june 2014
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RAAFVVA Newsletter: June 2014TRANSCRIPT
RAAF Vietnam Veterans
Association (Vic) and
Air Force Association (Vic)
Vietnam Veterans Branch
NEWSLETTER
June 2014
www.raafvva.org.au
www.raafavic.org.au
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NEWSLETTER of RAAFVVA and Air Force Association VV Branch
The official journal of RAAF Vietnam Veterans Association (Vic), a Sub-Branch of the VVAA Vic Branch Incorporated
(Reg. No. A0029247G. ABN 34 750 672 219)
and RAAF Association (Vic Div) Vietnam Veterans Branch – (ABN 96 091 342 304)
Patron: Air Vice Marshal E. M. Weller AM
PRESIDENT Lee Scully Phone (03) 9827-8313
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Nick LeRay-Meyer AM Phone (03) 9386-6961
VICE PRESIDENT Gareth Davis Phone (03) 9878-7940
SECRETARY Rick Holmes PO Box 462 Ascot Vale Vic 3032
Phone (03) 9317-7304
TREASURER Maree Jongkryg 6 Balfour Place
Melton West Vic 3337
Phone (03) 9743-1273
WELFARE OFFICER Lee Scully Phone (03) 9827-8313
ASST SEC/MEMBERSHIP Gareth Davis Phone (03) 9878-7940
COMMITTEE MEMBER Alan White Phone (03) 9598-1007
COMMITTEE MEMBER Pieter Jongkryg Phone (03) 9743-1273
COMMITTEE MEMBER Bob Brackin Phone (03) 5261-2630 COMMITTEE MEMBER Andy Lapins Phone (03) 9511-4693
COMMITTEE MEMBER Geoff Rose Phone (03) 9372-7709
COMMITTEE MEMBER Neil Morgan Phone (03) 9687-8871
COMMITTEE MEMBER Peter Raymant Phone (03) 9583-1053 COMMITTEE MEMBER Rob O’Brien Phone 0418 531 984
COMMITTEE MEMBER Chris Hudnott Phone (03) 9830-4665
WEBMASTER Anthony (Tony) Pahl OAM [email protected]
RAAF REGIONAL ADVOCACY, WELFARE AND PENSIONS OFFICERS
Lee and Ellen Scully (Welfare) Melbourne Metro Area Phone (03) 9827-8313
Andy Lapins (Welfare) Melbourne Area Phone (03) 9511-4693 Alan White (Welfare) Melbourne Area Phone (03) 9598-1007
Gill Coughlan (Welfare) Melbourne Area Phone 040 850 3986
Bill Wiltshire (Advocacy, Pensions & Welfare) Melton Phone (03) 9746-9582
John Meldrum Kilmore Phone (03) 5783-3923 Rhonda Austin Kilmore Phone (03) 5782 2905
VETERANS’ CENTRES SUPPORTED BY RAAFVVA and Air Force Association (Vic)
Western Suburbs Veterans and Services Centre Phone (03) 9746-9582 Fax (03) 9746-9583
Melbourne Veterans and Services Centre Phone (03) 9282-4957 Fax (03) 9282-7089
DISCLAIMER
The material, comments and/or extracts of articles appearing in the “RAAFVVA and AFA VV Branch NEWSLETTER” are of a general nature only and neither purport to be, nor are intended to be, advice on any particular matter. No person should act on the
basis of any material contained in the “NEWSLETTER” without considering, and if necessary, taking appropriate professional
advice upon their circumstances. The Committee, the authors and publisher expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, in
respect of anything done or omitted to be done by any such person in reliance, whether whole or partial, upon the whole or part of the
contents of the “RAAFVVA and AFA VV Branch NEWSLETTER”. Any member of the RAAFVVA, AFA VV Branch, or other
veteran organisation or any interested party may submit articles, letters, and advertisements for publication in the NEWSLETTER.
The Committee and Publisher reserve the right to veto any such article, letter or advertisement.
