THE HON BARNABY JOYCE MP
Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
THE HON MARK COULTON MP
Member for Parkes
6 December 2024
Dunedoo veteran honoured in special presentation
A Vietnam veteran from Dunedoo has been honoured for his service during a special presentation in Narrabri yesterday.
Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Barnaby Joyce and Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton presented the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal to Dunedoo’s Brian Bowman at the Narrabri RSL.
“I’m pleased to be joined by Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Barnaby Joyce in Narrabri to present Brian Bowman with the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal on behalf of the former Republic of Vietnam as an appreciation of all personnel who fought with them against communist forces during the Vietnam War,” Mr Coulton said.
“Brian registered for compulsory national service in 1969 and was one of 63,740 20-year-old Australian men whose birthday marble dropped to be called up and enlisted in the Australian Army.
“Of these, Brian was one of the 15,381 national servicemen who were sent to fight in South Vietnam. He was assigned to the 12th Field Regiment Royal Australian Artillery and was sent to South Vietnam in late August 1971.
“Brian served this country with great pride and it’s an honour to be able to personally thank him and his family for his service and sacrifice. This medal will add to his other campaign and service medals and I’m sure will be proudly passed down to future generations.”
Mr Joyce said it was a great opportunity to be in Narrabri to meet with local veterans.
“Today’s presentation is significant, especially for Brian Bowman, as well as his family, the local community, the Australian Defence Force and the nation. I congratulate Brian Bowman on his service to our country and on receiving the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal,” Mr Joyce said.
Nationals’ candidate for Parkes Jamie Chaffey also attended the presentation, using it as an opportunity to meet with local veterans and discuss any issues they have, particularly in light of the Government’s response to the Royal Commission final report.
“Our veterans are valuable members of our communities who deserve our respect and gratitude, so it’s great to meet some of Narrabri’s veterans today to listen to their views on how we can best support them into the future,” Mr Chaffey said.
For more information about the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, visit: https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/honours-awards/foreign-awards/republic-vietnam-campaign-medal
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