) a wonderful time of the year… Christmas can bring reconnection, celebration and overindulgence. For some,

it can also bring stress or loneliness.

Families with loved ones on deployment, those who’ve lost people they care

about or are dealing with the mental trauma of military combat, and those

who’re living or feeling alone, can be particularly vulnerable to feeling low.

If you’re feeling stressed or lonely, give yourself a break and reach out for

support, from your mates, your family, the local ex-service community or

support services.

The Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) has a range of services you

can access right now. Phone 1800 011 046 or visit the VVCS website for more information.

http://www.dva.gov.au/health_and_wellbeing/health_programs/vvcs/Pages/index.aspx

http://www.dva.gov.au/pensions_and_compensation/yandyp/Pages/index.aspx

http://www.dsh.gov.au/

http://www.dva.gov.au/health_and_wellbeing/health_programs/vvcs/Pages/index.aspx


New Schoolkids Bonus helps meet education expenses Around 1,850 primary and secondary school students in the veteran and

defence communities will benefit from the new Schoolkids Bonus

starting in January 2013.

The Schoolkids Bonus will be $205 for primary school children and

$410 for secondary school children. These amounts will be paid every

January and July, increasing in line with the Consumer Price Index.

Visit the DVA website for more information.

Are you opening a new bank account?

Have you opened a new bank account and want your regular DVA

payment to go into it?

If you change your bank account details with DVA in late December

or early January, you could be affected by DVA’s reduced services

over the Christmas period.

Make sure you notify DVA as early as possible before Christmas

about your change of details and, to avoid any problems, leave your old account open until

you start to receive your payment in the new account. For more information, visit the DVA

website.

FAIR INDEXATION DEFEATED 69-68 BY LABOR AND INDEPENDENTS

The Coalition's attempts to force Fair Indexation through the House of Representatives have

again been defeated by Labor, the Greens and four Independent MPs.

Shadow Minister for Defence Science, Technology and Personnel, Stuart Robert MP, and the

Shadow Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson, said August 22nd

2012

represented another dark day for Australia's Parliament.

"Today, the Parliament has once again failed to support the Coalition's moves to introduce

Fair Indexation legislation", Mr Robert said. "The Coalition attempted to amend the Veterans'

Affairs Legislation Amendment Bill 2012 in the House of Representatives to make condition of its

passage dependent upon the introduction by the Gillard Labor Government of Fair Indexation

legislation."

In a vote 69-68, Labor, Greens MP Adam Bandt, and Independent MPs Tony Windsor, Craig

Thomson and Bob Katter all voted against the Fair Indexation amendment. Independent

Member for Lyne, Rob Oakeshott, did not attend the Chamber to cast his vote.

"Today the House of Representatives had a chance to draw a line in the sand. That it has

failed to do so is another shameful day for the Australian Parliament." Senator Ronaldson

said it was now increasingly clear that the only way to deliver fair indexation was to change

the Government.

"Veterans' Affairs Minister Warren Snowdon called the Coalition's moves a stunt. Let me assure

Minister Snowdon that 57,000 superannuants, and their families, don't consider fair indexation a

stunt", Senator Ronaldson said. "This Parliament has now twice rejected Coalition attempts to

deliver fair, just and equitable indexation to our military superannuants and their families."

http://www.dva.gov.au/benefitsAndServices/family_and_carers/Pages/SchoolkidsBonus.aspx

http://www.dva.gov.au/Pages/yourbankaccount.aspx

http://www.dva.gov.au/Pages/yourbankaccount.aspx


FALLEN DIGGERS HONOURED ENDING 67 YEAR MYSTERY

A moving ceremony has been held in Papua

New Guinea to rededicate the final resting

place of two Australian soldiers and a local

interpreter killed in the Second World War.

Minister for Defence Science and Personnel

Warren Snowdon said, the rededication will

properly recognise Lieutenant Scobell

McFerran-Rogers and Private John

Whitworth and their patrol’s Timorese

interpreter, Roestan who were killed in

1945.

