The Vietnam Era

BC · **Posted:** Wed Jul 16, 2014 1:22 pm

I hope those men and their families receive the recognition they rightfully deserve. :salute1:

Hippy Chippy · **Posted:** Wed Jul 16, 2014 1:25 pm

Hear, hear... :salute1:

topjars · **Posted:** Sun Aug 17, 2014 2:52 pm

Well yesterday, we had the official opening of the Port Pirie RSL “Huey Museum”.

The Iroquois Helicopter affectionately known as Huey, now sits centre stage in a purpose built building adjoining our club. The fact that this chopper was to be preserved in a building is what won the bid for the Port Pirie RSL…. (instead of mounting it on a pole, which is the ‘norm’). I think their were 6 up for grabs. With a grant or two helping out we raised about 400k to get the building established....much to the chagrin of some toffee nosed RSLs in Adelaide who missed out - read sour grapes

The opening featured a few dignitaries, including Rear Admiral Clint Thomas – representing the Navy.
As it happened, we both played football together for HMAS Creswell back in 1976 when he was a 16 year old Midshipman; and he even recognised me upon turning around shouting “Fraddyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy”…how good was that!

Friday night about 60 of us from the RSL, mostly volunteers, shared a meal and some stories (where I was sitting next to Clint enjoying the night and unofficially canvassing support for a few bits of Navy memorabilia to grace our museum :pirate:

).
John Schumann, the famous Redgum lead singer was there; where he discussed the background context of I Was Only 19. It was a fascinating story.
John sang this song at yesterday’s opening to the amassed people – I had tears in my eyes. :tear:

It’s such a powerful song.

As you would know, this song has very much ingrained itself into the Australian psyche and helped pave the way to bring the boys home from the Vietnam War.
The Port Pirie RSL Huey Museum is essentially a Memorial to Vietnam veterans who served, including those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. A wooden board within the museum houses replica dog-tags of every one of those killed in action. An interactive display allows you to search for and display a photograph and short story of each person; depicting how and where he/she died.

I volunteer on the museum Wednesdays (now that I've officially retired ....46 days ago but whose countin') :drunken:

We've had veterans come and sit in the chopper for 30 minutes at a time, just reflecting quietly. Its fantastic.

I manned a memorabilia counter yesterday with another RSL volunteer where we took $1472 from the public.
It was estimated that 2000 people passed through the Huey Museum which, I should point out, adjoins our already established Military Museum….another nice piece of work. :woohoo:

If you are ever passing Port Pirie I highly recommend a stop-over to check us out.
I'll hook up a link shortly to Panaramio so that you can view some photos :yea:

http://www.panoramio.com/user/4939605

Seejay · **Posted:** Sun Aug 17, 2014 3:44 pm

You blokes should pat yourselves on the back and accept the thanks of the many for doing that Fraddy, including my own thanks! Well done. :ok:

I'll say one thing about John Schumann, he's always there for the Vietnam Vets. I've met him a couple of times after various functions where he's sung 19, a good, genuine bloke.

I'll mark Port Pirie on my bucket list. :shithot:

topjars · **Posted:** Sun Aug 17, 2014 5:42 pm

Thanks Seejay...were you able to open and browse the link- photos or is it private :?:

Bobcat · **Posted:** Sun Aug 17, 2014 6:06 pm

Photo's look great Fraddy. :ok:

Clint Thomas is a lovely guy and hasn't changed much over the years. I knew him when he was a SBLT doing his Supply Course at CERBERUS back in 1980 when I was working at the Supply School Library at the time. He never forgot me over the years as well. Top man! :yea:

topjars · **Posted:** Sun Aug 17, 2014 6:32 pm

Thanks Bobcat... I'm glad they were accessible. :blackcat:

He is a genuine down to earth bloke that's for sure; and currently the Commander Joint Logistics so I'm hopeful some redundant naval 'relics' might fall our way....no I'm not talking about BC :badgrin:

BC · **Posted:** Sun Aug 17, 2014 7:59 pm

And here I was, about to comment about to the good job, you and your mates, have done. :ok:

But, I will turn the other cheek at your contemptible and ludicrous comparison. :swear1:

Ned's a Naval Relic, I'm more a "PIP" ....................... Project In Progress! :yea:

Chippy Ned · **Posted:** Sun Aug 17, 2014 8:14 pm

And here I was about to commend Fraddy for the wonderful job he has done with the RSL projects, until he gave bloody BC a led in to insult me.

Don't worry Fraddy, you have done extremely well, community projects are really fulfilling. Congratulations. :finga:

As for you BC, you know the old saying ..... get a big woolly dog in ya :yeti:

Pony · **Posted:** Sun Aug 17, 2014 9:11 pm

Great set of photos, Fraddy :ok:

The team has done a great job setting up the Huey, looks great. :=D>:

Will have a look the next time we head up north, after seeing my old man in Adelaide, hopefully October, otherwise it will be next year.

BZ!!

The Vietnam Era

Who is online