Sub-branch seeks veterans

The Ettalong office of the Vietnam Veterans' Association is open on Monday or Wednesday mornings between 9.30 am and 1pm and is seeking veterans who may need its assistance.

The office is home for the Gosford City Sub-Branch of the association and works in conjunction with the Central Coast Ex-Services Organisations' Welfare Network.

It is available to help veterans and peacekeepers from all theatres of aggression in which Australia has been involved.

"If you are one of the forgotten servicemen or women who need our help, if you are one of those

marching but have not yet asked for help, or if you know of someone who needs support, please feel free to come down to our office on the corner," said secretary Robyn Creswell.

"At any other time you can leave a message on 4344 4760 or, in times of crisis, contact the Vietnam Veterans' Counselling Service on freecall 1800 043 503.

Dedicated volunteers give their time to help the men, women and their families at the service.

"It is a place where the veterans can drop in for a cuppa and the companionship of fellow veterans," Ms Creswell said.

There are also fully trained pension officers available at the office that can help ensure veterans receive the financial assistance from the Government to which they are entitled.

This includes the Veterans' Entitlement Act or the Military Compensation and Rehabilitation Scheme.

There are also trained welfare officers available to help if veterans need medical help, a visitor to their hospital bed, or just a friend to talk to.

The welfare officers, in conjunction with the local branch of the Partners of Veterans' Association, are also there to support the wives, partners and families of these Veterans.

"The members and Ladies Auxiliary of this sub-branch work hard fundraising to keep this office open and rely heavily on the assistance of the Department of Veterans' Affairs and the generosity of the general public in this regard," Ms Creswell said.

"On Anzac Day, we applaud those who have returned from the many wars and peace keeping operations in which our country has been involved.

"They march down our streets to the many memorials scattered around our country where we remember those men and women who gave their lives for their country.

"But what about those who returned and for many reasons find it impossible to come out on the day and make the public tribute expected of them?

"There are many who find, especially as the years go by and their physical and mental health deteriorates, that they increasingly withdraw from society.

"They feel guilty that they survived.

"These men deserve our thanks.

"They too have paid a very heavy price for the freedom of their country and it's allies."

The Gosford City Sub-Branch of the Vietnam Veterans' Association of Australia office is located on the corner of Beach Street and Broken Bay Rd, Ettalong.

Email, April 28