On behalf of all members of the

National Executive Committee

I wish you and your loved ones a very merry Christmas and a Safe, happy, healthy and

Prosperous 2010.

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

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

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

COMMITTEE MEMBERS ..………………….………......….. CHARLES BROWN

MAX HALING

BOB HOLT

MICK SHEEAN

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

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

NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTIONS TO: ……….….……….... jgable@bigpond.net.au

DECEMBER 2009

TTHHEE BBLLUUEE BBEERREETT OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE

AIRFIELD DEFENCE ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIA INC.

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

Edition

45

REGISTERED ADDRESS: 5 JEFFREY STREET CAPALABA QLD 4157

PHONE/FAX: 07 3245 7174 EMAIL: jgable@bigpond.net.au

Blue Beret Issue 45, December 2009. Page 1

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Another year come and gone.

Reflecting on events in 2009, the Pacific Cruise in February was a great success; this year‘s

ANZAC Day in Brisbane saw the largest number yet of members marching and once again

our young and brave did us proud.

Another great roll-up to the AGM in June, where Glen Hombsch and Geoff Phillips were

awarded Life Membership and Bob ―Bear‖ Holt and ―Mad‖ Mick Sheean were elected to the

National Committee. Both of them have proved worthy additions with fresh ideas and are

doing some great welfare work and recruiting. Ken Thackeray stood down from the

Committee and also as President of the 2 Squadron Association and will be missed in both

roles. Thanks for everything mate. Henry Cichowski (Ski) has moved into the Vice President

spot and takes his duties seriously and is very conscientious– he is doing an outstanding job.

Ski, Jim, Glen and I attended the 2AFDS church service in Brisbane to honour all those

Airfield Defence Guards who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Padre Tim organised a special

Remembrance Agenda for the service.

A special mention must again be made of our staunch Patron, Air Marshal Dave Evans, who

has been a supportive and guiding light to me, working behind the scenes at the highest levels

in Canberra in the ongoing fight to have our RAAF Ground Combat Insignia officially

recognised. It looks very promising now with some conditions which we are looking closely

at. More later. Stewart Kerr is working with us to draft a fresh submission supporting the

Combat Insignia. This will be submitted to Air Force Headquarters in the very near future

and again, David Evans will support any submission which we lodge. Thanks to you both.

The genuine support the Association receives from our

Patron, our members and our families is heart warming

and very much appreciated.

Remembrance Day in Brisbane will remain one of the

proudest days of my life: to be present to see Fred

Brown lay our Wreath while in the middle of major

treatment for a severe illness proves once again what

makes the Airfield Defence Family tick. Thanks so

much mate.

Blue Conway is also making good headway and is as

chirpy as ever – great news mate. Glen Hombsch too is in recovery mode after some recent

surgery and I hope that the same can be said of all members or their families who are unwell

or recovering.

The Graduation Parade on 13 November at Amberley was a big one, with Reviewing Officer

Air Commodore John ―Blue‖ Meier wearing the first (only) Air Commodore Blue Beret in

existence. Looked good.

Blue Beret Issue 45, December 2009. Page 2

We were given a tour of the new ADG quarters

and messes at Amberley – a big improvement on

our days. Thanks to Ski, Nigel Marshal and Spike

Dainer for your assistance on a long and busy day.

The planning for our AGM in Townsville next

year is going well, thanks to the efforts of Bob

Kinnane, Duncan Dowling and all those involved.

We don‘t have a lot of detail for you just yet,

except that it will be in Townsville during the last

half of June 2010 and we plan on having a ―mini‖

reunion at the same time. There is a small article

asking for Expressions of Interest‖ somewhere else in this issue.

We had a meeting at Amberley in October to put the finishing touches to the design and

location of the ADG Memorial. All that is left now is for the new buildings to be finished,

then the opening ceremony will be planned and circulated. FSGT Glenn Lyons has, with

many others at Amberley as well as the Association Committee, worked extremely hard to

ensure that the Memorial takes pride of place along with our Historical Collection.

Max Haling‘s daughter Dannika, who has a degree in journalism, has kindly volunteered to

brief the committee early in the new year on the mechanism to have our book on the history

of the Mustering published commercially. Thanks Max and Dannika.

