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R.A.A.F Airfield Defence Guard |
The Electronic Blue Beret |
ADG News and Notice Board |
Week 49....5-12-2003 |
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News .............................................Top Stories............................................Our
History................................................Jokes
and Laugh's |
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Have you got a story, photo's or an experiance that you would like to see on next
weeks page Then send them to the Pom ( the webmaster ) |
Help- this is driving everybody nuts WHERE DOES THE EXTRA MAN COME FROM??? 12 or 13? This will do your nut in. Count and wait . |
This Week's Teeser supplied by Mick Bergin |
ADG's on the job in Iraq |
Pom. If you do not have this already it may pay us to publish it on the web Regards Tex Please spread this around to as many people as you can,if in any way we can put pressure on the Govt than we need to do it. Subject: Retrospectivity 20-03 - Please circulate VIETNAM VETERANS' FEDERATION 8 Mary Street Granville PO Box 369 PARRAMATTA NSW 2150 Phone (02) 9682 1788 Fax (02) 9682 6134 Hon Danna Vale, MP Minister for Veterans Affairs Parliament House CANBERRA ACT 2606 17 October, 2003 Dear Minister, You have recently proposed legislation to retrospectively abolish the condition of war service entitling eligible war veterans to receive the full TPI pension as well as theirsuperannuation retirement benefits. That is, you think it reasonable and proper that a soldier should go to war promised certain conditions-of-service then some years later, very sick from that service, have those conditions changed to his financial disadvantage. During Senate Question Time on 14th October 2003 (last Tuesday), The Minister for Finance and Administration and Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate, Senator the Hon Nicholas Minchin was asked a question about proposed changes to the Parliamentary superannuation scheme. When asked why the changes were not being imposed on all Senators he replied: "Yes, . it is true that the government, in recognition of some community concern . did introduce the preservation age of 55. I think it was a sensible move, but it was done prospectively. I do not think there is any argument to be sustained that it should have been retrospective. Members and Senators come into Parliament on the basis of certain terms and conditions that apply from the time they enter parliament. I think that is perfectly reasonable and proper, but it is not reasonable and proper for any changes to be retrospective. We would oppose that .." So your government thinks it 'not reasonable and proper' for parliamentarians to have the terms and conditions under which they entered Parliament,retrospectively changed for the worse. When it comes to soldiers sent to fight Australia's wars, however, such scruples disappear and it becomes perfectly 'reasonable and proper' for the terms and conditions under which they were sent to fight, retrospectively changed for the worse. On learning of this duplicity, veterans are shocked and disgusted. Yours faithfully, Tim McCombe President |
With the high rate of attacks on women in secluded Car Parks, especially during evening
hours, the SA Government has established a "Women Only" car park in the City near Wellington Street. Even the car park attendants and security staff are exclusively female, so that a comfortable…. and very safe… environment is created for the ladies…….. No men are allowed anywhere near the car park but a local photographer managed to snap the shot below for the local paper… at great personal risk! |
Adelaide City Council Announcement |
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The F1 Submachine gun another close quarter weapon used in Vietnam by myself on night
ambushes, as i reconded that to engage at night meant that a weapon of a range
of 50 metres was sufficent, Firing a 9mm parabellum round of pistol size. |
AN/PRC-25 Radio, FM modulation, voice emissions, low band is 30 to 52.95 megahertz,
high band is 53 to 75.95 megahertz, 920 channels available (with 2 preset channels).
Operating range is three to five miles (line-of-sight only).
