Thanks for your excellent article, Paul Bibby. Exactly the publicity and coverage we wanted.
Many Middle Eastern veterans struggle to settle back into society, many with mental health, and drug and alcohol problems similar to Vietnam veterans in the 1960s and early ‘70s who also suffered social disapproval and non-acceptance.
This was despite a large percentage of Vietnam vets being mostly reluctant Nashos (national serviceman) conscripted randomly at 20 by the so-called ‘death lottery’.
Middle Eastern vets are reluctant to join the RSL despite its welfare programs and camaraderie, and it is now dominated by ex-Vietnam era ADF vets.
Very few WWII vets like my father and uncles still survive, hence our program to attract a whole new cohort.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