EDITOR: RAAFVVA and RAAFA (Vic Div) VV Branch Committees PUBLISHER: Geoff Rose
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PRESIDENT’S REPORT
While striving to remain apolitical, I wonder if you share my somewhat jaded view about the over hyped celebrations planned by our Federal Government and concurrent expenditure for the 100th Anniversary of ANZAC Day? While I realise we celebrate the Day (with our cousins across “the ditch”) as our coming of age as an independent country, the Gallipoli Campaign doesn’t really rate up there with other historical military campaigns.
Surely, it would have been more opportune to mark the occasion by looking after our ADF members and their families – veteran and currently serving – by significantly increasing DVA and veteran ESO funding in 2015. This could have been geared towards meeting the growing demand for a wide range of specific rehabilitation/counselling/respite-care/mental health and hospital services. I guess my problem is (along with many other Australians) that I refuse to subscribe to the theory that we end up with the politicians we deserve.
On the subject of ANZAC Day, this year our Melbourne March and Reunion Lunch was a great success, helped no doubt by the good weather here. We had 60+ marchers and were pleased to welcome our Patron, AVM (Retd) Mac Weller AM, who joined us for the March and Lunch.
We have been invited again to participate with our RVN allies and their families in commemorating the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Day. This will be held at Footscray RSL on 21 June 2015. Last year I attended the function at Dandenong, which was well attended by the Victorian Vietnamese community and invited Australian ADF Associations. Their community in Victoria remains supportive of all Vietnam Veteran activities here, including ongoing financial support for our National Museum at Phillip Island.
The ANZAC Day March in Melbourne for 2015 will be lead by Vietnam veterans, to mark 50 years of ADF major involvement in the Vietnam War. Interestingly, this year marks 50 years since the RAAF commenced its participation in South Vietnam, with RAAF Transport Flight arriving there in August 1964. Our commemoration will be somewhat lower key, with a RAAF Caribou Operations Weekend planned at Coffs Harbour over the weekend of 8/9 August 2015, more information and contact details appear later in this edition.
The issue of the markings/configuration of the Iroquois Helicopter (A2-110) display at the National Museum remains ongoing. The No. 9 Squadron Association and past members, along with our Association, continue negotiations with the CEO of the Museum. These remain cordial and amenable, and we firmly believe a mutually satisfactory outcome for RAAF Vietnam veterans can be achieved.
During my recent 6,000km return trip to Alice Springs for my Motorcycle Club AGM, I was impressed with the number of Grey Nomads towing caravans heading for the Top End. For those of you who plan to join the exodus to warmer climes, please stay safe and enjoy your break.
Kind regards,
Lee
President RAAFVVA/AFA Vietnam Veterans Branch
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NOTICE BOARD
Monthly Luncheon
The next monthly luncheon is planned for Wednesday, 18th June, 2014 at the Mail Exchange Hotel - 688 Bourke Street, City, (corner of Bourke and Spencer St’s).
Generally, our monthly luncheons are planned for the third Wednesday of each month. However, dates, and any changes, will be posted on our website blog as soon as available.
*Our member, Dan Nebauer, offers discount to current and ex ADF members. Dan specialises in
Asian travel, but his experienced staff can cater for all your international or domestic travel needs.
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VETERANS AND THE FEDERAL BUDGET - MY TAKE – Bob Elworthy, VVAA State Pres. INDEXATION: If re-elected, from 2017 indexation of pension and pension equivalent payments will revert to CPI. This will impact on Service Pension, TPI, other veteran disability pensions, Income Support Supplement, War Widows Pension and equivalent MRCA payments.
Income thresholds will also be impacted from 2017 by a three year freeze on indexation increases for the means test free area, currently at $156 per fortnight for singles.
From 2017 assets test threshold indexation will also be suspended along with the deeming threshold. This will impact service pensions and other payments. DEFENCE SERVICE HOMES: Review to look at future-flogged off; currently 66,000 policy holders.
