Afghanistan, Iraq, Solomon Islands, East Timor and other recent veterans welcome at Croydon RSL

VETERANS from recent conflicts are being urged to join their RSL.

Croydon RSL president John Hexter and Afghanistan veteran Phil Hodgskiss. Picture: Stuart Milligan

VETERANS from recent conflicts are being urged to join their RSL.

Croydon RSL sub-branch president John Hexter encouraged the younger veterans who have served since Vietnam including Iraq and Afghanistan, to come down and “fight for what they deserve”.

The Vietnam veteran said the sub-branch had about two members from Afghanistan and Iraq but knew more were on their way.

“We’re putting feelers out. They’re welcome and we’re here,” he said.

Mr Hexter said many of the younger veterans kept to themselves and were not happy with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“You have to fight for what you deserve or need, and fight to keep it,” he said.

“The RSL will back them and they have the backing of the Vietnam vets.”

Mr Hexter said he was shunned by the RSL after returning from Vietnam and it took 14 years for acceptance, which was a hard fight.

“They should get themselves organised, find their leaders and push to get what they want,” he said.

“We can help, guide and support them.”

Veteran Phil Hodgskiss, who served in Afghanistan, is one of the two younger members of the RSL and was keen for others to join.

“It’s not just to keep the sense of community but also so the RSL can help if needed,” Mr Hodgskiss said.

“There are a lot of groups trying to do the right thing but there is no co-ordination,” he said.

“But the RSL has a key role to play in helping that.

“Getting as many vets from as many conflicts to the RSL to keep community and if they are keen to take on a leadership role it’s up to them.”

The RSL was formed in 1916 by World War I veterans who wanted to preserve mateship, honour the memory of their dead and provide support to the sick and injured soldiers.

But when the soldiers who fought in Vietnam came home, they were shunned by the RSL.