The 2AFDS Ball was held in Brisbane on 5th

December and I had the privilege of presenting

the Air Marshal S D Evans and Airfield Defence

Association trophy for 2009 to Corporal Eli

Neale. The trophy is awarded each year to an

ADG Section Leader for outstanding leadership

and performance in the operational role and we

congratulate CPL Neale on a well deserved

Award. A great night and thanks for the

invitation. Dave Evans regrettably could not

attend due to other commitments but sent us a

letter of congratulations which I read out on his behalf - definitely brought a tear to the eye.

In closing, a word of appreciation to the team of volunteers who I have worked with for so

many years at Greenslopes Private Hospital doing Advocacy work. As with all volunteers, I

salute you all.

As usual, my thoughts are with our young and brave on operations overseas and also to those

on the sick list – I hope your recovery is swift.

On behalf of Ski and Mary, Jim and Kathryn, Glen and Chris, Charlie and Irene, Max and

Pam, Bob and Donna, Mick and Neroli, Helen and myself, have a great Christmas and a

happy and safe New Year. Remember this is your Association and we are here to provide or

arrange support and advice as well as comradeship whenever you need us.

Yours Proudly

Merv ―Rip Rip‖ Reid

National President.

Blue Beret Issue 45, December 2009. Page 3

A REALLY GOOD DUCK JOKE?

A duck walks into a pub and orders a schooner and a ham sandwich.

The barman looks at him and says, "Hang on! You're a duck."

"I see your eyes are working," replies the duck.

"And you can talk!" exclaims the barman.

"I see your ears are working, too," says the duck. "Now if you don't mind, can I have my

beer and my sandwich please?"

"Certainly, sorry about that," says the barman as he pulls the duck's beer. "It's just we don't

get many ducks in this pub. What are you doing round this way?"

"I'm working on the building site across the road," explains the duck. "I'm a plasterer."

The flabbergasted barman cannot believe the duck and wants to learn more, but takes the hint

when the duck pulls out a newspaper from his bag and proceeds to read it.

So, the duck reads his paper, drinks his beer, eats his sandwich, bids the barman good day

and leaves.

The same thing happens for two weeks. Then one day the circus comes to town.

The ringmaster comes into the pub for a pint and the barman says to him "You're with the

circus, aren't you? Well, I know this duck that could be just brilliant in your circus. He talks,

drinks beer, eats sandwiches, reads the newspaper and everything!"

"Sounds marvellous," says the ringmaster, handing over his business card. "Get him to give

me a call."

So the next day when the duck comes into the pub the barman says, "Hey Mr. Duck, I reckon

I can line you up with a top job, paying really good money."

"I'm always looking for the next job," says the duck. "Where is it?"

"At the circus," says the barman. "The circus?" repeats the duck. "That's right," replies the

barman.

"The circus?" the duck asks again. "That place with the big tent?"

"Yeah," the barman replies.

"With all the animals who live in cages, and performers who live in caravans?" says the duck.

"Of course," the barman replies.

"And the tent has canvas sides and a big canvas roof with a hole in the middle?" persists the

duck.

"That's right!" says the barman.

The duck shakes his head in amazement, and says...

"What the heck would they want with a plasterer??!"

Blue Beret Issue 45, December 2009. Page 4

FORWARD PLANNING FOR THE 2010 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

At the AGM in June this year, it was agreed that the Association follow up on a suggestion

from Bob Kinnane that we hold the next Annual General Meeting in Townsville and combine

it with a ―mini‖ reunion.

A number of the responses to our recent survey indicated that Townsville would be a good

place for a reunion in any case, so we have asked our Townsville members to look at venues

and possible activities for a short stay (2-3 days max).

The Townsville team have come up with a draft program which still needs some finalising,

but at this stage it has been agreed that the next AGM will take place there in late June 2010,

and incorporate a line-up of activities including a Reunion Dinner and some tours of the local

region, as well as lots of free time for everyone to do their own thing. We are also hoping to

have everyone accommodated in the same hotel or similar, but anyone wishing to make their

own arrangements should feel free to do so.

