Source of pride

THE State Executive of the Returned and Services League of Australia (New South Wales Branch) met in April and considered a motion from the Swansea RSL Sub-Branch in relation to support for members of the Australian Defence Force.
The following resolution was carried unanimously.
"That the State President write to the Chief of the Defence Force conveying a message of support from the members of the Returned and Services League of Australia (New South Wales Branch) expressing our admiration for the professionalism and devotion to duty of all personnel in all recent engagements of the Australian Defence Force."
This is a direction of our State Executive which I am absolutely delighted to carry out. In my nine years as State President of the League I have had countless opportunities to see at first hand just how well the members of the ADF go about their business. The words of the resolution are spot on - "professionalism and devotion to duty".
I totally support the sentiments, as it was brought home to me very positively during my visit to East Timor last year. It made me extremely proud to see so many fine young Australians carrying on a tough job under difficult circumstances with little or no fuss.
We live in a troubled world where circumstances can change almost on a daily basis. The Australian Defence Forces are operating in a number of hot spots around the globe and they are acquitting themselves with great distinction.
We want you all to know that as sons and daughters of Anzac you are undoubtedly carrying on the great Anzac tradition which makes this nation of ours so unique. Let none say otherwise.
Rusty Priest
State President
Returned and Services League of Australia
(New South Wales Branch)

Citation sought

I am a small-time military dabbler and have been searching for a copy of the wording to the Presidential Unit Citation from the US President awarded to 2 Squadron RAAF.
It was awarded for the squadron's courage and devotion to duty during World War II
Like the PUC awarded to D Company 6RAR at Long Tan, Vietnam, the ADF should also issue the names of those who were on posted strength to the unit during the period of the award.
If anyone can help, please forward a copy of the citation wording and the list of those who were with the unit at the time to me at 24 Mountain Ash Drive, Glenfields, Queensland 4557, or e-mail bob@bobbuick.com
Robert S Buick, MM
Glenfields
Queensland

Somalia reunion

Please advise your readers that momentum is building from Somalia vets still serving in the ADF and from those who have retired for a national reunion of all Somalia veterans to take place in Sydney on Anzac Day 2003.
The aim is to include all personnel who served with Op IGUANA, Op SOLACE, UNITAF, UNOSOM I and II. More information will follow later this year.
We want to keep the format as simple and cost-free as possible. The proposed format is to be for a rallying point to be found somewhere in the Sydney CBD, participation in the Anzac Day march, followed by a reunion at a venue TBA. Any offers of assistance or help would be appreciated.
The Somalia Veterans Association which formed in Mogadishu in 1993 is still going if anyone would like their name and contact details registered on the database (at no cost). Please contact Gary Conquest via e-mail at sweetfa@bigpond.com
Captain John O'Grady
Keswick Barracks
South Australia