The men were members of the Z Special

Unit, which operated in South East Asia

during the war, carrying out daring raids

and operations behind enemy lines.

Their patrol was deployed at very short

notice to rescue downed US airmen in the

Celebes (Sulawesi) in what was then the

Netherlands East Indies and is now

Indonesia.

“The patrol encountered a strong Japanese

force and had to abort its mission. In a

fierce firefight, LT McFerran-Rogers and

Roestan were killed.

“After being separated from the patrol, PTE

Whitworth was captured and executed by

the Japanese,” Mr Snowdon said.

“For some 67 years the graves of these men

were marked as ‘Known to God,’ however

the Unrecovered War Casualties – Army

(UWC-A) team was able to

confirm the location of

their burial in the Bomana Cemetery in Port

Moresby.”

The UWC-A investigation took several

months and involved a thorough search of

Australian and US archives.

The families of the two Australians were

located and notified of the outcome of the

investigation. The families of Scobell

McFerran-Rogers and John Whitworth

provided epitaph’s for the new headstones,

to replace the ‘Known to God’ headstones

which covered their graves for so many

years. Scobell McFerran-Rogers’ headstone

is now engraved ‘Lost – now found, never

forgotten, R.I.P.

“I am pleased that this has provided the two

families and Army with a chance to finally

recognise the sacrifice of these brave

Australians,” he said.

The Office of Australian War Graves has

installed new headstones bearing their

names.

“I hope the knowledge of exactly where

they now lie will provide their families and

their mates, including those veterans of Z

Special, with some sense of closure.

“Australians will never forget these men or

their sacrifice,” Mr Snowdon said.


INCOMING

Mateship research

Good afternoon,

I am currently researching loyalty and mateship in the military.

I am writing to ask your help in recruiting participants for research on former Australian

service men and women and their experiences of mateship on deployment. The research is

being conducted by myself through the University of New South Wales @ The Australian

Defence Force Academy.

It would help me immeasurably if you could have this request for participants distributed via

email, newsletter or on your website. Surprisingly little research has been conducted on the

experience of Australians on deployment and this study hopes to add to our knowledge of

how and why service men and women work with each other in times of stress.

Loyalty and mateship are synonymous with military service. I am thus seeking to interview

former ADF members who have been deployed to explore their experiences of serving with

colleagues and how they felt about it. The interviews will be anonymous and may take

between thirty to sixty minutes. Understanding mateship and loyalty on deployment with the

Australian military is vital to improving the experiences and survivability of troops. I can be

contacted on 0425 072 101 or via email [email protected] to organise a time. This

research has UNSW ethics approval (HC12361).

I will look forward to hearing from you.

Sincere regards,

Edward Scarr

Lt.

Do you know these men?

Good afternoon.

My name is Graham Wilson, I am a retired Warrant Officer of the Regular Army and a

military historian and writer living in Canberra.

I am currently working on third book for the Army History Unit; the book deals with the

history of military detention in the Australian Army, 1914-1947.

I am at the stage where I am seeking images to illustrate the book.

Although the main historical period examined is 1914-1947, in order to present a sensible and

logical story I am also examining the period leading up to the outbreak of the First World

War and the period from 1947 to the disbanding of 1 MCE and its replacement by DFCE. To

that end, I have been searching for images of 1 MCE at Holsworthy, but with remarkable lack

of success.

Today, however, I stumbled on a web page entitled 'The Toady Tuck Collection 2'

(http://www.oocities.org/veron1_au/tuck2.html) which included two images of tri-Service

staff at 1 MCE, probably in the 1970s or possibly the early 1990s - I have attached one of

these images. Most of the images are of courses at 3 Aircraft Depot Ground Defence Flight


http://www.oocities.org/veron1_au/tuck2.html


and I can only presume that the photos all relate to the member of the RAAF in the attached

second image.