Rather than publish a draft program at this early stage and confuse everyone when or if it

changes, we plan to wait until the final draft before sending out the details.

In order to come up with a final plan, we firstly need to have some idea of how many people

will be there, so we are asking all our members to fill in the enclosed Expression of Interest‖

if you are considering coming up to Townsville for the get-together. It doesn‘t commit you at

this stage but it will give us a rough idea to work on.

As we get closer to the day, we will be sending out more detailed information packages to

keep everyone up to date on what is happening.

To All You Hunters Out There.

This is from a San Francisco newspaper!

Just remember as you read this, this person probably drives AND votes! And, may have already reproduced!

Blue Beret Issue 45, December 2009. Page 5

ANOTHER WARNING FROM SCAMWATCH

SCAMwatch is warning consumers to be extremely cautious about getting involved in

business opportunity schemes that promise a lot of income for little or no effort.

Don‘t be taken in by schemes or products claiming to guarantee you either a job or a certain

level of income. There are no shortcuts to wealth – the only people that make money are the

scammers!

SCAMwatch has received reports of business opportunities involving the sale of ‗personal

development‘ products. Investigations reveal the personal development products are a mix of

CDs, DVDs, journals, workbooks, plastic pens and rubber wristbands.

Scammers place advertisements in the Business Opportunity or Employment Opportunity

sections of newspapers to attract the attention of consumers looking for a new job. The

scammer will try and tempt you by making crafty statements like:

Potential for Executive-level pay without Executive-level stress working PT from

home. Call xxxx xxxx.

Miss your kids? Working way too much for way too little? Potential to earn executive

level pay from home. Learn how now; xxxx xxxx

No education, no experience, no matter! Got drive & desire? UNMATCHED profit

potential. Call xxxx xxxx for details.

A business that works - what a novel concept! Are you looking for a lucrative business

model? Call for details: xxxx xxxx.

Serious entrepreneur? Looking for serious profits. No franchise fees, no royalties,

fastest growing opp in industry. Call now: xxxx xxxx.

Scammers use a wide range of marketing tools to attract people to these schemes. You may

see ads in community magazines, online classifieds, social networking websites and free-to-

air or pay television programming. Posters at train stations and on busy roads, and flyers left

on cars, in letterboxes or handed out at train stations are common tactics used to lure

unsuspecting punters.

They may also try and sell tickets to conferences or seminars costing thousands of dollars.

Ticket prices generally don't include airfares, accommodation, transfers or most meals. Many

people are convinced to purchase a conference ticket to gain accelerated promotion in the

scheme. Unfortunately most soon realise that they have paid or borrowed a lot of money for

no return.

Scammers also try to disguise pyramid schemes as business opportunities. SCAMwatch

warns that promoting or even participating in pyramid schemes in Australia is illegal.

Pyramid schemes make money by recruiting people rather than by selling legitimate products

or providing genuine services. They are very risky ‗get-rich-quick‘ schemes which inevitably

collapse leaving participants out of pocket and often with relationships in tatters.

While SCAMwatch advises you to be cautious, do not be discouraged from carefully

researching business opportunities based on commissions. There are many legitimate multi-

Blue Beret Issue 45, December 2009. Page 6

level marketing opportunities that provide legal income streams from selling genuine

products or services.

Warning signs

Promises of guaranteed or very large returns.

You are offered a chance to join a group, scheme, program or team where you need to

recruit new members to make money.

The scheme involves offers of goods or services of little or doubtful value that serve

only to promote the scheme.

Offers to teach you ‗secret‘ or ‗exclusive‘ techniques for building wealth.

Claims like ‗this is not a pyramid scheme‘ or ‗this is totally legal‘.

Expensive conferences or seminars promising fast tracking through the system.

Protect yourself

If it looks too good to be true—it probably is.

Beware of products or schemes that claim to guarantee income or winnings and

require you to pay an upfront fee.

NEVER let anyone pressure you into making decisions about money or investments.

Always investigate money-making schemes very carefully before you agree to

participate - they may be illegal!

Take time to seek independent legal, financial or other professional advice before you

pay or sign anything.

NEVER rely on the person approaching you or anyone they recommend for advice.