Weighs 24.7 pounds. The PRC-25 radio was battery-operated. The battery lasted about one day of continuous use, so a spare strapped to the bottom of the case - another five or six pounds. The radio had two large knobs on top to change the radio frequency. |
PRC-25 |
YOU HAVE TO BE IRISH..... On a golf tour in Ireland, Tiger Woods drives his BMW into a petrol >station in a remote part of the Irish countryside. The pump attendant who obviously knows nothing about golf, greets him in a typical Irish manner completely unaware of who the golf pro is. ''Top of the mornin to yer, sir'' says the attendant. Tiger nods a quick''hello'' and bends forward to pick up the nozzle. As he does so, two tees fall out of his shirt pocket onto the ground. ''What are those,asks the attendant. ''They're called tees'' replies Tiger. ''Well, what on God's earth are dey for.'' inquires the Irishman. ''They're for resting my balls on when I'm driving, says Tiger. ''Fookin Hell'', says the Irishman, ''BMW thinks of everything'' |
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Wacko Jacko on the Run |
WooMEN MENtal illness MENstrual cramps MENtal breakdown MENopause GUYnecologist AND .. When we have REAL trouble, it's a HISterectomy. Ever notice how all of women's problems start with MEN? Send this to all the women you know to brighten[?] their day. Send this to all the men just to annoy[?] them [? -- cwj] |
Censored but use your imagination Right click to save without the red band |
Minister for Defence Robert Hill meets the Air Field Defence Guards at the Air Traffic
Control Detachment, Baghdad International Airport. (Date taken: 10 November 2003) |
At the top of the Hill |
14 November 2003 Minister for Defence visits Baghdad International Airport Minister for Defence Senator Robert Hill has arrived in Baghdad to visit Australian troops deployed to the region. Senator Hill met with Head of Mission Mr Neil Mules and Transitional Liaison Officer Colonel Frank Colley as well as Officers Commanding Australian Detachments during the visit, which is his second since the arrival of Australian troops earlier this year. Officer Commanding the Air Traffic Control Detachment, Wing Commander Scott Wardle received the Minister on-site in Baghdad and was personally thanked for the work that he and his troops perform. The Minister was briefed by Wing Commander Wardle and given a sweeping description of the area of operation from the heights of the air traffic control tower at Baghdad International Airport. |
Bob, I have had a look at your website and I would like to commend you on the amount of work you have put into the website. There it quite an extensive amount of information available. I have run your website past the people who manage Air Force's brand and they were a little concerned that the site could be confused as an official Air Force website as the homepage states that "This is the site of the Airfield Defence Guard" and through the use of the Roundel and the words Royal Australian Air Force across the top. If you would place something on the homepage stating that it is not an official Air Force website or words to that effect I would be able to link to your page from the Air Force website. Please contact me if you have any questions. Regards Amber Royal Australian Air Force Web Team |
At Last Acceptance |
No. 1 Airfield Defence Guards Aircraftman Andrew Kutnyj and Leading Aircraftman Leigh
Chillingworth put on a display in Adelaide on Reserves Forces Day. |
But despite the simulated nature of the system’s weapons and environment, Air Force
personnel will still employ exactly the same weapons drills used for “live”
firing on Amberley’s live fire ranges. Air Force Project Manager for the WTSS Squadron Leader Gareck Wilson said the new system would complement rather than replace the base’s existing firing ranges, giving personnel a broader range of options when it came to honing their weapons skills. “The WTSS can be programmed to replicate any weather condition and provides immediate feedback to firers and coaches to assist with improving marksmanship and weapons handling,” SQNLDR Wilson said. As part of the project, which began in early 2000, computer-generated images and video scenarios were developed to meet Air Force requirements. The video sequences have been painstakingly put together to create a realistic experience for participants. The Air Force filmed five video scenarios using actors and Air Force-specific situations, which were added to the 10 sequences that already existed in the Army simulators. After participants are briefed on the situation that they are about to confront in the simulator, the video tape rolls on the huge 16m x 3m screen and a variety of scenarios unfold depending on whether personnel fire their weapons or not. The entire sequence can then be replayed and a supervisor will talk through the participants’ techniques and decision-making processes in a short debriefing situation. “The WTSS is designed for all Air Force members, not just Ground Defence Officers and Airfield Defence Guards,” SQNLDR Wilson said. “It can be used for basic weapons practice or to prepare someone for an operational deplyment.” The Amberley facility, the first to be built for the Air Force, will be followed by a second $3 million system to be opened at RAAF Base Williamtown within the next month. The WTSS is operated by contractors Firearm Training Systems Australia, and will be used on a daily basis by Air Force units at Amberley as well as other ADF units in south-east Queensland But despite the simulated nature of the system’s weapons and environment, Air Force personnel will still employ exactly the same weapons drills used for “live” firing on Amberley’s live fire ranges. Air Force Project Manager for the WTSS Squadron Leader Gareck Wilson said the new system would complement rather than replace