R.A.A.F.  UBON

“REUNION - RECOGNITION” GROUP

NEWSLETTER

Nov / Dec 2001 

Just in case you thought we were still asleep! 

RECOGNITION:   I can assure you that we have not been sleeping.   Whilst we waited for the outcome of the election…. To know just who to fight again…. We have been gathering some good ammo.  More files from Archives that continue to align us with the Vietnam War effort!   We have a “trump card” that we will be playing very shortly….. Time for action again!   Here we go… as soon as the Government settles down (after ‘silly season’, etc) in February; we can attack the New Minister.  We also have received some help from a most unexpected area.

We have won, one small battle (or John Howard won it for us) we have struck out Bruce Scott!!!! 

Well, now after the election, we have now replaced Bruce Scott as Minister for Veteran Affairs’ with Minister Danna Vale, member for Hughes (we don’t have any members in Hughes).   We have already sent off a letter to her, expressing our congratulations and stating that we are looking forward to an amiable relationship.  We have also requested a personal interview to get things straight from the start!   We await a reply……..

The opposition has appointed Senator Mark Bishop (Perth based) as their Veterans’ Affairs minister.  We have again ‘put pen to paper’.

As usual we now have all new faces in both parties to fight with…..  so what else is new?  Maybe fresh faces are a blessing, but create a lot more work….. we start again!

Anyway once again time has beaten us, nothing will happen until next year……but at least we know just whom we are fighting now!

 One thing for sure, the more we get into files the more obvious the Vietnam connection is!   I guess we keep on fighting……one day someone will really want to listen.  After watching (again) “Erin Brockovich” last night, I feel a new zeal…..lets go…..justice will be done (eventually)! 

More later!

 SABRE PRINT:  Copies of this magic print [65cm X 47cm] (copy of painting by Mike Lavercombe – Pilot 67/68) are still available for those who could not purchase them at the Sydney reunion.

Please contact Mike direct at Mike Lavercombe  3  Parnell Place, Fadden  ACT  2904

Phone 02.62928989   mamlaver-AT-ozemail.com.au

Cost per Print, posted in a tube is only $ 25  (and well worth it!)

 THAI GONG:   I have a small quantity of the Ubon Commemorative medal, approved by the King of Thailand, available again.   COST $40 each, registered post.     Again let me know if you want one…..send money.        (P/Notes, Cheques payable to Mal Barnes – Ubon)

 REUNION 2003:    We shall start working on the next reunion next year…… Can anyone think of a better place than Canberra?   Remember it must be easy for the majority to get to (provided Australia still has an Airline in operation)  and have facilities to handle 200 plus!

 Hang in…. The fat lady has a long way to go before she can really sing!

Have a good Xmas and New Year!  Will inform of any ‘good news’ IF we get some.  In the mean time we shall, on your behalf,  start attacking the new Minister….Letters; Papers; Media; Personal interviews etc. We have three years before this minister goes!

 Remember we have now outlasted Minister Bishop, Minister Scott……Ministers may come and go, But we shall remain until we win! (I told you it would be a long road!)

 Mal    Richard & Co.