Before you respond to a business opportunity advertisement, ask yourself why

somebody would offer you this opportunity without even knowing you. If someone

had a guaranteed way of making a lot of money, why would they tell you about it?

Remember there are no get-rich-quick schemes: the only people who make money are

the scammers.

As well as following these specific tips, find out how to protect yourself from all sorts of

scams on SCAMwatch.

Report

If you have received information about a business opportunity that sounds like these scams,

or you have responded to an offer and you now suspect it is a scam, you can report a scam

through SCAMwatch or contact the ACCC Infocentre on 1300 302 502.

You should also spread the word to your friends, family and colleagues to protect them.

More information

Visit SCAMwatch for details of similar scams including, Job and employment scams, Chain

letters and pyramid scams, and Computer prediction software (betting scams).

You can also read about recent action taken by the ACCC against an alleged pyramid scheme

participant and a pyramid schemes alert issued by the New South Wales Office of Fair

Trading.

Blue Beret Issue 45, December 2009. Page 7

COMBINED BASIC/JNCO/SNCO COURSE GRADUATION

By Henryk Cichowski

Friday 13th

November 2009 started hot from the outset and got hotter as the morning

progressed. Although the morning was stifling it didn‘t dampen the spirits and enthusiasm of

the staff and graduates. The numbers were quite large for this special occasion with 42 Basic

Course graduates from sessions 25/26, 8 JNCO Course graduates from session 17 and 9

SNCO Course graduates from session 11. It was pleasing to see such a great number of

courses graduate together at Amberley.

The morning started with the traditional barbecue

breakfast cooked to perfection by the RAAFSFS

staff. As is the norm the graduates did not

disappoint with their appetite. The barbecue was

held on the lawns between the new living quarters

and boy are they luxurious compared to days gone

by. After the barbecue all graduates were presented

with their Certificates of Membership while the

JNCO and SNCO were presented with Certificates

of Congratulations from the Association. It was

then time for Merv to inform the new ADGs about

the Association, ADG history and their opportunities.

Merv Reid asked one of the graduates if he could be shown through the new quarters. Quick

as a flash Merv was taken for a quick tour. When he returned from his tour he asked the

graduate if the rooms were for 8 people and he was promptly told that they were only for one!

The room had its own shower, toilet, air-conditioning and all the creature comforts of home

including double bed. These days all the facilities are first class and as an ex ADG quite

envious. After breakfast the troops left for final rehearsals for the parade while we were given

a tour of the new Officer‘s, Sergeant‘s and Airmen‘s Mess Halls and Bar Facilities which

were outstanding and modern.

Basic Course Sessions 25/26

Between the two basic course sessions there were 42 graduates who looked very smart in

their uniforms considering the heat of the day and having to stand on the hot bitumen parade

Blue Beret Issue 45, December 2009. Page 8

ground for over an hour. The Reviewing Officer was Air Commodore John Meier, Director-

General, Joint and Combined Exercises. The Parade Commander was SQNLDR C

Montgomery ably assisted by Warrant Officer Tony Roe.

Our National President Merv Reid had the honour of handing out the coveted Blue Beret to

the Basic Course graduates. The graduates look smart and when they marched past for the

last time they looked awesome.

Graduates for Basic Course Sessions 25/26 are: ACs

M Adkin B J Anderson D W Baldry

T M Baumann R A Bell T J Christian

T Clifford J Collins C Crispin

L K Day D K Draegar P Gillard

B Harrison C Hill S Keen

B R Whitfield King A Knapp B Leddy

S R Lockhart S Marson T J McGregor

T Melville B Mooney R Morrison

J Mulligan B Murphy Ad Newton-Wade

G Olislagers D W Parkes A J Payne

T Pippen N Proudlock M P Robinson

K J Rossendell N J Self J D Stanfield

D J Swan J L Tadd A Tereykovskyy

J West T Wright N Young

Basic Course Awards:

The Thomas Irvine Most Improved Award:

AC Mark Robinson

Blue Beret Issue 45, December 2009. Page 9

The Dave Dubber PTI award:

AC Damien Draegar

The Terence Toole Dux Award:

AC Brett Murphy

The Livingston Field Award:

No. 2 Section, Cpl. Luke Grego

Comprising:

AC Bell, AC Clifford, AC Day,

AC Knapp, AC Leddy, AC McGregor,

AC Morrison, AC Payne, AC West, AC Wright.