the base’s existing firing ranges, giving personnel a broader range of options when it came to honing their weapons skills. “The WTSS can be programmed to replicate any weather condition and provides immediate feedback to firers and coaches to assist with improving marksmanship and weapons handling,” SQNLDR Wilson said. As part of the project, which began in early 2000, computer-generated images and video scenarios were developed to meet Air Force requirements. The video sequences have been painstakingly put together to create a realistic experience for participants. The Air Force filmed five video scenarios using actors and Air Force-specific situations, which were added to the 10 sequences that already existed in the Army simulators. After participants are briefed on the situation that they are about to confront in the simulator, the video tape rolls on the huge 16m x 3m screen and a variety of scenarios unfold depending on whether personnel fire their weapons or not. The entire sequence can then be replayed and a supervisor will talk through the participants’ techniques and decision-making processes in a short debriefing situation. “The WTSS is designed for all Air Force members, not just Ground Defence Officers and Airfield Defence Guards,” SQNLDR Wilson said. “It can be used for basic weapons practice or to prepare someone for an operational deplyment.” The Amberley facility, the first to be built for the Air Force, will be followed by a second $3 million system to be opened at RAAF Base Williamtown within the next month. The WTSS is operated by contractors Firearm Training Systems Australia, and will be used on a daily basis by Air Force units at Amberley as well as other ADF units in south-east Queensland |
Weapons training on target |
Another great search engine for us to use |
And you think your safe out there in cyber world ? found this young fella whilst
doing a bit of surfin'. Kurt one of the boy's who served in East Timor |
Kurt Meier |
Col joined the RAAF for 9 years as an Airfield Defence Guard and for the past 14
years has been with the Australian Federal Police in various parts of Australia. |
Col Speedie |
Another ex adg |
Gutsy Move |
A History Lesson
There are only eleven times in history where the "F" word has been considered acceptable for use. Here are the Names and Dates. 11. "What the @#$% do you mean we are sinking?" -Capt. E.J. Smith of RMS Titanic, 1912 10. "What the @#$% was that?" -Mayor Of Hiroshima, 1945 9. "Where did all those @#$%ing Indians come from?" -Custer, 1877 8. "Any @#$%ing idiot could understand that." -Einstein, 1938 7. "It does so @#$%ing look like her! -Picasso, 1926 6. "How the @#$% did you work that out?" -Pythagoras, 126 BC 5. "You want WHAT on the @#$%ing ceiling?" -Michelangelo, 1566 4. "Where the @#$% are we?" -Amelia Earhart, 1937 3. "Scattered @#$%ing showers....My ass!" -Noah, 4314 BC 2. "Aw c'mon. Who the @#$% is going to find out?" -Bill Clinton, 1999 and a drum roll... 1. "Geez, I didn't think they'd get this @%#*^ing mad." -Sadaam Hussein, 2003. |
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, HE LIVED ALL ALONE, IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE MADE OF PLASTER AND STONE. I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE, AND TO SEE JUST WHO IN THIS HOME DID LIVE. I LOOKED ALL ABOUT, A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE, NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS, NOT EVEN A TREE. NO STOCKING BY MANTLE, JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND, ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES OF FAR DISTANT LANDS. WITH MEDALS AND BADGES, AWARDS OF ALL KINDS, A SOBER THOUGHT CAME THROUGH MY MIND. FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT, IT WAS DARK AND DREARY, I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER, ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY. THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING, SILENT, ALONE, CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME. THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE, THE ROOM IN SUCH DISORDER, NOT HOW I PICTURED A UNITED STATES SOLDIER. WAS THIS THE HERO OF WHOM I'D JUST READ? CURLED UP ON A PONCHO, THE FLOOR FOR A BED? I REALIZED THE FAMILIES THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT, OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT. SOON ROUND THE WORLD, THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY, AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY. THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR, BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS, LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE. I COULDN'T HELP WONDER HOW MANY LAY ALONE, ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME. THE VERY THOUGHT BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE, I DROPPED TO MY KNEES AND STARTED TO CRY. THE SOLDIER AWAKENED AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE "SANTA DON'T CRY, THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE; I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM, I DON'T ASK FOR MORE, MY LIFE IS MY GOD, MY COUNTRY, MY CORPS." THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP, I COULDN'T CONTROL IT, I CONTINUED TO WEEP. I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS, SO SILENT AND STILL AND WE BOTH SHIVERED FROM THE COLD NIGHT'S CHILL. I DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT, THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR SO WILLING TO FIGHT. THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER, WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE, WHISPERED, "CARRY ON SANTA, IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE." ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH, AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT. "MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND, AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT." |
