‘They need support’ Community urged to get behind Afghan vets

Today marked Vietnam Veterans Day, and returned servicemen have offered words of advice for Afghanistan veterans to deal with the news the country fell back into the hands of the Taliban.

TIME FOR TALK: Vietnam Veterans from across the region gathered at the Toowoomba Vietnam Veterans Ceremony in Mother's Memorial Park (from left) Norman Fry (Infantry 4RAR), Bob Gillespie (86 Transport Platoon), Mike Dwight (Infantry 1RAR) and Gary Williams (HMAS Brisbane). Picture: Kate McCormack

It’s been nearly 60 years since Australian veterans like Bob Gillespie and Gary Williams began to be deployed to serve in one of Australia’s most important armed conflicts, but one that also went largely under appreciated for many years.

As Mr Gillespie laid a bouquet in Mother’s Memorial Park for a young St George engineer who lost his life in the Vietnam jungle, he reflected on how Australia’s returning soldiers must be feeling as they returned home.

“I feel sorry for the poor bastards,” he said.

“There’s no recognition for them despite all of their service for our country.”

Mr Gillespie and Mr Williams agreed in times like this it was crucial the veteran and wider community came together to support service men and women who had served in Afghanistan.

“Everyone is going to have their own opinions and thoughts about the conflict, our involvement and how it’s all ended,” Mr Williams said.

“But what’s important now is that these veterans are given the support and recognition they deserve.”

Both men urged all servicemen and women to take up the services offered by RSL Queensland.

“The main thing is that we get behind them as a community,” Mr Williams said.

If you or someone you know needs veteran related support call Open Arms, RSL Qld’s helpline on 1800 011 046.