Supporting RSLWA at Vietnam Veterans Day Commemoration 2019

16th August, 2019

As President of the Lions Club of Whitford, it was an honour for my club members and I to be able to support RSLWA, and the Naval Association of Australia's Vietnam Commemorative Service this morning.

Held at the City of Stirling's war memorial, we were also joined by fellow club members and my very good friends Mr Ian Goodenough MP, Federal Member for Moore and Joondalup Mayor Hon. Albert Jacob JP.

Also attending were friends and dignitaries including:
   -  City of Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin;
   -  Mr Ian Holthouse, President, Naval Association of WA;
   -  Reverend John Myles JP;
   -  Brigadier Stephen Coggin MSO; and
   -  Mr Jack LeCras OAM.

To the Commanding Officer, staff and cadets of Training Ship Marmion, thank you for your assistance today with the service.

Veterans welfare was again discussed as the RSLWA's Welfare Officer was also in attendance. I was able to discuss numerous cases involving Veterans I'm personally assisting relating to problems with the Department of Veterans Affairs ("DVA"), within Family Law and Child Support and general welfare issues. Requests from Veterans regarding welfare, and that of their families and their own support, help and assistance has been increasing of late, not only to Lions Clubs throughout Australia (we have many veterans as Lions members) but also to the RSL, RSLWA, Sub Branches, Charities and veterans support organisations.

Remembered today included ADF members from:
   -  Royal Australian Navy;
   -  Royal Australian Regiment;
   -  Australian Army Training Team Vietnam;
   -  Special Air Service Regiment;
   -  Royal Australian Armoured Corps;
   -  Royal Australian Army Ordnance Corps;
   -  Royal Australian Army Engineer Corps;
   -  Royal Australian Army Provost Corps; and
   -  Royal Australian Army Psychology Corps.

Lest We Forget

Philip Couper