Where's "Sqizzy" Taylor? -- Geoff (Doc) Clark, 04:46:50 11/28/03 Fri Hi, Just wondering whatever happenned to Squizzy Taylor, who was with 9 Squadron in early 1968. I was a Crewman at the time and Squizzy did a good job of helping me adapt to the new surroundings in early February. Regards to all Geoff Clark |
click above to visit |
Pom Further to Mick's E-mail and our discussion the other Saturday, I forward an inclusion on Merv Gould's efforts for our website: BRUCE ROCK 2003 Merv Gould's Wheatbelt Vietnam Veterans Group invited us all back to Bruce Rock to rededicate the Long Tan Memorial Window, in Saint Peter's Anglican Chapel, on November 3rd, 2003. We write of their marvellous reunion, in the hope of encouraging more ADGs to support the cause and visit Bruce Rock on All Saints Day in November 2004. Accommodation was at a premium, most towed in a caravan or put up their tents as the few hotel / motel beds available were snapped up well in advance. Thursday was a golf day and an outdoor movie at the amphitheatre, over drinks and a picnic tea. Friday, a tour of the town, lunch (with piano accompaniment), and a blues concert at the amphitheatre (the music from which wasn't bad, let us tell you). Saturday, started with a mountainous country breakfast (Father, I could hardly move - mate), followed by entertainment at the amphitheatre all day, a huge street market with a large variety of stalls and food outlets, their museum was open and an extremely interesting collection military memorabilia was on display above the town's craft shop. Formed up behind the RAAF Vietnam banner at 1430, where one enterprising soul slotting us infront of the Navy (for all of nine seconds), before the seaweed munchers worked out was happening and relegated us to second spot. Stepped off at 1500 behind 5RAR's Peter Tuck and his 70 piece brass band (drawn from as far afield as Perth, Kalgoolie and Esperence, half of whom have disabilities), for the march over to Saint Peter's and the rededication. The crowd's enthusiastiasm lining the course had to be experienced to be appreciated, surging onto the roadway as we went, waving their Australian National Flags and cheering. Nearing the chapel (to the strains of Invercargal), Barry Wanstall heard footsteps, which turned out to be the bloody Armies' passing move, quick as you like, out came the WOD in Bazza, as he ordered a right incline and bugger me dead, the 30 or so of us got it right and held station. Couldn't tell you Saint Peter's capacity, but the assembled herd didn't stand a chance of all gaining entry, so Donald George Washington and Gilly adjourned to the Bar b que area to secure the ADGies table, while Stanley Arthur and Al Lamb stopped off at the local pub to quench the thirst and say g'day. There is a case to be made for parading our Association Colour, sooner than later. The bar b que was a roaring success. With a carnival atmosphere fuelled by free beer, great food (which must have cost Merv a million quid), lots of laughter by some wonderful people telling the most outrageous war stories. Imagine if you will, thousands of happy drunks, wending their way to and from the bar, arm in arm, in between bouts of conversation, deep and meaningful. Had to seen to be believed ... really. The Active Daring and Gifted mostly sat together, although there was that many to talk to it almost made the head swim. Pam Lamb, Kerry Smithers, Margaret Wanstall and Jackie Giltrap organised the nibbles something that will have to be looked into again next year, ladies ... please. Your own personal, folding chairs and folding tables are also a must, with the crowd so large and more even expected next year. Breakfast Sunday was put on early (to cater for the troops making a break), with everything but the kitchen sink laid on, those that stayed, organised a Sunday paper and vegetated for the day, unaware Peter had organised an impromptu concert over at the club. Talking to Pete' afterwards about regimental marches, we put in bids for the March of the Dam Busters and a dose of Winged Dagger (for our ex: 9SQN troops), next year. That evening a Bard's night was held around a camp fire over a couple of beers. It was Merv's idea and a bloody good one, with the audience invited to recite a piece of poetry, sing or simply spin a yarn. The work put into a number of the items showed great wit and talent. Father ... break out the quill, compose and one of us shall recite in 2004. Which is about where this tale concludes. Mark All Saints Day next on your calendars and can give Donald George Washington a call to find out what's doing a bit nearer the time. Sorry there were not any pictures. The Troops of the Western Front |
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Tuesday, 2 December 2003 AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO CONDUCT KOREAN WAR VETERANS GENERAL HEALTH SURVEY Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Danna Vale, today announced a survey to investigate the health of Australia's surviving male veterans from the Korean War. The General Health Survey was announced as part of the Government's response to the Cancer Incidence Study 2003: Australian Veterans of the Korean War released today. Mrs Vale said the General Health Survey would be the third in a series of studies investigating the health of Korean War veterans. "The Government recognises the concerns of Korean War veterans about the extreme conditions they endured in Korea. "The General Health Survey will complement the Cancer Incidence Study, and the soon to be completed Mortality Study, and will ensure that we have a sound understanding of the health care needs of our Korean War veterans," Mrs Vale said. Commencing early in 2004, Monash University will conduct the