I am trying to identify and locate the RAAF Sergeant in the second image to confirm that he

owns the images posted and to request his permission to use one of them.

Although he is not necessarily and ADG, I thought that he might be one of the instructors in

the various course photos and therefore he might be an ex-ADG and thus known to you or

one of your members.

Any assistance in identifying the owner of the first image I have attached would be greatly

appreciated.

In addition, and working on the premise of nothing ventured, nothing gained, if there are any

other members of your association who served at 1 MCE and have any decent images of the

establishment that they would be prepared to extend me the use of, I would greatly appreciate

hearing from them.

I have attached information on my first two books (both of which are doing very well) to

show you that I really am a serious writer and that this is a serious request.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours sincerely,

Graham Wilson


ESSENTIAL MEDICAL EQUIPMENT PAYMENT

The following was received via Steve Hartigan at the 9 Squadron Association and may be of

interest to some members:

An Essential Medical Equipment Payment – an annual payment of $140 to support those with

higher than average energy costs because they rely on essential medical equipment at home.

Persons holding a Commonwealth Government concession card or a Department of

Veterans’ Affairs Gold or White Card; and who use certain essential medical equipment, or

have certain medical conditions that require the use of additional heating and/or cooling in

their home, may be entitled to claim the Essential Medical Equipment Payment

Could you please ensure all members are aware of this payment.

Could you please make your members aware of this as it is not an automatic payment (it

affects those on CPAP devices plus other devices) and must be claimed for.

You can find full details on the website www.dva.gov.au/householdassistance scroll down to

Essential Medical Equipment Payment and click on ‘Read more’ for more details.

Regards

Steve Hartigan

EDA VETS TRAVEL FREE ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT

All Queensland veterans living with extreme

disablement will soon be able to travel for

free on public transport services across

Queensland.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott

Emerson said from 1 January 2013 veterans

who hold a Commonwealth Veterans'

Affairs Repatriation Health Card—for All

Conditions (Gold) which is embossed EDA

(Extreme Disablement Adjustment) will be

able to apply for a travel pass.

"The current free travel pass is already

available to totally and permanently

incapacitated veterans and will now be

extended to EDA veterans," Mr Emerson

said.

"This closes a loophole for about 2,300

veterans aged over 65 living in Queensland

and will help more diggers get out into the

wider community and will relieve cost of

living pressures.

"Providing them with access to free public

transport will also increase their well-being

and quality of life.

"Eligible veterans will be entitled to travel

for free on TransLink bus, rail and ferry

services in south-east Queensland (excluding

Airtrain) and urban bus and ferry services in

regional Queensland."

EDA Veterans will also be able to take

advantage of entitlements on long distance

train services within the Queensland Rail

Travel network, subject to seat availability.

Mr Emerson also said the free travel for

EDA veterans brings Queensland into line

with other states, and cost the Queensland

Government $146,000.

"This is just one of the many ways that the

Queensland Government is working to make

public transport the choice for all users."

Eligible veterans must apply for a travel pass

to access the concessions with information

available at www.tmr.qld.gov.au.

Veterans are encouraged to use public

transport services when attending ANZAC

Day, Remembrance Day or similar events.

http://www.dva.gov.au/householdassistance

http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/


BAD HUMOUR

Once upon a time a powerful Emperor of the Rising Sun advertised for a new Chief Samurai.

After a year, only three had applied for the job: a Japanese, a Chinese and a Jewish Samurai.

"Demonstrate your skills!" commanded the Emperor.

The Japanese samurai stepped forward, opened a tiny box and released a fly.

He drew his samurai sword and Swish! the fly fell to the floor, neatly divided in two!

"What a feat!" said the Emperor.

"Number Two Samurai, show me what you can do.

"The Chinese samurai smiled confidently, stepped forward and opened a tiny box, releasing a

fly.

