November RSL Monthly Newsletter

Angeles City Sub Branch Philippines www.rslangelescity.com

www.facebook.com/rslacity ‘Lest We Forget’

Clubhouse: Ponderosa Hotel President

James Curtis-Smith

Vice Presidents

Greg Mann Bob Barnes

Secretary Treasurer Editor

Email address’:

president@rslangelescity.com

Dallas Drake Ron Parrott Larry Smith

secretary@rslangelescity.com treasurer@rslangelescity.com

editor@rslangelescity.com

NEWSLETTER # 68 ** NOVEMBER 2012 PRESIDENT’S REPORT – November 2012 At our last General Meeting on 20th November, an invitation was received from the Victorian State Branch President to transfer from the ACT Branch to the Victorian Branch for administration. The invitation was received following a meeting of the National Executive, and I presume, following our filing of Notice of Allegation filed with the National Executive pursuant to Section 24 of the National Constitution.

The members present carried a motion unanimously to accept the invitation.

Following the passage of the above motion, another motion was received (and arising from the November Committee meeting) that our annual membership fee for all classes of membership (ie Service, Affiliate, Associate and Social, but excluding Life Members and Life Subscribers) be fixed at P800 per year. Capitation fees payable to the Victorian Branch (and forwarded to National HQ) from your membership fee) remain at AUD$5.00 per annum. This motion similarly was unanimously received. This is the first increase in membership fees for at least 5 years.

Hopefully our “blue” with the hierarchy is now over and we can get on doing what we do best, that is conducting a successful and growing Sub Branch.

Our next Children’s Medical Mission will be conducted on Saturday morning 1st December 2012 at the bottom end of Teodoro Street, Balibago. (Map appears elsewhere in this Newsletter). The mission commences at 8.00am and we look forward to the attendance of as many members and WAGS as can make it. This is our last mission for this year and the next mission will be at Anunas on 2nd February 2013.

Lastly, following our December general meeting on December 18, I invite members to partake of President’s Christmas Drinks at the Ponderosa.

JAMES E. CURTIS-SMITH President ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS We welcome the following new members: Tom Taman (Canada) * Ronald Stoker (A/C) * Murray Mochan (A/C) * Gary Maher (QLD) * Peter O’Shea (NSW) * Larry Thompson (A/C) * We acknowledge the following new LIFE SUBSCRIBERS: D Nowill, * T Cumes, D Cooper * R Peters * W Hall * V Hart * David Devine (A/C) * RSL EVENTS SCHEDULE DECEMBER 2012

Weekly CHARITY Raffle NOW EVERY Wednesday at Emotions Nite Club at 6.00 PM.

Phillies Sports & Grill Raffle every Saturday at 6.00 PM. 1ST DECEMBER MEDICAL MISSION SATURDAY STA MARIA 1 DOWN TEODORO ST (see map further down this newsletter) Tuesday 4TH DEC 2012 *AUSTRALIA DAY FIESTA & General Committee 1.30pm Ponderosa * ALL MEMBERS WELCOME * 4.00pm GECKOS * LOLLIPOP * RAPHSODY Tuesday 11TH DEC * 2.00PM Ponderosa Social Tuesday 3.00pm * 4.00 PARADISE * PLAYERS * TREASURE ISLAND Tuesday 18TH DEC * Monthly General Meeting 2.00pm Ponderosa * PRESIDENT CHRISTMAS DRINKS 3.30pm (Only happens once a year so take advantage of this)

Tuesday 25th DEC * CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON PONDEROSA 12 NOON (see notice with the menu and cost on page 8 of this newsletter) CLARKTON HOTEL CHRISTMAS BUFFET 3.00PM * BOOKING TO DALLAS Tuesday 1st January 2013 * RECOVERY DAY !!

COMMITTEE MEETINGS MOVED TO NEXT TUESDAY 8TH JAN

OUR TRANSFER As at the time of issue of this newsletter, we are still waiting for the official transfer of our Sub Branch from the ACT Branch to the Victorian Branch.

We understand that the administrative procedure is taking some time to work through.

As a Sub Branch we are quite happy about this move. Victoria Branch are looking forward to us coming under their administrative umbrella. Once the transfer has been finalised, they will send a delegate to Angeles City to see how we operate and work through an amicable working relationship, something that was very lacking with the ACT Branch.

We are looking at the 1st of December as the official effective date of transfer.

(A letter from our President to State President Victoria is attached at page 7) OTHER MEMBERSHIP MATTERS From 1st Dec 2012 we are allowed to accept Affiliate Members as Life Subscribers at the same rate as the Service Members.