Graduates for ADG JNCO Course Session 17 were LACs:

B.J. Adams

M.J. Boys

A.J. Power

G.S. Sheard

D.D. Sheard

G.S. Snader

D.M. Sultanowsky

C. Temaro

S.G. Watson

Blue Beret Issue 45, December 2009. Page 10

ADG JNCO Course Awards:

Dux Award:

LAC G.S. Snader

The WOFF Jim Manser Leadership award:

LAC S.G. Watson

Graduates for ADG SNCO Course Session 11 were CPLs: Geoffrey James Bell Michael James Burkitt William Henry Carney

Mark Cernovskis Andrew George Coy Bradley Clarence Fuller

Cy Andrew Holland Scott Allan Robertson Christopher Robin Rounsley

ADG SNCO Course Awards:

Dux award:

CPL James Burkitt

Blue Beret Issue 45, December 2009. Page 11

WHAT DO THE AWARDS MEAN?

THE DUX AWARD: THE AC TERENCE TOOLE, MEMORIAL TROPHY

is awarded to the airfield defence guard graduating in 1st position in basic training. the .22

rifle was AC Terence Toole‘s personal weapon. this weapon was entrusted into the Airfield

Defence Guard mustering by AC Toole‘s parents after his death whilst undertaking training

as an ADG. it is awarded to the student who achieves the highest level of academic and

practical skills during the course.

THE MOST IMPROVED AWARD: THE LAC THOMAS IRVINE MEMORIAL

TROPHY

In memory of LAC Thomas Irvine who was the first member of No 2 Aerodrome Defence

Squadron killed in action defending the airfield on Tarakan Island in May 1945.

THE CPL DAVE DUBBER PTI AWARD:

The RAAFSFS Airfield Defence Guard Physical Training Award, is awarded to THE

Airfield Defence Guard who achieved the highest level of physical fitness in Basic Training.

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. This 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 assets. The Award will be

received on behalf of the Section by the CPL Instructor of that Section. This CPL has

displayed a high level of professionalism and leadership that has inspired his men to achieve

this Award.

Blue Beret Issue 45, December 2009. Page 12

A THANK YOU TO ALL VIETNAM VETS FROM A MARINE IN IRAQ

A guy gets time to think over here and I was thinking about all the support we get from home.

Sometimes it's overwhelming. We get care packages at times faster than we can use them.

There are boxes and boxes of toiletries and snacks lining the centre of every tent; the

generosity has been amazing. So, I was pondering the question: "Why do we have so much

support?"

In my opinion, it all came down to one thing: Vietnam Veterans. I think we learned a lesson,

as a nation, that no matter what, you have to support the troops who are on the line, who are

risking everything. We treated them so poorly back then. When they returned was even

worse. The stories are nightmarish of what our returning warriors were subjected to. It is a

national scar, a blemish on our country, an embarrassment to all of us.

After Vietnam, it had time to sink in. The guilt in our collective consciousness grew. It

shamed us. However, we learned from our mistake. Somewhere during the late 1970's and

on into the 80's, we realized that we can't treat our warriors that way. So ... starting during the

Gulf War, when the first real opportunity arose to stand up and support the troops, we did.

We did it to support our friends and family going off to war. But we also did it to right the

wrongs from the Vietnam era. We treat our troops of today like the heroes they were, and are,

acknowledge and celebrate their sacrifice, and rejoice at their homecoming ... instead of

spitting on them.

And that support continues today for those of us in Iraq. Our country knows that it must

support us and it does. The lesson was learned in Vietnam and we are all better because of it.

Everyone who has gone before is a hero. They are celebrated in my heart. I think admirably

of all those who have gone before me. From those who fought to establish this country in the

late 1770's to those I serve with here in Iraq. They have all sacrificed to ensure our freedom.