VETERAN DISABILITY PENSIONS: No back dating to date of injury/illness, payments commence from date of claim for claims received from 1 January 2015. Excludes War Widows/Widowers. SERVICE PENSION ENHANCED COMPLIANCE PROGRAMME: Increase in compliance
reviews from 12000 to 20000 per FY, with focus on recipients of income support.
SERCA/MRCA VETERAN INCAPACITY PAYMENTS: Specialist reviews to confirm service related condition continues to impact ability to work for those in continuous receipt of payments for 12 months or more. HEALTH PROVIDER FEE INDEXATION: DVA dental and allied health fees indexation deferred to July 2016. DOH pausing indexation of some MBS schedules including DVA medical services (excluding GP services) CROSS PORTFOLIO MEASURES - DSS Commonwealth Seniors Card: annual indexation of income thresholds by CPI.
Commonwealth Seniors Health Card: from Jan 2015, untaxed superannuation income will now be included in eligibility assessment. Same deeming rates and thresholds for service pensions and income support will apply.
Clean Energy Supplement now known as Energy Supplement: rate fixed at current level, no
indexation.
Seniors Supplement to end: Seniors supplement is paid to Seniors Health Card holders and Gold Card holders who have reached pension age and do not receive income support payments. The final payment of $876 single and $660 each eligible couple member will occur on 26 June 2014. Energy supplement will continue to be paid.
Pension Bonus Scheme: Closure of the scheme to new registrations deferred to July 2014. Housing Help for Seniors Pilot: Will not proceed Reset Assets Test Deeming Rate Thresholds: thresholds currently $46,600 singles, $77,400
couple combined, indexation will pause Jul 2017. In Sep 2017, thresholds will be reduced to $30,000 single, $50,000 couple combined. Indexation recommence Jul 2020
CROSS PORTFOLIO MEASURES - HEALTH Pharmaceuticals Benefits Scheme: one-off increase to concessional co-payment of 0.80cents from Jan 2015. Veterans eligible for Veterans Pharmaceutical Reimbursement Scheme will be reimbursed.
Doctor Co-payment: Gold Card or White Card (provided presenting for accepted condition) holders exempt. MBS – Optometry: Free annual eye test for over 65’s
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QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS
AM Member of the Order of Australia - Awarded to Mr Robert (Bob) William ELWORTHY “For significant service to veterans and their families, particularly to those who served in Vietnam, and to community health care.” OAM Medal of the Order of Australia – Awarded to Wg Cdr John David GRIERSON (Retd) “For service to veterans and their families.” Congratulations to you both!
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OUT AND ABOUT
ANZAC DAY – 2014
All pictures of this year’s ANZAC Day clearly depict the glorious weather Melbourne experienced on the day. So, no need to even mention the weather, except to say, it was much better than recent years, and probably the reason why RAAFVVA/AFA had such a great turnout.
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Sixty plus braved the clear skies, warm sunshine and fresh calm air, as they chatted and waited at the form-up spot on Flinders Street. Naturally, step-off time was “a bit” behind schedule, but there were no complaints, as word passed through the ranks that delay had been caused by one unfortunate ex-digger who required treatment and eventual ‘medevac’ from the march.
Final instructions from ex WOD Ron Douglas
Enthusiastic AAFC members volunteered to proudly carry the RAAFVVA Banner, and once again, they did a great job. It restores faith in the younger generations, when we see such fine young Australians standing up to play their part.
Ready and waiting.
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Still ready – still waiting.
And we’re off; over Princes Bridge and on to the Shrine - supported by a very enthusiastic crowd.
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‘Chick’ Mercieca has battled a few medical issues over the past year, so it was great to see him mingling in the ranks before the March. He later joined fellow RAAFVVA founding member, Rob O’Brien, to relax and enjoy the sunshine as they both travelled in style along St Kilda Road, perched in the back of a WW2 Army truck.
After the March, most headed down to the Seasons Hotel for what has become, our “traditional ANZAC DAY Reunion Lunch”. As mentioned elsewhere in this Newsletter, it was the first time Seasons has provided a separate room and bar facility for our gathering. This was very well received and appreciated by all who attended and is something that will become a regular feature of our ANZAC Day and V.V. Day get-togethers.
