Back row from left: Colin Jones, Tex Saunders, Kevin Tibbett, and Robert Asquith.
Photo supplied
On July 11, the Byron Bay RSL sub-branch held an inaugural memorial service to officially recognise the veterans who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Arabian Gulf, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates.
They are Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) personnel, deployed by Australia between 2001 and 2009.
The day was well attended and supported by members of the Veteran’s motorcycle club.
We honoured the memory of the 41 Australian soldiers who lost their lives in Afghanistan and the two in Iraq, and we acknowledged the physical and psychological scars borne by many of our veterans. Their sacrifices and those of their families deserve our utmost respect and gratitude.
The RSL NSW has lobbied the state government to establish a new memorial in Sydney that honours the service of MEAO veterans. This week, the NSW government announced it has allocated $2 million for the memorial to be built. RSL NSW continues to be a powerful advocacy voice for veterans and their families, and the success of this campaigning is indicative of our strong relationship with all levels of government.
RSL NSW is committed to providing wellbeing support and services to veterans of all conflicts, and their families.
♦ Dr Kevin Tibbett is President of the Byron Bay RSL sub-branch.
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