He drew his samurai sword and Swish! * Swish! The fly fell to the floor neatly quartered.

"That is skill!" nodded the Emperor. "How are you going to top that, Number three

Samurai?"

The Jewish samurai, Obi-wan Cohen, stepped forward, opened a tiny box releasing one fly,

drew his samurai sword and Swoooooosh! flourished his sword so mightily that a gust of

wind blew through the room.

But the fly was still buzzing around! In disappointment, the Emperor said, "What kind of skill

is that? The fly isn't even dead."

"Dead?" replied the Jewish Samurai. "Dead is easy. Circumcision... Now THAT takes

skill!"

REFORMATION OF NUMBER 35 SQUADRON

I am pleased to advise that I have approved the reformation of Number 35 Squadron from 1

January 2013, to prepare for the arrival of the C-27J Spartan battlefield airlifter in 2015.

Under the command of Wing Commander Brad Clarke, 35 Squadron will have an initial

posting of 25 personnel at RAAF Base Richmond. From July 2013 to January 2016, another

four posting tranches, at six monthly intervals, are planned to enable the full establishment of

35 Squadron in January 2016.

35 Squadron has a long and distinguished history. Formed at RAAF Base Pearce in March

1942, No 35 Squadron was equipped with light transport aircraft, including Avro Ansons, De

Havilland Dragon Rapides, and a Northrop Delta.

After World War Two, 35 Squadron returned Australian Prisoners of War before being


disbanded at RAAF Base Townsville in June 1946. In July 1964, the RAAF Transport Flight

in Vietnam was formed and was renamed 35 Squadron in 1966. After Vietnam, the Squadron

moved to Townsville, where Iroquois helicopters joined the Squadron’s Caribous. With this

mixed fleet of aircraft, No 35 Squadron undertook army tactical support tasks and civil aid

operations, including search and rescue, medical evacuations and flood relief work. In 2000,

35 Squadron was disestablished.

Nicknamed ‘Wallaby Airlines’, 35 Squadron has a proud history of operational and

humanitarian service. I’m looking forward to seeing the Wallaby Airlines tail-flash flying

again in Australian skies on the C-27J.

G. C. BROWN

Air Marshal

Chief of Air Force

27 Sep 2012 .

BRINGING AWARENESS TO INVISIBLE WOUNDS

A new series of online videos aims to bring

more awareness of the mental health issues

faced by some of our current and ex-serving

members of the Defence Force, following

active service.

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren

Snowdon, said the videos offer an insight

into the experiences of veterans and current

sailors, soldiers, airmen and women, and

their families post deployment.

“The pace of military operations has

increased considerably over the past decade

and we have seen some of the impact of this

increase, along with the multiple

deployments some members of the Defence

Force undertake,” he said.

“This impact is not only felt by those who

served, but also their family and friends.”

The series of videos feature current

servicemen and women, veterans and family

members, including an Afghan war widow,

sharing their experiences in dealing with

issues from depression through to anxiety

and loneliness.

“I hope this series starts a discussion among

the current and ex-serving communities on

subjects that can be a sensitive topic

amongst these groups. We want to reduce

the stigma that is associated with seeking

help, and talking openly to others about any

problems you may be experiencing.

“Reaching out to others is not a sign of

weakness, there are other people out there

going through the same thing you are. The

message out of all this is that help is out

there, and help can make a difference,” Mr

Snowdon said.

The videos, produced by the Department of

Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), were launched by

Mr Snowdon at the 2012 Ministerial

Summit for Veterans’ Administration being

held in Canberra.

Delegates from Canada, New Zealand and

the United States attended the summit to

discuss several topics, with support and care

for veterans, and servicemen and women

high on the agenda.

The videos are available for viewing online

at the DVA YouTube channel at

www.youtube.com/DVAAus or via the

DVA Facebook page

www.facebook.com/DVAAUS

http://www.youtube.com/DVAAus

http://www.facebook.com/DVAAUS


PLANNING FOR ANZAC DAY 2015 AT GALLIPOLI The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs has released details of how Australians can be involved in

planning for Anzac Day 2015 commemorations at Gallipoli, Turkey.

