By BRIDGET SCOTT
A PAKENHAM Upper resident says it’s time for Vietnam veterans to be recognised by their local RSL.
David Shelton said he submitted his brothers’ and cousin’s names to be recognised by the Pakenham RSL about 15 years ago, but was disappointed when nothing was done.
Mr Shelton’s cousin John Tinkham was killed in action, however his brothers Brian and Rodney have lived around the area their entire lives.
Mr Shelton said their “recognition is due” and their “names should be somewhere.”
“Nothing has ever happened,” he said.
“They are due recognition for their services.”
President of the Pakenham RSL Gary Elliott said he had wanted to recognise the veterans for years, but had found it hard to get the names of all those who had served.
“I plan to do a plaque on the memorial wall at the cenotaph,” he said.
“I’ve had it in mind for years and tried to get this done a couple of times.”
Mr Elliott said he wanted the plaque to be a feature of the centenary celebrations next year, but said it was difficult tracking down those who served.
He said he wanted names of those who served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and more recent conflicts such as Iraq.
“Part of the problem is trying to research,” he said.
The Vietnam veteran has urged veterans or family members to come forward and submit their names.
“Getting names is the hardest part,” he said.
Mr Elliott has been president of the Pakenham RSL for three years and was formerly the president of the Vietnam Veterans Association for West Gippsland.
“I need help to find anyone who had an input in this community and should be recognised,” he said.
He said if their names were listed somewhere else he didn’t need them and he wasn’t sure how many to expect.
“I can think of about 10 already,” he said.
“I don’t expect to get them all.”
Anybody who would like to submit their own name or a relative’s can contact Gary on 0409 594 144.