But when I get back home, I'm going to make it a personal mission to specifically thank

every Vietnam Vet I encounter for THEIR sacrifice. Because if nothing else good came from

that terrible war, one thing did. It was the lesson learned on how we treat our warriors. We as

a country learned from our mistake and now we treat our warriors as heroes, as we should

have all along. I am the beneficiary of their sacrifice. Not only for the freedom they, like

veterans from other wars, ensured, but for how well our country now treats my fellow

Marines and I. We are the beneficiaries of their sacrifice.

Semper Fidelis,

Major Brian P. Bresnahan

United States Marine Corps

Blue Beret Issue 45, December 2009. Page 13

TPI INTERSTATE AMBULANCE ENTITLEMENTS

The following is the text of a letter from DVA re the above:

I understand there's an issue doing the rounds of the TPI community about interstate

ambulance travel. Hopefully the advice below is helpful for you to send out to your members

and help quell their concerns.

The Department will transport veterans to the nearest available treatment location that can

meet their clinical needs by the most appropriate mode of transport applicable in each case.

If a veteran lives in one state and requires ambulance transport for their clinical needs and

the closest suitable facility is in another state then the Department would fund that transport

i.e. coverage is not limited to the state of residency.

However, if a veteran travels to another state for non medical reasons such as recreation and

then requires ambulance transport to a hospital or other facility this would only be covered

from their place of temporary residence to the nearest suitable treatment facility. The veteran

will not be able to elect to be transported back to their home state for treatment or back to

their permanent residence after treatment. Such transport is not dictated by clinical need,

only personal preference. The Department would transport them back to their temporary

residence after discharge from hospital via the most appropriate transport mode.

Transport of veterans between facilities whether within states or between states is based on

clinical need and at the discretion of the medical professionals treating the veteran. This is

not something the veteran can elect to do and be funded by the Department.

Veterans are encouraged to take out travel insurance when making long trips interstate. This

statement is found in the DVA ambulance Fact Sheet HSV120 and in "Before You Travel"

HSV 129.

Happy to provide more information should you wish.

Cheers

Ken Douglas

General Manager | Services Division

Department of Veterans' Affairs

HEADING DOWN THE MEMORY TRAIL

Did you serve or visit Vung Tau or Saigon in the late sixties or early seventies?

If you did, some of the pictures at this site may bring back some fond memories.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/9854423@N08/show

Blue Beret Issue 45, December 2009. Page 14

DEPT. OF VETERANS’ AFFAIRS ARRANGEMENTS FOR CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR

Veterans will be able to access key services throughout the Christmas and New Year period.

The Department of Veterans‘ Affairs‘ offices will close between 5 pm on Christmas Eve and

9 am Monday 4 January 2010, however key services will continue to be available to the

veteran community during this period, including:

crisis counselling – VVCS–Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service offers

24-hour crisis counselling through Veterans’ Line. This service is available toll free on

1800 011 046 to veterans and peacekeepers of all conflicts, their families and eligible

members of the Defence Force;

transport – if transport is not booked prior to the Christmas period, it will need to be paid

for up-front and reimbursement can be sought from DVA at a later date;

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

admissions approval, where required, when DVA re-opens on Monday 4 January 2010;

Defence Service Homes Insurance – help with policy and claim enquiries is available 24

hours a day on 1300 552 662, while payments can be made on 1300 304 989, for the cost

of a local call or via the website www.dsh.gov.au

Pension pay days will not be affected by the Christmas shutdown arrangements.

MORE SUICIDE PREVENTION WORKSHOPS FOR VETERAN COMMUNITY

The Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service has increased the number of free

Operation Life suicide prevention workshops for people who are concerned about family,

friends, mates or others in the veteran and ex-service community. So far 119 participants

have been trained in suicide prevention strategies at workshops over the past three months

and I encourage more people in the veteran and ex-service community to register their

interest in attending.

Operation Life is a strategy to prevent suicide and promote good mental health and resilience

across the veteran community. It includes workshops providing introductory, intensive and

refresher courses in suicide prevention. Welfare, pension officers and others from ex-service

organisations and the veteran community are encouraged to attend.