A big bunch of happy, smiling faces as members gathered for a group-photo. Was this feeling because, once again, RAAFVVA/AFA provided funds to assist with the meal costs? Or was it simply that the day’s exceptionally fine weather had created such a bright and pleasant atmosphere? Either way, a great time was had by all.
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Another Batch of Care Parcels for the MEAO Alan White has again arranged for purchase of goodies and organized the packing of 50 Care Parcels for dispatch to ADF members serving on overseas deployments. On Tuesday, 20th May, Alan, his wife, Fiona, along with other volunteers, Neil Morgan, Ron Ledingham, Gareth Davis and Ellen Scully (photographer) gathered at AFA HQ in Camberwell to sort and pack the parcels. Despite the reduction in troop numbers, those remaining on operational service must be reminded that their work is valued. Alan, over recent years, has arranged for Care Parcels to be sent to the MEAO as a sign of goodwill and appreciation from members of both the AFA and RAAFVVA.
“Happy Little Vegemites” - various items, (including tubes of Vegemite), went into the Care Parcels.
“Back to NAM” – Pictures from Peter Raymant’s trip - Mar/Apr 2014.
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Saigon street scene (helmets now compulsory)
Opera House, central Saigon (HCMC)
Nguyen Hue St, looking towards Rex Hotel and former Town Hall
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Statue of ‘Uncle Ho’ (behind Uncle Peter)
Vung Tau
Grand Hotel ‘Radar Hill’
Relics of War
John Britton (ex Army mate) with Peter USAF A37 at War Remnants Museum, Saigon
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DID YOU KNOW
THANKING OUR DIGGERS - COLES $5M PLEDGE To mark its Centenary as an Australian company on 9 April 2014, Coles has pledged to raise $5 million for the Australian Defence Force Assistance Trust to assist current and former members of the armed services and their families who are in need of the nation's help.
In addition to this fundraising, Coles will also provide "Digger Discounts" in all of its supermarkets on selected days over the next 12 months, to give all serving, returned, or retired members of the Armed Services and their families a 10% discount on their groceries – and is based on the presentation of a valid DVA card, Defence Personnel Card or any other military service identifier. Keep an eye out for advertising similar to below (which appeared on TV and in papers in April).
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50th Anniversary of Arrival of RAAF Caribous
Over the weekend of August, Friday the 8th to Sunday the 10th, 2014 we will be holding the Caribou 50th Anniversary Bash at Opal Cove Resort, Coffs Harbour.
Please contact: Stew Bonett, P.O. Box 160, Glenorie, NSW 2157 Phone (02) 9652 1653 or email: [email protected]
75th Anniversary Celebrations for RAAF Rathmines, NSW
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C130 ON DISPLAY AT THE FRONT GATE OF LITTLE ROCK AFB, ARKANSAS, USA
This C130 Hercules was the 126th built by Lockheed Aircraft Corporation of Marietta, Georgia. It was accepted into the USAF inventory on 23 August, 1957. On 2 November 1972, it was given to the South Vietnamese Air Force as part of the Military Assistance Program. A few years later, the aircraft would be involved in a historic flight.
On 29 April 1975, this Herc was the last out of Vietnam during the fall of Saigon. With over 100 aircraft destroyed on the flight line at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, some of them still burning, it was the last flyable C130 remaining. In a panicked state, hundreds of people were desperately rushing to get aboard - the aircraft represented a final ticket to freedom.
People frantically crowded into the Herc, packing in tighter and tighter. Eventually, the loadmaster informed the pilot, Major Phuong, a South Vietnamese instructor pilot, that he could not get the rear ramp closed, due to the number of people standing on it. In a moment of inspiration, Major Phuong slowly taxied forward - and then hit the brakes. The loadmaster called the pilot again, stating he had successfully closed the doors.
In all, 452 people were on board, including a staggering 32 in the cockpit! Estimating 100 pounds per person, it translated into an overload of at least 10,000 pounds. Consequently, the Herc used every bit of the runway and overrun before it was able to get airborne.