We will be keeping the same rate until end of December and then in January there will be an increase, EG Current age 65= old rate ₱8360 .new rate ₱9880 = still good value considering that the future only holds further increases.

Vic Branch also allows for Social Members (no voting rights, just Club Access).

DVA services over the holiday season With Christmas just around the corner, DVA wishes to advise that all offices will be closed over the holiday season from Tuesday 25 December 2012 to Tuesday 1 January 2013 inclusive. The Department will re-open for normal business on Wednesday 2 January 2013.

During this time, many important services will still be available to the veteran community: 

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Crisis counselling – VVCS – Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service offers 24hour crisis counselling through Veterans’ Line, call (toll free) 1800 011 046. This service is also available outside business hours everyday.

Transport – if you haven’t booked your transport before the Christmas period, please pay up front and seek reimbursement from DVA later. Alternatively, if you have registered with MyAccount you can book and claim travel expenses online, anytime.

Hospital admissions – doctors can admit DVA patients into hospital and then request admissions approval, where required, when DVA offices re-open.

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Defence Service Homes Insurance – help with policy and claim enquiries is available 24hours a day on 1300 552 662, and payments can be made on 1300 304 989 or via the DSH website.

Pension payments will be made on the usual days during the period of reduced services. For more information visit the DVA website. *****

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More DVA services available online in December Over 6500 veterans and family members are already using DVA’s new online service MyAccount. From December more services will be made available including downloading your pension statements and concession letters, as well as submitting and tracking feedback to DVA. Currently via MyAccount you can book transport to medical appointments, view information about payments and concession cards, lodge travel claims (VEA only), change contact details and view the status of claims.

More services are being added every six months for the next three years.

To register or find out more, visit the MyAccountwebsite, or phone 133 254 or 1800 555 254 (from regional Australia).

Grandview Tower has a very nice Coffee Lounge on the ground floor serving a good range of Coffee at a good price, LESS 10% discount for RSL Members.

We recommend this meeting place to our Members. Please pay a visit with your Friend to enjoy a quiet cuppa.

Friday, 9 November 2012 VA095

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

HONOURING OUR SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN THIS REMEMBRANCE DAY Dear Editor On the eleventh day of the eleventh month 2012, people around the world will pause in silence to remember all those who have given so much in war. Here in Australia we think of all those who have served in our nation’s uniform and those we have lost to war.

This time of respect on Remembrance Day honours all of those affected by war.

We especially remember the more than 102,000 Australians who have made the ultimate sacrifice—including the families of 39 young diggers who have lost their lives in Afghanistan.

I encourage all Australians—no matter where you are, or what you are doing—to purchase a red poppy from the RSL and wear it proudly, as we pause to reflect this Remembrance Day. We have a strong tradition of remembering the terrible toll of war on Australians. As the Anzac Centenary approaches, this is only growing stronger.

If you are planning to hold your own ceremony, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) has a range of tools freely available to help, including a step-by-step guide to running a Remembrance Day ceremony and accompanying audio files such as the National Anthem and the Last Post.

Each year DVA produces a special Remembrance Day poster and an accompanying education resource to commemorate significant milestones in Australia’s military history. The 2012 poster commemorates Australian forces in the Vietnam War 1962–1975.

All of these resources are available on the DVA website at www.dva.gov.au/remembranceday.htm I urge all Australians to take the time to remember our courageous servicemen and women, past and present, on 11 November.

Lest we forget.

Gallipoli 2015 – There’s still time to have your say.

Australians around the country have shared their thoughts on how the nation should be represented on Anzac Day at Gallipoli in 2015.

If you haven’t had a chance to have your say – there’s still time.

Community forums are continuing throughout November, and you can complete the online survey by visiting the Gallipoli 2015 website before 30 November 2012.

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Source: LEGAL AID QUEENSLAND: http://www.legalaid.qld.gov.au/media/Mediareleases/Pages/free-legal-help-for-war-veterans.aspx

Free legal help for war veterans November 9, 2012 Media release For immediate release AS REMEMBRANCE Day approaches, Legal Aid Queensland is reminding veterans, or their war widows/widowers, who are trying to get disability pensions that they can access free legal help.

The War Veterans’ Legal Aid Scheme provides free legal help to veterans and their dependants who want to appeal a decision made about disability entitlements by the Veterans’ Review Board.

