Gold Coast war veteran’s search for teenage heroes

School kids wearing black blazers and blue shirts have come to the rescue of a Vietnam War veteran – now he wants to reward them. CAN YOU HELP FIND THE HEROES?

GOLD Coast war veteran Rob Wiseman is searching for the teenage heroes who saved him after he became stuck in bushland.

The now wheelchair-bound 73-year-old has watched the sunset daily from a hill in Nerang since he was three years old, earning the nickname ‘the man on the hill’ by local residents.

He often collects cans and plastic bottles on his journey for his grandchildren to exchange for money.

But he found himself in trouble last Friday when he ventured into the bushland to collect bottles he had spotted.

Vietnam vet Rob Wiseman, 73, is looking for the teenagers who helped him when his scooter got tangled in some barbed wire from an old fence and left him stranded in bushland next to Gilston Rd at Nerang. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

“My tires picked up a rusted old barbed wire fence and it got caught on my back wheel,” the former soldier said, who spent four months in the Vietnam War.

“I was stuck and when trying to move I lost my diary with all my appointments.

“I thought I was stuffed.”

Three teenage boys came to the war veteran’s rescue, untangling his wheel and helping him back onto the main track.

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Mr Wiseman said the boys were in a school uniform – with black blazer jackets and blue shirts – and he wants them to come forward so he can repay their kindness.

“I don’t know how I’ll repay them, I’m not sure if it’s okay to give them money but I want to thank them for what they did,” he said.

“The youth and teenagers cop a lot of criticism but there are plenty of lovely and caring young people out there in the world.”

Rob Wiseman, 73, wants to thank three teenage boys for helping him after getting stuck in Gold Coast bushland. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

The grandfather of ten – who range from four to 14-years old – said he often minds his grandchildren and they’ve shown him how kind the youngest generation are.

“They threw me a surprise birthday for my 73rd last week,” he said.

“It was the first time I’ve cried in a long time.

“I don’t care what anyone says, children and teenagers have as much goodness now as they ever have.”

If you are Mr Wiseman’s heroes or know who they are, contact [e-mail]