Australian Artillery Association - Message Board

4 FD REGT RECRUITING FILM "DEAR MUM"

GrahamHampton — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:57:24 GMT

Along with a few other former members of 4th Field Regiment I have been trying to locate a copy of a short recruiting film titled "Dear Mum".

It was a film depicting the life of a gunner and was filmed at 4th Field Regiment, Townsville and whilst on exercise at High Range. If anyone knows who to contact to locate a copy we would appreciate the information.

Ubique

John "Blue" Bailey.

To email John - Click Here

Forum: General Information

131 DIVISIONAL LOCATING BATTERY (OF OLD) NEWSLETTER - OCTOBER 2009

GrahamHampton — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:29:05 GMT

The October edidtion of the 131 Div Loc Bty Eyes and Ears newsletter is now available for viewing.

To view the newsletter - Click Here

Forum: Newsletters

131 DIVISIONAL LOCATING BATTERY NEWSLETTER "LONG TAN"

GrahamHampton — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:39:22 GMT

Hi all,

Well they are pumping them out at the moment. A great read!

To vide the newsletter - Click Here

Forum: Newsletters

131 DIVISIONAL LOCATING BATTERY (OF OLD) NEWSLETTER - SEPTEMBER 2009

GrahamHampton — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 06:53:32 GMT

Hi All,

The newsletter we're puting out on a monthly basis which we recommenced about 7 months ago to get some communications going amongst some of the Battery blokes, and we've now got over 70 on a mail out list. I wrote (well that's debatable!) a couple of newsletters in Nui Dat in '67, called Eyes and Ears so we dragged the format out again.

I've attached a copy of our last monthly effort - Eyes & Ears 0009 (it is the regular version - the last one sent out was a special on Long Tan - I'll send that too if you want me to) for you to have a squiz at.

To view newsletter - Click Here

Forum: Newsletters

REQUEST FOR AID

GrahamHampton — Thur, 22 Oct 2009 06:18:08 GMT

Gday Mate's
                       I am an old gunner, having served 9 years in 4 fd (62-68/74-77). Like many of us, I guess, I have wandered back to Vietnam to get a more peaceful view of the people. At the moment I am in Dien Bien Phu, been here twice now, this time for 2 weeks, 1 week andawakey to go.

As Im sure it would be for many of the boys who did a tour here during the war, but especially the gunners, the history of this little valley is particularly interesting and certainly a nostalgic one.   If anyone would like some photos feel free to email me nevtickner@yahoo.com.au

However the main reason for writing is that I am trying to get some help for a new orphanage here in DBP. It opened last month and is sponsored by the SOS International organization, and while it is certainly a wonderful village, in terms of the housing and the way they do things, they are in need of a few things to make life a little more comfortable for the children and their carer (mothers).

Winter is fast approaching and they have few clothes to ward of the cold (they are all very tiny , aged between 2 and 9) so a small parcel of your grandkids handmedowns would be magic. Warm hats/headwear and shoes, including PJs I guess. Each house will eventually have 7 to 10 kids and one permanent mother (a younger woman who is their Mum for life). At present there are 7 of the 14 houses in use, 46 kids, 6 mothers, 3 aunts. But they have no washing machines, fridges, bikes for the little ones who walk 3k to school or trikes for the even smaller ones.

Most of these children are from the ethic minority groups around here, and their inability to speak basic Vietnamese is an added problem, so many of the poor little blighters wander around in a shell shock daze, as I am sure you can imagine. But I have been visiting every day since I discovered the 2 weeks ago and can see the difference just a little love from one silly old gunner can make. So if any of you are making the pilgrimage, remember Dien Bien Phu is only $50, 50 minute flight from Hanoi. I guarantee you will get no greater enjoyment from the journey back than if you visit this little orphanage.

Incidentally a good washing machine (9.5 Kg load) for the village will cost 5 million Vnd (Au $340) A fridge 3 million (au $200) although 7 needed at the moment, 14 eventually.

Not putting the bite on, just giving you an idea how cheap it is to help if your company or anyone else wanted to hit the kick.

But thanks for anything you might organize.