Mr Snowdon said Gallipoli holds special meaning to the people of Australia, New Zealand

and Turkey, and each year thousands of Australians make the pilgrimage to be there on Anzac

Day.

“We recognise that many Australians will want to attend Anzac Day commemorations at

Gallipoli in 2015, however we face some significant realities that will mean not everyone will

be able to do so,” he said.

“The Anzac Commemorative Site, where the Dawn Service is held, is in a rugged and remote

part of Turkey. The geography, which was a feat for the Anzacs almost a century ago,

remains a challenge today.

“The commemorative site is surrounded by thick scrub, steep terrain and bounded by the

Aegean Sea. There are also heritage and conservation measures in place to preserve and

protect the battlefields meaning the area cannot be expanded.

“Due to these geographic and safety constraints, a limit of 10,000 public places exist for the

Dawn Service. These places will be shared between Australia and New Zealand – with

Australia to be allocated about 80 per cent of the total.

“To ensure an equitable allocation of Australian places to the centenary commemorations, a

balloting system will be put in place,” he said.

All Australians will have the opportunity to register and with those who are successful having

enough time to make their travel arrangements. Information on the ballot process and how to

register will be announced next year.

Mr Snowdon said a period of public consultation would start before the end of the year, to

give all Australians an opportunity to have a say as to who should be represented at Gallipoli

in 2015.

“Community forums will be held across the country and an online survey is available at

www.gallipoli2015.dva.gov.au,” he said.

Mr Snowdon said there may be close to one million Australians who can trace a direct family

link to those diggers who landed at Gallipoli in 1915. There is also expected to be interest

from all descendants of former military members, war widows, current serving members and

their families, young Australians and individuals with an interest in Australia’s military

history.

Mr Snowdon said the Australian Government is committed to ensuring the commemorations

at Gallipoli continue to be dignified and appropriate.

Inquiries: Minister Snowdon: Lidija Ivanovski 0407 108 935 or DVA Media: 02 6289 6203

Subscribe to media releases at minister.dva.gov.au/subscribe.htm

http://www.gallipoli2015.dva.gov.au/

http://minister.dva.gov.au/subscribe.htm


BUSHMASTER DRIVER BECOMES 99TH

RECIPIENT OF VICTORIA CROSS

A former driver of a Bendigo-built Bushmaster is the 99th Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross.

On 1 November, Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson,

congratulated Corporal Daniel Keighran VC on being awarded the nation’s highest military honour.

“Corporal Daniel Keighran VC is a remarkable young man who has achieved much in his

lifetime”, Senator Ronaldson said. “Corporal Keighran was deployed as a Bushmaster driver in

both Iraq (2006) and Afghanistan (2007). He served in the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment,

and saw active service during two tours of Afghanistan and one in Iraq.”

“I was honoured to attend the ceremony at Government House in which the Governor-General

invested Corporal Keighran with his medal. Corporal Keighran joins a list of 99 remarkable

Australians and his deeds and actions will be honoured forevermore by a grateful nation”, Senator

Ronaldson said.

Corporal Keighran’s citation reads, in part:

For the most conspicuous acts of gallantry and extreme devotion to duty in action in

circumstances of great peril at Derapet, Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan as part

of Mentoring Task Force One on Operation SLIPPER.

On 24 August 2010 Corporal Keighran of the 6th Battalion Royal Australian

Regiment was a member of a partnered fighting patrol with soldiers of the Afghan

National Army’s 1st Kandak, 4th Brigade, 205th (Hero) Corps which was engaged

by a prolonged, numerically superior and coordinated enemy attack from multiple

firing points.

Corporal Keighran, with complete disregard for his own safety, broke cover on

multiple occasions to draw intense and accurate enemy fire to identify enemy

locations and direct return fire from Australian and Afghan fire support elements.