The target was Thailand, which should have been 1:20 in flight time, but after an hour and a half, the aircraft was still over the Gulf of Siam, and they were clearly lost. Finally, a map was located; they identified some terrain features, and were able to navigate. The aircraft finally landed at Utapao, Thailand - after a three and a half hour flight!
Ground personnel were shocked at what "fell out" as they opened the doors. It was clear that a longer flight would almost certainly have resulted in a loss of life. In the end, however, all 452 people made it to freedom aboard this historic Hercules.
Upon landing, the aircraft was reclaimed by the United States Air Force and assigned to two different Air National Guard units for the next 14 years. On 28 June 1989, this C130 made its final flight to Little Rock Air Force Base, to be placed on permanent display.
NB: A far different attitude existed on board Australia’s last evacuation flight from Saigon. It was ANZAC Day 1975, and there was no room on the RAAF C130 for four ADGs who had been assigned to protect our Ambassador. The aircraft was full of Embassy gear, and souvenirs – and there certainly wasn’t any room for the Vietnamese staff (or their family members) who had remained loyal to Australia throughout the war.
Battles raged around the airport as the ADGs watched, helplessly stranded on the tarmac, as their aircraft disappeared. Hours later, another RAAF Hercules arrived to rescue them.
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HEALTH and WELFARE
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VETERANS WELFARE - WILLS AND POWER OF ATTORNEY
Recently a friend of mine became seriously ill very quickly and without warning. His family are struggling with the turn of events, and this situation is a reminder to all of us to get our house in order. I ask that all Sub-Branch executives take proactive action with their membership and bring to their immediate attention the need for members and partners to have:
. Up-to-date Wills, and
. Enduring Power of Attorney - for medical treatment, and financial management.
It is not good practice to simply leave decisions in the hands of a partner. In a time of stress and family upset it is both unfair and unwise to have a grieving or concerned partner trying to make decisions without full knowledge of your wishes.
Information relating to power of attorney and wills can be found at:
. www.publicadvocate.vic.gov.au
. www.statetrustees.com.au
Bob Elworthy President VVAA Victorian Branch
Changes to DVA Cards for the Reissue – June/July 2014
The changes to the new cards are:
the title on all of the cards is now, ‘DVA Health Card’;
the front of the card has the 100 years centenary of the ANZAC logo on a background of a field of poppies;
the DVA security hologram has moved to the front of the card providing greater visibility of this security feature;
the signature stripe on the back of the card is longer, allowing more room for a signature;
the magnetic stripe for a Gold Card is now gold, on the White Card this is now blue, while the Orange Card retains a black stripe; and
the cards are valid for six years now, instead of the previous four years.
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SECRETARY'S SNIPPETS Hi all, Another ANZAC Day – what great weather! Some 60 odd marched with a follow up of approximately the same number for lunch, albeit with RAAF Police members.
Lunch was great, with Seasons providing our own buffet/bar facilities. This is now to be a feature of VV Day and ANZAC Day for us. We have a standard yearly booking until I can no longer walk!
A Certificate of Appreciation is to be provided to Seasons’ management in the next few weeks to express our gratitude for their support.
The ABC commentary provided by our committee member Chris Hudnott was spot on!
A plea to be aware of your mates, sometimes we forget when we haven’t heard from a friend for a while. It doesn’t hurt to give them a quick ring to make sure they are ok.
Monthly lunches continue. May turnout was a little low as many members were away to sunnier (?) climes. Great to have Gordon and Jan Garbutt join us from Dalyston. Remember it is the 3rd Wednesday of the month at the Mail Exchange Hotel, corner of Bourke and
Spencer Streets, Melbourne. Assemble 1200 for sit down at 1230.
Regards, Rick Holmes
RESPECT FOR MILITARY. PUBLIC STATEMENT – 28 February 2014
Again we see a total disrespect for the Australian military forces and their senior officers in the recent comments by Senator Conroy in his attack on Lieutenant General Angus Campbell.