Legal Aid Queensland CEO Anthony Reilly said Legal Aid was concerned some veterans may be paying for legal assistance when going before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, rather than getting free legal help.

“Veterans or their war widows/widowers can contact Legal Aid Queensland for the cost of a local call on

1300 65 11 88 from anywhere in Queensland to find out about their entitlements,” Mr Reilly said.

“To be eligible for the scheme, veterans or their widows/widowers must have a case for a ‘war-caused’ pension claim that has been presented to the Veterans’ Review Board and refused.

“The matter can then be appealed to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and a Legal Aid lawyer will be able to represent the veteran or their widow/widower.

“Our legal representative will prepare the case, gather evidence including medical or other expert reports and provide representation at the hearing.”

Mr Reilly said there was no charge to veterans or their widows/widowers who appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

“Legal Aid Queensland will provide veterans and their dependents with a high-quality service that will help them with their appeal at no cost,” he said.

“There are no fees involved — not even when they win their case.”

For more information about the War Veterans’ Legal Aid Scheme, call Legal Aid Queensland on 1300 65 11 88 (cost of a local call), visit one of its 14 offices around the state or visit www.legalaid.qld.gov.au More information: Miranda Greer Ph: (07) 3238 3004 or Katherine Gorter Ph: (07) 3238 3392

Below are two websites that I truly recommend our readers have a look at.

Not a joke, not religious, not political, just special. I think you'll agree.

Please enjoy this one minute clip, it's truly special and has a meaning for all of us. http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=Hzgzim5m7oU&vq=medium (Click here) And this one will brighten up your day: https://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=oXvJ8UquYoo&vq=large (Click here) HAVE A NICE BRIGHTENED UP DAY…. Ed ***** FREE ADVERTISEMENT

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2nd birthday deals at the GANI hotel

In January 2013 we will be two years old! To celebrate, from November to 30th January 2013 we will be offering a special birthday discount to you, of 20% off the current rate. That's less than 1,000 pesos, for a room with cable, split aircon, large comfortable bed and in a quiet peaceful location. Plus, staying in a family run hotel with people who enjoy your company! Just mention this letter when you book your room.

PLUS if you are an RSL member we will give you an extra 10%. Just show your card to Mum or Teresa and tell your mates about us. Yes, that 30% discount for RSL members.

For those that do not know where the GANI is, it is located at 3757 Third Street Balibago, the other side of Astro Park. Tom Arthur is the manager. Ed

RETURNED AND SERVICES LEAGUE OF AUSTRALIA ANGELES CITY SUB BRANCH â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PHILIPPINES c/- Ponderosa Hotel, Angeles City 2024, PAMPANGA, PHILIPPINES email:president@rslangelescity.com 21st November 2012 Major General David McLachlan, State President, RSL Victorian Branch, MELBOURNE VIC by email <rkennedy@rslvic.com.au> Dear Sir, I refer to recent exchange of emails between our Secretary, Dallas Drake, and your office, and in particular your email of the 16 November last.

At our General Meeting of members held on Tuesday, 20th November, I received a motion to accept your invitation to become part of the Victorian Branch with effect from 1 st December 2012, and which motion was carried unanimously.

Our members look forward to our association as part of the Victorian Branch.

I presume that the transition from ACT Branch will be handled by you and that Life Subscriptions and membership records will be smoothly transmitted.

I further presume that our Notice of Allegation under Section 24 of the National Constitution and forwarded to the National Executive has been addressed by our exchange of correspondence.

Yours faithfully, JAMES E CURTIS-SMITH President

www.beyondtheblackstump.com

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ROAST TURKEY W/ CRANBERRY SAUCE , GRILLED FISH FILLET W/ CAPER CREAM SAUCE, POT ROAST A CHOICE OF PONDEROSA X’MAS PUDDING BEEF W/ MUSHROOM GRAVY ON TOP , ROAST with custard sauce and Apple pie with ice cream.

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Served with Stuffed Potato, Roast Pumpkin, Onion, Green peas, Vegetables roll in Bacon FROM 12:30PM TO 3:30PM FREE LOCAL DRINKS (Drink all you can)

And A COMPLIMENTARY GLASS OF WINE SINGLE………….P 800.00

DOUBLE……….. P1450.00 CHILDREN………P 400.00(under 12 yrs old

with spaghetti and ice cream

Corporal Daniel Keighran awarded the Victoria Cross AN AUSTRALIAN infantry soldier who repeatedly broke cover in a hail of Taliban gunfire and helped clear the way for the rescue of casualties has been awarded the nation's highest military honour, the Victoria Cross.