During one of these occasions, when his patrol sustained a casualty, he again, on

his own initiative and in an act of exceptional courage moved from his position of

cover to deliberately draw fire away from the team who were treating the casualty.

Corporal Keighran remained exposed and under heavy fire in order to direct

suppressing fire and then assist in the clearance of the landing zone to enable

evacuation of the casualty.

These deliberate acts of exceptional courage to repeatedly expose himself to

accurate and intense enemy fire, thereby placing himself in grave danger,

ultimately enabled the identification and suppression of enemy firing positions. In

circumstances of great peril Corporal Keighran’s actions were instrumental in

permitting the withdrawal of the combined Australian and Afghan patrol with no

further casualties.


VETERAN SERVICE GOES ONLINE

A new website, offering veterans a more immediate way of conducting business with the

Department of Veterans’ Affairs was launched in May this year by the Minister for Veterans’

Affairs, Warren Snowdon.

Making the announcement at the Tasmanian Returned and Services League annual congress,

Mr Snowdon said MyAccount was a new innovation in service delivery for the veteran and

Australian Defence Force communities.

MyAccount is an online service centre where clients can engage with the Department

anytime, anywhere and all they need to get started is a computer and internet connection. The

website offers a variety of services including: viewing and requesting forms and factsheets;

booking transport to medical appointments; viewing payments and card information;

requesting replacement cards; lodging travel claims; requesting additional entitlements;

changing contact details; and viewing the status of claims.

“This website responds to the evolving needs of our veteran community, offering clients

choice, control and convenience when contacting DVA, without the restrictions of physical

location or business hours,” Mr Snowdon said.

Mr Snowdon stressed the service would not replace traditional means of communicating

with the Department but is another channel in which to engage with it. “Change can be a

good thing, and I assure the veteran community that this service is not the end of traditional

ways of communication – you will still be able to contact DVA via phone, face-to-face, fax,

email or mail. The Department will also continue to contact you using these channels.

MyAccount is an evolving service and additional features will be added over time. The

service is optional and veterans who wish to set-up an account can phone 1800 173 858 to

receive a personal registration number.

Mr Snowdon also provided a summary of 2012-13 Federal Budget measures to benefit the

veteran community.

“Our priority is to make sure we look after those who have sacrificed so much for this

country: Australia’s 350,000 veterans and their families,” he said.

“That means those who have served and those currently serving, including forces now

deployed in Afghanistan, will be cared for today and into the future by our Government.

“While returning the budget to surplus, the Government has protected veterans’ entitlements

and provided funding to ensure the Centenary of Anzac is appropriately commemorated.

“The 2012-13 Budget will go towards strengthening our support for veterans and their

families in recognition of the contributions they have made in serving our country.

For more information on how to access MyAccount visit myaccount.dva.gov.au and phone

1800 173 858.

For more information on 2012-13 Federal Budget measures relating to the Veterans’ Affairs

portfolio visit www.dva.gov.au




BENEFITS OF HEALTH INNOVATION FOR VETERANS ACROSS THE COUNTRY

Veterans across the country are realising the benefits of a specialised health program helping

them manage chronic illness, with 13,000 veterans now enrolled in the Coordinated Veterans’

Care Program.

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, said the Coordinated Veterans’ Care

(CVC) Program, introduced in May 2011, is a targeted initiative to help chronically ill

veterans and war widows receive the treatment they need and reduce the likelihood of

stressful and unplanned hospitalisations.

In Armidale, Mr Snowdon today visited a general practice to hear firsthand how the program

is helping local veterans more than 12 months on.

“It is pleasing to see the number of veterans benefiting from CVC, to help them remain

independent and in control of their chronic illnesses.

“A strength of the CVC Program is the team approach by the patient, their general

practitioner and their nurse coordinator,” Mr Snowdon said.