While the Senator may consider he can point score against the military when he cannot obtain the same advantage against his political opponents he should note that many serving members of the military forces, supported by the ex-service community have a high degree of respect for men like General Campbell.
On behalf of the members of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia that have indicated their concern at this type of disrespect I would ask all our political representatives and media to consider their actions in future and at least give our military the same respect they would expect extended to themselves.
Ken Foster National President
V.V.A.A.
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THE PADRE’S PAGE
WHEN WE GROW OLD
The last issue of our quarterly Newsletter had a lot to
say about growing older. There were lots of helpful
seminars and other information to assist us in the
ageing process. Rev Dr Billy Graham has shared
his thoughts on this matter with us:-
“I never thought I would live to be this old.
All my life I was taught how to die as a Christian,
but no one ever taught me how I ought to live the
years before I die. I wish they had because I am an
old man now, and believe me, it’s not easy.
Whoever first said it was right; old age is not for
sissies. Get any group of older people together, and
I can almost guarantee what their favourite topic of
conversation will be; their latest aches and pains.
I will soon celebrate my ninety-third birthday, and I
know it won’t be long before God calls me home to
Heaven. More than ever, I look forward to that day,
not just because of the wonders I know Heaven holds
in store for me, and for every believer, but because I
know that finally all the burdens and sorrows that
press down upon me at this stage of my life will be
over. During the last year the physical ailments
common to old age really have taken their toll on
me.
No, old age is not for sissies. But that isn’t the
whole story, nor did God intend it to be.
While the Bible doesn’t gloss over the problems we face as we grow older, neither does it
paint old age as a time to be despised or a burden to be endured with gritted teeth (if we still
have any). Nor does it picture us in our latter years as useless and ineffective, condemned
to spend our last days in endless boredom or meaningless activity until God finally takes us
home.
Instead, the Bible says that God has a reason for keeping us here; if He didn’t, He would
take us to Heaven far sooner. But, what is His purpose for these years, and how can we
align our lives with it? How can we not only learn to cope with the fears and struggles and
growing limitation we face but also actually grow stronger inwardly in the midst of these
difficulties? How can we face a future with hope instead of despair? These are some of
the questions I have been forced to deal with as I have grown older; perhaps the same is true
for you as well.”
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You can’t “stick your head in the sand” and not face up to the fact that we are getting older.
We need to prepare for these older years.....believe me, they can be fun.
As ever,
(Rev) George G Ashworth, OAM
VALE
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
RAAF MEMBER
Donald Charles WYNN
9 Sqn – Feb 69 to Jun 69
January 2014
John Taylor PAYNE
9 Sqn – Jun 71 to Dec 71
23rd
March 2014
Air Chief Marshall
Sir Neville Patrick MCNAMARA KBE AO AFC
HQAFV (RAAF) – Apr 71 to Feb 72
7th May 2014
Douglas Walter JARMYN
1OSU – Nov 71
9th May 2014
LEST WE FORGET
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ON THE LIGHTER SiDE
Old Age Wedding Plans
Roger, aged 92, and Rachael, 89, first met after
joining the RAAF at Point Cook during WW2.
They became lovers, but were later separated by
the war. Now, after so many years, they are
reunited, and still deeply in love. They have plans
to finally marry and are all excited about their
decision.
They decide to go for a short stroll to discuss
the wedding, and on the way they pass a
Pharmacy. Roger suggests they go in.
He addresses the man behind the counter: “Are
you the owner?” The Pharmacist answers, “Yes.”
Roger: "We are about to get married. Do you sell heart medication?"
Pharmacist: "Of course, we do."
Roger: "How about medicine for good circulation?"
Pharmacist: "All kinds."
Roger: "Medicine for rheumatism?"
Pharmacist: "Definitely."
Roger: "How about suppositories?"
Pharmacist: "You bet!"
Roger: "Medicine for memory problems, arthritis and Alzheimer's?"
Pharmacist: "Yes, a large variety. The Works."