Corporal Daniel Keighran, 29, from Nambour in Queensland, had the medal pinned on his chest by the Governor-General at a ceremony in Canberra today attended by the Prime Minister, Opposition Leader, military top brass and other dignitaries. â&#x2014;&#x201E; Daniel and wife Kathryn outside Government House Canberra after the ceremony on 1 Nov 2012.

Corporal Keighran was involved in a firefight between Taliban fighters and Australian and Afghan troops. He repeatedly broke cover to draw fire, allowing the enemy locations to be identified and neutralised.

In the citation it was noted the enemy fire was "accurate and intense''. He repeatedly exposed himself to lifethreatening gunfire coming from multiple directions On one occasion he moved from cover to draw fire away from a team that was treating a casualty, and then assisted in clearing the landing zone for an evacuation. The Australian and Afghan forces sustained no further injuries.

Speaking after the ceremony, Corporal Keighran told of his "utter surprise" when he was told the Queen was awarding him the Victoria Cross. He said he wouldn't be here today "if it wasn't for the boys that I served with".

Ms Bryce described Corporal Keighran, who enlisted in 2000, as a man of profound physical and moral strength.

"A man selfless in the face of threat, courageous in the face of terror, generous in the face of suffering and humble in the face of an honour bestowed,'' she said.

Ms Bryce said there were other heroes on that day, but what he did was different. "Acknowledging it here now does not diminish the efforts and sacrifices of those who fought beside you,'' she said. "They need you to be here.

"Because by being here the story of that day is told and through it, their stories are told.'' Corporal Keighran had saved previous lives, she said.

"You have pushed the bounds of human compassion, endurance and gallantry to a place unknown to most and revered by all,'' the Governor-General said. "With this medal your nation honours you.''

NOTE. CPL Keighran is now one of three serving soldiers who have the privilege of being saluted by officers first instead of the usual salute officers first, a tradition reserved for Victoria Cross awardees.

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Thursday, 1 November 2012 VA092

VETERANS RETURN 70 YEARS AFTER BATTLE FOR PNG A group of Australian veterans depart today on a special commemorative journey back to the mountain ranges of Papua New Guinea (PNG) to mark the 70thanniversaries of the Kokoda and Beachheads battles of the Second World War.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon said seventy years ago, these men and their mates gave their all to stop and turn back the Japanese advance.

“These men fought in the most gruelling of conditions. From the treacherous mountain ranges of the Kokoda Track through to the beachheads of Buna, Gona and Sanananda,” he said.

“I encourage everyone to pause and reflect on the service and sacrifice these men and their comrades made for their country and each other. May we continue to learn from their experiences and promise to never forget them.”

Minister for Defence Materiel, Jason Clare, whose grandfather fought in the Battle of the Beachheads, will accompany the veterans for part of the mission.

“The trip will be an important milestone for the veterans, aged between 89 and 93 from all across Australia, many of whom will be returning to PNG for the first time, “ Mr Snowdon said.

“Returning to PNG will give these men the opportunity to pay tribute to all those who fought beside them and never returned home.”

More than 1,800 lost their lives and more than 4,000 were wounded or struck down with terrible illnesses in the battles of Kokoda and the Beachheads.

The veterans will partake in a number of commemorative activities while in PNG including commemorative services at Kokoda, Popondetta and Bomana War Cemetery.

And another one from the minister Tuesday, 20 November 2012

VA098

COMMUNIQUÈ MINISTERIAL FORUM ON VETERANS’ AFFAIRS Ministers from Veterans’ Affairs portfolios from across the globe joined together in Canberra on 19-20 November to discuss issues affecting servicemen and women, particularly current serving men and women. Represented at the table was: Australia, the United States, Canada and New Zealand.

The Ministers acknowledged their country’s fundamentally shared values and commitment to honour the men and women who serve in our defence forces.

Achieving a seamless transition from military to civilian life is a challenge facing all countries.

However, Ministers agreed that cooperation between the Defence and Veterans’ Affairs portfolios was key to achieving successful transition. They also acknowledged the impact of service on serving members, veterans and their families.

They also recognised the demand on veterans’ administrations that will continue to grow from recent and current operational experiences. This will cover healthcare, compensation and support to families.

Foreseeing physical and mental health issues caused by multiple deployments, and providing a strategic approach to addressing them, is a challenge but one that needs to be informed and

enriched by research. Working together to anticipate the impacts of deployment on the individual, serving members and their families will be vital to meeting their needs in the future.