Dr Vicki Howell, one of 2,655 GPs across the country supporting the CVC Program, outlined

how the program is being delivered to veterans in the Armidale area.

“Together with the care coordinator a plan is worked out for each patient, recognising their

individual health needs. The care coordinator, often a practice nurse, helps patients to better

understand their illnesses so they can more actively manage their health needs.

“The care coordinator is also in regular contact with the patient’s specialists and local

pharmacists, ensuring they’re all up-to-date with any changes in their patients’ health

conditions or treatment regimes. This is all reported back to the GP who can monitor patient

progress,” Dr Howell said.

The CVC Program provides community-based health care for eligible Department of

Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card holders who have heart or lung conditions and/or diabetes,

complex care needs and are at risk of hospitalisation.

Later this year, Armidale will be one of the six sites for the In-Home Telemonitoring for

Veterans’ Trial. This initiative, which uses the National Broadband Network, enables CVC

patients to have their health monitored by a GP or practice nurse without leaving their home.

For more information about CVC and the In-Home Telemonitoring for Veterans’ Trial, visit

www.dva.gov.au



EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY – Q & A FOR MEMBERS OF THE VETERAN COMMUNITY

What is exercise physiology?

Exercise physiology is clinical exercise to manage chronic disease and help people recover

from major illness or injury.

How can it help me?

Exercise physiology helps with the management of diabetes, cardiovascular disease,

osteoporosis, arthritis, cancer and chronic muscular conditions.

Who are exercise physiologists?

Exercise physiologists are university trained exercise science professionals with knowledge

and skills to design and deliver clinical exercise, for example, specific physical activity to

manage chronic disease.

Who can provide this service to me?

Only eligible exercise physiology providers, based on Australian Association of Exercise and

Sports Science (AAESS) standards may provide exercise physiology services to eligible

veterans.

How can I be eligible?

If you have a Gold Card then DVA will pay for your exercise physiology services based on

your clinical need.

If you are a White Card holder then DVA will pay for exercise physiology services that are

necessary to meet a clinical need associated with an accepted disability or malignant cancer if

DVA has accepted responsibility for treatment of this condition.

What do I have to do to use these services?

To use these services, you must be referred for example by your GP to an exercise

physiologist who treats members of the veteran community.

What will it cost me?

You will not need to pay for any service provided as the exercise physiologist will bill

DVA directly

How often can I use it?

The number of services you receive depends on your assessed clinical need and will

be determined by the exercise physiologist.

Any more information?

DVA has prepared an Exercise Physiology Fact Sheet which is available from the

DVA website www.dva.gov.au/factsheets/default.htm or you can contact your local

DVA office on 133 254.


COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARD

Welcome to our newest members: Roly Brazier, Jim Brophy, Bob Cornwell,

David Dern, Ian Fraser, Rick Hardy, Laurie Nutt and Jean-Pierre Van

Doorselaer (Secretary of our affiliated Association, the Belgian Air Force Air

Commando). New members are always welcome and we encourage existing

members to talk to their mates about membership. Welcome to you all.

Welcome back!: Every serving Airfield Defence member who has returned from Active

Service since the last issue. We hope you returned safe and well and that you are settling back

into a slightly more relaxed lifestyle.

Sick Parade: Since the last issue, we’ve had many reports that members of our

family haven’t been travelling as well as they could. Phil (must have shares in the

hospital) Armstrong, Bruce Loseby, both Clive Pullen and his lovely wife Kay,

Mick Sheean, Bob Holt, Nick Vroomans, Ken Thackeray, Everyman’s stalwart

Clyde Marshall and his wife Pam, Bruce (JBH) Brown, Bev Paine (wife of John), John

White, Terry May, Col Purdon and John (Grant) Campbell, now resident of the colder part of

Scotland, have all recently had surgery or been on the sick list. Most are on the way to

recovery or have since recovered. Sadly, Bruce Loseby remains very ill and we again wish

him and Kerrie our very best.