The federal Government is committed to enhancing suicide prevention and it has done this by

expanding Operation Life and providing an additional $9.5 million to implement the

recommendations of a major study into suicide in the ex-service community. This is in

addition to the Government‘s commitment of $83 million over four years to address gaps

identified in mental health care in the ADF and transition through discharge.

Operation Life workshops are not treatment programs but are designed to help members of

the veteran community to recognise someone who might be having thoughts of suicide and to

link them in with appropriate help. To find out more about Operation Life workshops, contact

VVCS on 1800 011 046 (during normal business hours) or visit www.at-ease.dva.gov.au.

Blue Beret Issue 45, December 2009. Page 15

SEARCH ONLINE FOR OVERSEAS AUSTRALIAN MEMORIALS

Including a visit to an Australian war memorial during your next overseas trip is now much

easier with the help of a new online resource launched recently by the Minister for Veterans‘

Affairs.

The Overseas Memorials Search http://memorials.dva.gov.au includes details and

photographs of more than 110 official and privately constructed overseas memorials which

honour Australian service across the globe.

―Australians have served in locations throughout the world – not only protecting our nation,

but helping to protect our neighbours and allies,‖ Mr Griffin said.

―Official memorials have been established by the Australian Government or the

Commonwealth in many of these locations, and local communities have also erected special

memorials and monuments.

―I encourage all Australians to consider visiting an overseas memorial as part of future travel

plans, or as part of research into our wartime history.‖

Mr Griffin said the new database provides travellers with details about memorials on the

Kokoda Track, a memorial plinth at Subic Bay in the Philippines and a memorial stone in

Elands River in South Africa.

―The database will continue to grow as more data is collected, and I invite people with

information about the location or details of overseas memorials to contact my Department,‖

Mr Griffin said.

―The stories behind each memorial are unique and provide a powerful reminder of the

courage of Australians who served and died overseas.‖

One such story is the moving tribute from the local community in Stadil, Denmark, who built

a wooden cross to commemorate the crew of the Lancaster bomber EE138 which was shot

down by a Luftwaffe night fighter over Stadil on 4 September 1943. The crew of eight men,

four of whom were Australian, managed to steer the damaged Lancaster away from the

village before it crashed. All eight men were killed.

The cross was engraved with the words ―Minde over faldne allierede Flyvere‖ translated as

―In memory of fallen Allied Airmen‖, and after an Australian Government grant, now

includes a memorial plaque and garden maintained by locals.

―The Australian Government has provided funding to help upgrade and restore some of these

memorials through the Overseas Privately-Constructed Memorial Restoration Program,‖ Mr

Griffin said.

―The grants program has helped local communities enhance the memorial they have

maintained over the years. Through this program we are hearing stories of appreciation and

gratitude for our Australian servicemen and women.‖

For more information contact the Office of Australian War Graves at wargraves@dva.gov.au

Blue Beret Issue 45, December 2009. Page 16

TIME FOR ANOTHER SMILE

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED...

Why the sun lightens our hair, but darkens our skin?

Why women can't put on mascara with their mouth closed?

Why you don't ever see the headline: 'Psychic Wins Lottery'?

Why 'abbreviated' is such a long word?

Why Doctors call what they do 'practice'?

Why lemon juice is made with artificial flavour and dishwashing liquid is made with

real lemons?

Why there isn't mouse flavoured cat food?

Who tastes dog food when it has a 'new & improved' flavour?

Why they don't make the whole plane out of the material used for the indestructible

black box?

Why sheep don't shrink when it rains?

Why they are called apartments when they are all stuck together?

Why they call the airport 'the terminal' if flying is so safe?

AND... In case you need further proof that the human race is doomed because of

stupidity, here are some actual label instructions on consumer goods:

On a hairdryer: 'Do not use while sleeping'.

On a bag of Chips: You could be a winner! No purchase necessary. Details inside.

On some frozen dinners: 'Serving suggestion: Defrost'.

On Tiramisu dessert (printed on bottom): 'Do not turn upside down'.

On packaging for an iron: 'Do not iron clothes on body'.

On Children's Cough Medicine: 'Do not drive a car or operate machinery after taking

this medication'.

On most brands of Christmas lights: 'For indoor or outdoor use only'.

On a Japanese food processor: 'Not to be used for the other use'.