The Ministers tasked their senior officials to explore and share research in the following areas: - developing a common vocabulary and terminology in mental health research and common approaches to research in this field; -

female health issues and the impact of combat on their health;

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the effects of environmental exposures informed by ongoing, longitudinal research; and

- the gaps in the understanding of neuroscience, in particular in traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.

In closing, the Ministers committed to continuing to engage and to explore dynamic solutions to contemporary and newly emerging problems caused by modern combat environments to best serve the current and next generation of veterans and their families. *****

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WHY DO I WEAR A POPPY ON REMEMBRANCE DAY Why do I wear a poppy?

I’ll tell you if I may, Because I believe remembrance Is not only for one day.

For the lad who loved a kick-about, In the park with all his mates, But now his legs are held together, With pins and metal plates.

I wear it for the fallen, And for those falling still For those who come back broken, In body or in will.

For the selfless men and women, Whose final journey home Is in a country's flag-draped coffin On comrades’ shoulders borne.

For the parents, spouses, siblings, Where bereavement takes its toll.

Whose pain will never leave them, It eats into their soul.

For all those marching proudly In Remembrance Day parades My poppy’s worn in gratitude For the sacrifice they made....

For the wino on the corner, Of his old life, nothing's left, Now he wishes when in battle, He had died a hero’s death.

Author unknown Lest we forget

Editors note.

Due to the Christmas and new year period that will soon be upon us, and due to the fact that I, as editor will be back in Davao City for the period up to 21th January, and there are reminders of coming events, we will be publishing our December and January newsletters about 10 + days earlier than usual.

We realise that this will not affect our members reading patterns too much.

Our Webmaster is still having problems with our Sub Branch Internet Service Provider (ISP) and hopes that he can manage to get our new website up and running soon.

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Directions

Drive along Fields Ave/Peri meter Road, turn left or right into Teodoro Street, down past Normaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s money changer, cross over Rina Street and continue down until you can see the venue. This is one of the easiest locations we have been to !!!! (Sorry about the quality of the map, best I can do. Ed) Stopped by police @ 2am An elderly man was stopped by the police around 2 a.m and was asked where he was going at that time of night.

The man replied, "I'm on my way to a lecture about alcohol abuse and the effects it has on the human body, as well as smoking and staying out late."

The officer then asked, "Really?

Who's giving that lecture at this time of night?"

The man replied, "That would be my wife."

13 DISCLAIMERThe Angeles City Sub-Branch of the R&SLA, the Committee and the Editor take no responsibilities for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies contained in this newsletter. Nor do they accept any liability for loss or damage suffered directly or indirectly for use of information contained in this newsletter. Nor do they warrant that articles or opinions published in this newsletter are necessarily the opinions held by the Sub-branch, the Committee or the Editor

“The price of liberty is eternal vigilance”

Lest we forget (

RETURNED AND SERVICES LEAGUE OF AUSTRALIA ANGELES CITY SUB BRANCH – PHILIPPINES 1734 San Pablo St. Mt. View Balibago Angeles City 2009, PAMPANGA, PHILIPPINES WWW.RSLANGELESCITY.COM EMAIL: secretary@rslangelescity.com

PAYMENT OF ANNUAL DUES 2013 FINANCIAL YEAR Dear Member, Annual dues are now payable for the financial year 2013 January to December.

Amount payable is only ₱800.00.

You may choose how you pay by any of the following methods now available.

Members with Australian Bank Account can DIRECT Transfer to our Commonwealth Bank of Australia Account.(AUD$20.00) Account Name = Returned Services League Angeles City Sub Branch BSB 062 905 Account # 10153195 Philippine Resident Members living outside our immediate area may pay (₱800.00 ) DIRECT into any China Bank Branch Beneficiary Bank = China Banking Corporation Philippines, Beneficiary Customer=ANGELES CITY RSL Account Number = 281-028301-5 Branch = SM CLARK CITY Resident Members in Angeles City can pay cash (₱800.00) DIRECT to Treasurer Ron Parrott 09399365939 or Secretary Dallas Drake 09165243084 who both have receipt books with them every Tuesday ( 2.00 p.m) at Ponderosa or every Saturday evening (6.00 p.m) at Phillies Sports & Grill Bar charity raffle.

Members who are not financial by APRIL 25 will be removed from the members listing.

We trust you will stay with us and help build a stronger RSL Sub Branch.

Kind Regards, Dallas M. Drake.

Honorary Secretary.