Image Gallery 2003
19 August 2003
Vietnam Veterans Day
As Vietnam Veterans Day is recognised around Australia today, many veterans are continuing to serve their country in uniform on overseas operations. The four veterans gathered at the Henderson Airfield in Honiara, to reminisce on the Vietnam War and also talk about the current mission in Solomon Islands. Three of the veterans are Australian Federal Police (AFP) with the fourth serving with the Australian Army, all part the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands.
Superintendent Alan Paterson (right front) of Queanbeyan, NSW was a corporal with 547 Signals Troop based at Nui Dat, South Vietnam in 1968/1969. Superintendent Trevor Coutts (left front) of Sterling, ACT volunteered for National Service and was deployed as a Military Police corporal with Australian Force Vietnam Provost Unit 1970/71 spending time at Nui Dat and Vung Tau in South Vietnam. Inspector Bruce Harris (left rear) of Banks, Canberra was an Able Seaman, Quarter Master Gunner on the Daring Class Destroyer, HMAS Dutchess in 1969/70. The Royal Australian Navy ship was involved in Far East Strategic Reserve duties which included escorting the carrier, HMAS Sydney into Vung Tau Harbour.
The only Australian Defence Force Vietnam veteran in Solomon Islands at present is Captain Graeme Henley (right rear) of Holder, Australian Capital Territory, who is with the 1st Joint Public Affairs Unit. He was in Vietnam with 8th Petroleum Platoon as a corporal in 1968/69. He was in the regular Army and now the Army Reserve covering a period of 38 years.
| JPAU18AUG03GR026a Vietnam Veterans serving in Solomon Islands. (Date taken: 18 August 2003) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| JPAU18AUG03GR022a Vietnam Veterans serving in Solomon Islands. (Date taken: 18 August 2003) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| JPAU18AUG03GR019a Vietnam Veterans serving in Solomon Islands. (Date taken: 18 August 2003) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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