For the rest of you who are still not a hundred per cent, we send our best wishes that you get

better soon. If we’ve missed anyone out, please let us know.

CONGRATULATIONS

Max and Pam Haling on the birth of first grandchild Thomas Matthew Patterson,

to daughter Dannika and her husband Richard.

Congratulations to our newest Life Members as presented at the 2012 AGM:

Merv Reid and Henry Cichowski, two of the hardest-workers we’ve ever known.

Congratulations also to us (the Association), on being awarded Life Membership of the VVE-

UDA Belgian Air Commando Association and on having affiliated with the German Air

Force’s ADG equivalent unit, Objektschutzregiment der Luftwaffe-F.

R.I.P.

It is with much sadness that we report the passing of some very special

members of our Airfield Defence family over the past several months: To Bob

Holt, Glen Hombsch and Ian Wheat on the loss of their mothers, Roy and Kay

Florence on the tragic loss of their youngest daughter Natalie, the Ahrens family on the

passing of Mary, much admired and loved wife of the late Barry Ahrens and to Trevor

Passmore on the loss of his father Bill, who was a well-known RAAF Tailor, we extend our

most sincere condolences.

FINALLY, a reminder: At the AGM in June, it was agreed that our

next major reunion be held in or around March 2014, in the City of

Churches. Adelaide, watch out, the Adgies are coming!

The Annual General Meeting for 2013 will be held in Brisbane in mid

to late June.


TH E L AST W ORD

Here we are again. I suppose everyone has noticed that the older we get, the faster it comes

around every year! I think I must be pretty old, because the years are now starting to spin like

a revolving door.

Last year, I said that it has been one of the busiest years in memory for the Association and

2012 looked like being just as frantic. I was wrong of course – 2012 has been more than

frantic, it’s been almost non-stop, absolutely frenzied activity almost from day one.

The reunion of course, took up most of our time and I’m happy to sat that with your support,

it was worth every piece of effort we put in. Those of you who were able to join us from near

and far will agree that it was probably the best function we’ve had in a long time. The

Squadrons outshone themselves in their efforts to make us feel welcome and to show off their

skills and toys, and Merv has already covered most of the event in his report, so I won’t go

into any more detail, except to say a heartfelt thanks to everyone who took part – People

came from Perth, Darwin, Melbourne and everywhere in between to be part of it, and it was

each and every one of you who made it a winner. Thanks everyone.

Some of our most important goals are a little closer towards reality: The ADG Memorial is

progressing slowly towards completion, our draft History of Airfield Defence is waiting on

comment from Serving Members, there appears to be some positive action towards our

Ground Combat Insignia and we’re heading towards a permanent office at the Squadron

headquarters. We’ve gained some new members and our finances are healthy. Once again

we’ve lost a few good mates, found some others who were lost and met a few more. We’ve

attended a number of functions at Amberley, including the Awards Presentation Night,

several Basic ADG Graduation Parades, a Deployment Parade and a few joint meetings with

representatives of the Squadrons and the School – happily, our relationship with them is the

best it’s ever been and our thanks have to go to the various Commanding Officers for their

co-operation.

Thanks to everyone for your support, suggestions and help during the past year – it’s good to

know that the ADG spirit is still alive and well. Special thanks to all the committee members

and our Webmaster Tony Pahl, who have worked so hard this year, always at their own

expense and without any complaints. What a great team!

A special thank you also to our Patron, Air Marshal Dave Evans, who has been working

tirelessly on our behalf amongst the headquarters people in Canberra. David, without your

refusal to give in on some of our aims, we just wouldn’t be in the hunt.

All that’s left to do is to wish each and every one of you a safe, happy and healthy Christmas

and New year. Please stay well and be careful over the Silly Season, we need you all.

Merry Christmas.

Jim Gable

National Secretary/Treasurer

the blue beret: december 2012

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