On peanuts: 'Warning: contains nuts'.

On an American Airlines packet of nuts: 'Instructions: Open packet, eat nuts'.

On a child's superman costume: 'Wearing of this garment does not enable you to

fly'.

On a Swedish chainsaw: 'Do not attempt to stop chain with your hands or genitals'.

Blue Beret Issue 45, December 2009. Page 17

COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARD

Welcome: To Wayne Ferguson, our latest Association member since the last issue.

Sick Parade: Maybe its not winter that does bad things to our health after all. Since the last

issue, we‘ve had reports that Wal (Judy) Garland and Tex Simons have been

reported as having health problems in recent times. Mooka Cowley and Fred

Brown remain on the sick list and Glen Hombsch and Henryk (Ski) Cichowski

have recently had surgery but are on the way to recovery or have since recovered.

According to the last bulletin from Newcastle, Jim (Blue) Conway is in hospital

again for another operation to put back his hip and let him walk again. It has been

a long time coming but will be his "old" self in the New Year.

For all of you who are still a bit wobbly, we send our best wishes that you get

better soon.

R.I.P Sadly, we have to say farewell to more of our family who have passed on since

the last issue.

Col Davies, ex 13 ADG Course

Ellen McLeod, Mother of the late Ken McLeod

Ben VanDerMatt

SGT Darryl “Ralphy” Engler

We managed to have an Association representative at most of the funerals, and to

all family and friends who have been left behind, our deepest condolences for

your loss. Lest we forget.

Where the Heck is…? Bob Goad? We asked about him in the last issue but haven‘t had any response.

If you can help locate him, please give us a call.

“… Wish I had something to keep the sun out of my eyes!”

Blue Beret Issue 45, December 2009. Page 18

TH E L AST W ORD

Once again, if this issue arrives to you late, I have to apologise. I have some pressures

on me at the moment that have slowed down a lot of things including the newsletter,

but hopefully most of you will get it before Christmas.

What a year it‘s been! Merv Reid in his President‘s report, has outlined all the issues

we‘ve been working on over the past twelve months, so I won‘t go over old ground.

Let‘s just say that in spite of a number of setbacks, we‘ve had a fantastic year, and

regardless of what we hear some of our colleagues are saying (not to our faces

however), we‘re growing stronger and bigger all the time thanks to the hard work and

dedication of people like Merv and my fellow Committee members.

Part of that hard work involves forward planning for reunions, dinners, ANZAC Day

marches etc but we always try to make sure that our planning matches the wishes and

needs of the majority of our ADG comrades, whether they are members of the

Association or not. That‘s why we occasionally send out surveys on different subjects,

or ask you to get back to us with your views on different proposals. Sadly, the

response to our last survey on the 2011 reunion was disappointing, with less than one

in ten of our members giving us their thoughts on where and how we should hold the

next reunion. At this stage, thanks to those who did respond, the view is almost evenly

divided between a Fly/Cruise tour to Hong Kong, a Fly/Cruise tour to New Zealand

and a gathering in Hobart. It‘s not too late – If you haven‘t yet responded, we would

still appreciate hearing from you. At least you will have had your say.

On the same subject, there is an “Expression of Interest” form included with this

issue regarding our proposed AGM/Mini Reunion in Townsville next year. Please take

the time to get back to us on that one –very important, because we can‘t finalise it

unless we have some idea of how many people will be there.

I‘ve been getting some feedback from various sources that a lot of members aren‘t

happy with the CD version of the Blue Beret. We‘re working on a new project that

will put the newsletter On-Line as well as get Association information to you much

faster than before, however there‘s no point in going ahead with it if you, the

members, don‘t want to support it. One thing that will be essential if we go ahead is to

make sure that we have an up to date email address for everyone who has internet

access. Let me know what you think on that one as well please. Don‘t be concerned if

you don‘t have internet or computer access – we‘ll still send out paper copies to those

of you who are in that situation, regardless of the outcome.

In closing, let me add my best wishes to Merv‘s, that you all have a safe and merry

Christmas and a healthy, prosperous 2010.

Best regards to all

Jim Gable

National Secretary/Treasurer