STOP PRESS IMPORTANT NEW INFORMATION DATED 30 OCTOBER 2011
Dear Members,
The information presented previously on this page of the Web Site by the Editor has created negative thoughts and attracted many telephone calls and letters, quite rightly, questioning the possibility of a name change that may not incorporate Vietnam in the title of the Association. The information was entered by the Editor in good faith following dialogue with the member appointed to review the current Rules and Objects. Unfortunately the information HAD NOT BEEN CLEARED BY THE COMMITTEE FOR GENERAL CONSUMPTION.
As the Editor, I am responsible to ensure that the information in web site and indeed CONTACT! is valid.I failed in this instance as I didnot adequately research the proposal or discuss the issue with our senior executive. Throughout my entire career I have always espoused that to ASSUME anything is to, as you are aware, make as ASS out of U and ME. In this case I forgot my credo and I am extremely saddened by the entire episode, and wish to apologize resolutely for any angst that has been caused.
That having been expressed as best I can, I can advise that due to a number of By-Laws, areas of English expression and general tidying of the Rules and Objectsis in the focus of the Committee.The changes will be released for the members' comments following the appropriate Committee / Annual General meeting,I urge all members capable of attending the AGM to attend and make their voices heard and their vote count.
Thank you
The Editor
Blue Mountains Vietnam Veterans' Association was formed on ANZAC Day, 1985 as an autonomous, apolitical organization to foster social contact with all who have had any active service, in any service arm or civil capacity, during the period of the Australian involvement in the war in Vietnam. In 1997 its' successor, Blue Mountains Vietnam Veterans and Associated Forces Inc. was formed and now accepts veterans who have served in all post World War II theatres of war, special operations areas, and peacekeeping operations.
The membership base now extends from Cooktown to Perth and overseas. During 1998 the membership of RAAF Vietnam Association decided that they would like to become incorporated within this association and during 2003 the membership of "Skippy Squadron" Association (former Qantas staff members who flew Department of Defence charter flights in and out of Vietnam during the Vietnam war and have been subsequently awarded the Logistic Support medal and the Australian Active Service Medal) decided that they would like to become incorporated within the association and the Blue Mountains Vietnam Veterans and Associated Forces Inc. welcomed these decisions.
Our Philosophy
Because of the character of this association, it does not involve itself in any possible controversy on Vietnam or in any other matters relative to any military involvement. This association now places strong emphasis on involvement in members', their families and/or dependant's welfare/needs in its activities.
The Objectives of our Association
Statement of Objects of this Association are:
1.To provide relief without discrimination to ALL veterans, their families and dependents and for present and future members of the Armed Services and their dependents
2.To provide welfare advice and support to assist members, their families and dependents, by way of welfare officers, to obtain evidence necessary to commence and pursue claims for compensation for disability or death suffered during Service related activities.
3.To provide relief from poverty, sickness, suffering, distress, misfortune, destitution or helplessness to persons recognisably in need of assistance.
4.To support and comply with the principles and promote the objectives of the Disability Services Act 1992.
5.To conduct the association for the ongoing benefit and welfare of Veterans, their families and dependents and also for past and present members of the Defence Forces and dependents.
6.To seek Government funding and assistance in providing support for the ongoing welfare of members and /or their families in demonstrated need of assistance.
7.To uphold the interests of all members and their dependents and to safeguard their good name.
8.To conduct the objectives without consideration of private gain for individuals or for financial gain for the Blue Mountains Vietnams Veterans & Associated Forces Incorporated.
9.To maintain public awareness of the role played, and those services provided by the Blue Mountains Vietnams Veterans & Associated Forces Incorporated.
10.To create, promote and cherish a bond of comradeship between members and to foster espirit-de-corps.
11.To honour the memory and revere those who have served and suffered as a consequence of war.
12.To promote and organise social gatherings of the members and their families.
The association produces a bi-monthly newsletter which has a circulation of over 600 members throughout Australia and overseas; the Association also conducts the largest single club annual parade and Memorial Service for Vietnam Veterans in Australia in the village of Springwood NSW, Memorial day is held on the closest Sunday to the Federally recognised Vietnam Veterans' Day held annually on 18 August (Long Tan Day).
Membership renewals - 2012 Membership fees become due as of January 1st 2012.
Would those members who have not paid their subscription ($10.00 per calendar year), and intend to remain members of this association, please assist your management committee by remitting their monies ASAP. If you wish to remain a member would you please advise the secretary so that the membership database can be adjusted accordingly.
NB: If there is a membership renewal form attached to your copy of the newsletter, the association's records indicate that you are unfinancial for 2011. If you dispute this please contact the secretary. Your committee thanks you for your continuing support.
Your Commitee Members
President: Jack Lake Tel: 02 4754 2144 Vice President: Glenn Daly Tel: 02 4754 1393
Secretary: John Fenton Tel: 02 4647 9742
Treasurer: Roger Lawlor Tel: 02 4754 4753
Welfare Coordinator: Ray Westwell Tel: 02 6352 1945
Yard Maintenance: John Pearson Tel: 02 4751 3554
Committee Member: Peter Jones Tel: 02 4751 8833
Committee Member: John Ronan Tel: 02 4729 1246
Committee Member: John Woolley Tel: 02 4754 3015
Honorary Padre: Col Aitken OAM Tel: 0417 203 722 Editor CONTACT! Graham GlassonTel: 02 4736 7070
DISCLAIMER: This Website is produced for and on behalf of the membership of the Blue Mountains Vietnam Veterans & Associated Forces Inc. and, like our Newsletter 'Contact', it is written and produced with care, in good faith and from sources believed to be accurate at the time of writing/producing.Readers should not, however, act nor refrain from acting, solely on the basis of information in this Web-Site or its Partner newsletter 'Contact' about financial, taxation or any other matter.Readers, having regard to their own particular circumstances, should consult the relevant authorities or other advisers with expertise in the particular field.Neither the Blue Mountains Vietnam Veterans & Associated Forces Inc., nor the management committee or editor, accept any responsibility for actions taken by readers.