Hey, who says I can't influence others......I bought a bunch of hats from this woman's shop and pushed her for special discounts, which she gave, then as I was leaving she run out the back and returned with a great big (dusty) bag full of the bloody things ( must be 50 in there) and gave them to me for the kids....ha haa haaa. That's the hat problem solved for the next 10 years. ( and not a single word of English was spoken, but I did give her a free hug)

I think my motorbike driver had told her we had just taken a bike (great little bike with training wheels + helmet Au $37) and a trike'y thingo ( about $20) out to the kids and she got an attack of the guilts, but it just might have been my charm.

If anyone from your mob can/wants to help.please drop me a line, or check out SOS International online.or email the village direct: soscv.dienbien@sosvietnam.org
All the best
Tick (Nev Tickner)

Forum: General Information

SCHOLARSHIP FOR CHILDREN OF VETERANS INTENDING TERTIARY STUDIES IN 2010

GrahamHampton — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:05:37 GMT

AUSTRALIAN VETERANS

CHILDREN ASSISTANCE TRUST

Scholarships for Children of Veterans intending Tertiary Studies in 2010

In 2010 the Australian Veterans Children Assistance Trust (AVCAT) are expecting to give financial assistance for up to 65 students under many different scholarship schemes. All schemes help the selected children in need of the Australian veteran community with the costs of tertiary education. Applicants are considered for all schemes for which they are eligible.

Applications open on 18 August 2009. To apply you must be:

a. Within the means test. That is eligible on assets and income grounds for Youth Allowance benefits for full- time education.

b.         Enrolled, or planning to enrol in a full-time course of tertiary education
            in  Australia by attendance at a university, TAFE or college. The course must
           be of one or more academic years length and at undergraduate level.

c. The child or grandchild of a person who has operational service with the Australian Navy, Army or Air Force, or if not has three or more years continuous full-time service as a member of the Australian Defence Force.

d. Under the age of 25 when applying, unless exceptional circumstances related
to veterans service exist.

The largest scheme is the Long Tan Bursary funded by the Australian Government. There are 50 new bursaries each year. They are valued at $9,000 each which paid at $3,000 per year for three years. There are selection number targets for each State and Territory. To apply you must be the child of an Australian Vietnam Veteran, be resident in Australia, be entering any year of tertiary study, having not previously received a Long Tan Bursary.

The other national schemes are the AVCAT Bursary, the two RSL Scholarships, three Vietnam Veterans Peacekeepers and Peacemakers Scholarship and the Defence Force Welfare Association Scholarship. George Quinsey Scholarships directly pay tuition fees for economics, commerce and accountancy studies. There are also regional scholarships. In NSW, there are three from Brisbane Water Legacy covering Gosford/Wyong NSW and two from the NSW TPI Association. Some private donors offer two scholarships to resident NSW applicants. In SA, the VVAA also offers a scholarship.

Schemes vary between $3,000 and $5,000 per year each. Some are restricted to location of residence or studies Most require veteran service in Vietnam but others are broader. Most schemes continue payments for later years of study. All scholarship schemes but one pays monthly instalments. That scheme helps with tuition costs for courses in commerce, economics and accountancy. One scheme is for indigenous students doing substance abuse or related studies. For this scheme there is no upper age limit nor a need to be related to a veteran. In addition to the above there is one grant per year to assist an handicapped eligible veterans child or grandchild with special extra costs of transition to tertiary studies or employment

To receive an application form register interest on 1800 620 361. Children and grandchildren of Vietnam veterans should do so now, as should any others who believe that they are eligible. If not sure, ask:

Applications close on 31 October each year.

AVCAT PO Box K978, Haymarket, NSW 1240

FAX: 02 9281 9164, Email: vvt@accsoft.com.au Web: http://www.accsoft.com.au/~vvt

Australian Veterans Children Assistance Trust Limited

ACN 008 609 032 / ABN 50 008 609 032

Forum: General Information

REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE - LOOKING FOR

GrahamHampton — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 03:12:56 GMT

I was stationed with the 73rd Surveillance Airplane Company in Vung Tau,South Vietnam in 1969. We made friends with a group of Aussie Artillery members stationed at Nui Dat. This was in 1969. I am trying to make contact with these guys: Ian Crottie, Ronald Bonzer, and Spiro Kalepedis. Is there any possibility of you locating them? They can contact me at: cyclebear@rocketmail.com

Thank you for any assistance.

