Legacy helps veterans and widows recover from pain of war

JACKIE Devine knows what it is to lose a loved one to war and the pain of the women who are left behind.

Jackie Devine lost her husband in the Vietnam war when she was 44. Her mother in law lost her own husband when she was 42 in WWII and Jackie's grandmother was also a war widow from WWI. Pics Tara Croser.

JACKIE Devine knows what it is to lose a loved one to war.

Mrs Devine’s late husband, Andrew, served in the 4th Battalion, Royal Australia Regiment, in the Vietnam War.

“My husband was drafted to serve in 1968 and 1969. He was a proud military man and was dedicated to celebrations like Anzac Day,” Mrs Devine, 57, said.

Her late father-in-law Leslie Devine was a Dunkirk veteran of World War II.

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“Leslie was born in England but served with the Aussies in World War II, so he loved Australia,” she said.

Her grandfather, Thomas William Reid, was shot twice in the same day while fighting for Australia in the 51st Battalion in World War I.

“Thomas was shot in the foot and straight after suffered a shot to his shoulder,” she said. “He was sent over to England to recuperate and then sent back to Australia.”

Mrs Devine said the Legacy Foundation had helped war widows such as herself for many years.

Jackie Devine says Legacy helped her through the pain when her husband Andrew died in Vietnam.

“It was very hard in the beginning but the support of the Legacy widows and veterans was wonderful,” she said. “They helped me organise my husband’s funeral and the veterans were very kind because they were sad to have lost another Vietnam soldier.”

She said speaking with others who’d experienced similar pain helped to ease the loneliness she felt after losing her husband.

“They would always tell me what they found helpful to get through anniversaries, birthdays and Christmas,” Mrs Devine said.

She said Anzac Day held special meaning.

“It’s also a sad day for me. I think of all the veterans, especially Andrew, and any relations who have served in the war,” she said

Originally published as Legacy helps veterans and widows recover from pain of war