Roger: "What about vitamins, sleeping pills, Geritol, antidotes for Parkinson's disease?"
Pharmacist: "Absolutely."
Roger: "Medication for heartburn and indigestion?"
Pharmacist: "We sure do."
Roger: "You sell wheelchairs and walkers and canes?"
Pharmacist: "All speeds and sizes."
Roger: "Adult diapers?"
Pharmacist: "Sure."
Roger: "Great - we'd like to name this store as our Bridal Registry."
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Never Lie to a Woman
A man called home to his wife and said, “Honey, I have been asked to go fishing with
my boss and some of his friends. We’ll be gone for a week”. “This is a good
opportunity for me to get that promotion I've been wanting, so could you please pack
enough clothes for a week and set up my rod and fishing box. We are leaving straight
from the office, so I will stop by the house to pick my things up on the way." "Oh,
and please pack my new blue silk pyjamas. "
The wife thinks this sounds a bit fishy but being the good wife she is does exactly what
her husband asked.
The following weekend he arrived home - a little
tired but otherwise looking good.
The wife welcomed him at the door and asked if
he had caught any fish?
"Yes”, he said, “lots of flathead, some bream,
and a few pretty good snapper. But why didn't
you pack my new blue silk pyjamas like I asked
you to do?"
The wife replied, "Oh, but I did. They're in
your fishing box..."
In the third grade, my teacher said, “Quit staring out the window, because when you
grow up, no one will pay you to sit there and just look out the window”.
Guess I showed her………
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TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATIONS TO VIETNAM VETERANS ASSOCIATION
VICTORIAN BRANCH INC. AND AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION VICTORIA
WELFARE PATRIOTIC FUNDS
DONATIONS
Donations made by members of the RAAF VVAA Victoria Sub-Branch or the Vietnam Veterans
Branch of the Air Force Association Victoria are tax deductible. Donations made to either
Association Sub-Branch/Branch must indicate the gift is specifically for welfare. (Renewal
membership forms allow members to note their donation is for this purpose).
Donations received on this basis must be used for the welfare and support of veterans, and receipts
will be issued for all donations over $2.00 received. All money gifted for welfare purposes is
welfare/veteran support directed, with your Associations and State Government accounting
requirements strictly adhered to, and subject to annual audit.
If you wish to adopt either/both Associations as your family charity, just make your cheque
donation payable to the preferred Welfare Patriotic Fund. For the RAAF VVAA Sub-Branch,
forward your cheque to the Sub-Branch Treasurer. For the AFA Vietnam Veterans Branch,
forward the cheque direct to the Association Office Manager, PO Box 1038, Hawthorn BC, Vic
3122. Your tax-deductible receipt will then be promptly returned. Remember, even the smallest
donation is appreciated.
BEQUESTS AND LEGACIES
Making a Will is recommended, and is good asset planning. It provides you and those for whom
you care with financial peace of mind, ensuring security for your family, and enables bequests to be
made to Charities/Associations representing your on-going interests.
Bequests and Legacies are gifts of specified identified possessions or specified amounts of money
gifted to an individual, group of people, or a charitable Organization or Association. Please
consider the Vietnam Veterans Branch or Sub-Branch of your member Association as a preferred
charity. Remember, it is possible that at some future time assistance sought from your Association
will be for the benefit of yourself or your family.
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VVCS - VETERANS and VETERANS FAMILIES COUNSELLING SERVICE
(A Service Founded by the Vietnam Veterans) Normal Hours: 8640 8700
Crisis Line (after hours) 1800 011 046
DVA VICTORIA
Normal Hours: 133 254
Country/Regional: 1800 555 254 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In Hospital or Convalescing at Home? Like us to know about it and/or have someone to visit to assist or just chat? Name:…………………………………………………………………………………..….................. Address:……………………………………………………………………………………................ Preferred Contact details:……..………………………………………………………….................
Post or Email your request to the Secretary or give him a call on 9317 7304 and we will try
and arrange a visit on your behalf.