Ed "Cycle Bear" Rohner 73rd SAC "Uptight" Vung Tau, South Vietnam 10 Jan '69 - 10 Jan '70

Forum: General Information

UPCOMING BOOK - AUSSIE SOLDIER PEACEKEEPING

GrahamHampton — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 02:57:59 GMT

Hello All

Research for the third book in the Aussie Soldier Series is now underway - Aussie Soldier Peacekeeper (this includes Peacekeepers, Peace Enforcers, Observers, Humanitarian and Reconstruction Operations).

Click Here to view the questionnaire for those of you who wish to complete and return back to me. For those that would prefer to be interviewed (over the phone) please drop me an email by Clicking Here.

As usual not all questions need to be answer alternatively you have the option to just send us a story your story.

Also the second book in the Soldiers Tales series (very short stories, quotes and anecdotes) is being put together so if you have any story on anything military send it through. Also send any photos you think appropriate - the best photo will be used as the cover for this book.

Thank you all for your time and please feel free to share this amongst other who you know have served.

Cheers

Denny Neave

Big Sky Publishing

Big Sky Productions

http://www.bigskypublishing.com.au

http://www.aussiesoldier.com.au

Forum: General Information

9HAA & 9LAA 2009 Reunion

GrahamHampton — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 01:54:12 GMT

The 9 Heavy Anti Aircraft and 9 Light Anti Aircraft Association will be holding their 2009 Reunion on 23 October 2009. For all the details - Click Here

Forum: General Information

LOOKING FOR - BARRY CLOSE

GrahamHampton — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 01:35:07 GMT

I am looking for a veteran who served with 1 Field Regiment in Vietnam from Sept 1966 to May 1967.

His Name is Mr Barry CLOSE. 1730790.

If anyone could help with some current contact details it would be much appreciated as we are trying to follow up with Barry to assist him with his entitlements with DVA.

Regards,

Allan Ney

Pensions Officer

Pioneer Fitzroy Highlands RSL Pensions Office

PO Box 1935 Mackay Qld 4740

07)49572300

0448 521312

Forum: Mate Search

5.5 inch Gun`s

Youngy — Thur, 13 Aug 2009 02:57:48 GMT

Does` anyone know what happened to them after de-commissioning ?? - I`m chasing a good image of them

Forum: General Information

18LAA Regiment (kogarah)

bedmunds — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:35:37 GMT

I was a CMF member in 18LAA Regiment at Kogarah in the sixties, on a Bofors guncrew and then a driver. Trying to find old gunners I served with.
BOB EDMUNDS

Forum: General Information

101 Field Battery, Malaya 1959 to 1961 Tour.

Troedel — Mon, 25 May 2009 20:49:07 GMT

We are holding a reunion in Coffs Harbour from the 18th to the 20th September 2009 to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Battery sailing from Sydney on 18th September 1959 for Malaya.
Looking for members who served in the Battery from 4th October 1959 to 29 October 1961.
Contact: David Troedel, 36 Murphys Creek Road,Blue Mountain Heights,Toowoomba.Qld.4350. Phone (07) 4630 8787. Emailavidpat@bigpond.net.au

Forum: General Information

"Is my memory going" ? (or is it just the grog catching up with me)

Youngy — Sun, 10 May 2009 01:56:01 GMT

There`s a photo of the crew from 103 MDM. on site from 1977, there is a few of us missing - myself, Phil Dorsett & Bill Degenaro - I remember that we went to Malaya that year with C Company, 3 RAR from Adelaide, but I think Geoff Grey was with us & but he is in the photo !!!

Where were weeeeee ??????

Forum: General Information

VIETNAM VETERANS ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIA - SUNSHINE COAST BRANCH - OCTOBER 2008 NEWSLETTER

GrahamHampton — Thur, 16 Oct 2008 09:36:01 GMT

Well once again a well edited outstanding newsletter for the members of the Vietnam Veterans Association Australia - Sunshine Coast Branch. As always a must read!

To View - Click Here

Forum: Newsletters