General Health Survey, under the supervision of an independent Scientific Advisory Committee and a veterans' consultative forum. "The success of such surveys depends on the support of the veteran community and I am pleased to say that veterans and ex-service organisations have been strong supporters of previous studies," Mrs Vale said. The Cancer Incidence Study found that the incidence of all cancers among Korean War veterans was higher than expected compared to the cancer rate in the wider community. In particular, the study found the incidence rates for cancers of the head and neck, larynx, oesophagus and lung were higher than expected amongst veterans. Although smoking is a major risk-factor associated with each of these cancers, the study found that smoking alone does not explain all of the increase. "I have referred the findings to the Repatriation Medical Authority for review in relation to the Statements of Principles governing compensation for these cancers. "Korean War veterans are already eligible to claim compensation and treatment for any cancer or illness related to their service. All Korean War veterans aged 70 or over are also eligible for the Gold Card, entitling them to free comprehensive health care. "The Government will use the results from the Korean War studies to ensure that the repatriation benefits available to Korean War veterans continue to meet their health care needs," Mrs Vale said. The findings of the Cancer Incidence Study 2003: Australian Veterans of the Korean War are available at: www.dva.gov.au <http://www.dva.gov.au> . Media Contact: Claire Bannon 02 6277 7820 or 0423 781 896 |
A SOLDIER'S CHRISTMAS
The ember glowed softly, and in their dim light, I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight. My wife was asleep, her head on my chest, my daughter beside me, angelic in rest. Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white, Transforming the yard to a winter delight. The sparkling lights in the tree, I believe, Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve. My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep, Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep In perfect contentment, or so it would seem, So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream. The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near, But I opened my eye when it tickled my ear. Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow. My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear, And I crept to the door just to see who was near. Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night, A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight. A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old, Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold. Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled, Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child. "What are you doing?" I asked without fear. "Come in this moment, it's freezing out here! Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve, You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!" For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift, Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts, To the window that danced with a warm fire's light Then he sighed and he said, "Its really all right, I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night" "Its my duty to stand at the front of the line, That separates you from the darkest of times. No one had to ask or beg or implore me, I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me." "My Gramps died at 'Pearl' on a day in December, "Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers. My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam And now it is my turn and so, here I am." "I've not seen my own son in more than a while, But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile ." Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag, The red white and blue... an American flag. "I can live through the cold and the being alone, Away from my family, my house and my home, I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet, I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat, I can carry the weight of killing another, Or lay down my life with my sisters and brothers, Who stand at the front against any and all, To insure for all time that this flag will not fall." "So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright. Your family is waiting and I'll be all right." "But isn't there something I can do, at the least, Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast? It seems all too little for all that you've done, For being away from your wife and your son." Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret, "Just tell us you love us, and never forget To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone. To stand your own watch, no matter how long." "For when we come home, either standing or dead, To know you remember we fought and we bled Is payment enough, and with that we will trust That we mattered to you as you mattered to us." |
Lightweight camo gear and the LF2 |
The latest in responces from Microsoft word |
A blonde goes into a coffee shop and notices there's a "peel and win" sticker on
her coffee cup. So she peels it off and starts screaming, "I've won a motorhome!
I've won a motorhome!" The waitress says, "That's impossible. The biggest prize is a free lunch." But the blonde keeps on screaming, "I've won a motorhome! I've won a motorhome!" Finally, the manager comes over and says, "Ma'am, I'm sorry, but you're mistaken. You couldn't have possibly won a motorhome because we didn't have that as a prize!" The blonde says, "No, it's not a mistake. I've won a motorhome!" And she hands the ticket to the manager and HE reads... (YOU'RE GOING TO LOVE THIS !!!!!! ... I PROMISE !) "W I N A B A G E L |
