On another forum a dispute has erupted concerning the creation of a subforum for Veterans. My feelings are that Veterans should try and integrate rather than try and get special attention. Anyway the guy/person doing the pushing turns out to be a fake, dates he has given do not tally, Units he claims to have served with either do not exist or were not in Vietnam on the dates he claims; he/she/it has no idea of the proceedures to follow and suggests that veterans should simply see the "Rehabilitation Department" to get things fixed up. Now as I have this strong sense of justice I am thinking maybe I should expose him, your feelings please.

expose him for the wanker that he is, I find this a lot when I go and have a squizz at what other fora are doing, I find a few have taken over the place and then fill it up with rubbish and lies then they shout down any "newbie" that dares interfere with their little secure world I don't think vets should have thir own sub forum within a forum, I have every respect for the vets but the more we can keep you blokes and gals in "with us" the better I like it, we are after all nomads and that extends to all, not forsaking any race, creed, color or gender or whether you are a vet or not, we all are "NOMADS" and i will defend the right of any to place their thoughts in here in my role as counselor I speak to a few vets now and again and I know (well I think I know) that the main desire is to just get on with life and "join in" with "normal folk" this is not my mainstream advisory area so I am very loathe to make any comment within this Field whilst I am not and do not claim to be an "expert" on this I do have in excess of twenty five years of counseling behind me so I have just a wee bit of experience but what I am sure of is this, what suits one does not suit another, you each have your paths and you each must walk them, if any of you feel the need to talk then I am damn sure that someone here has got an ear for you anytime day or night I look with pride the number of vets that we have in here and it is with pride that I think you feel welcome even though I get a bit "tired and irritated" now and again and snap at a couple of you, the place wouldn't be the same without you, and I for one wouldn't have it any other way I'll put the soap box back now Rolly!!

If you know or believe that the person in question is a pretender go for it Baz and name and shame.It matters not if you are a Viet Vet or an ex serviceperson those of us who have served in the forces have a special bond that must not be sullaged by Wannabes who most probably never got passed pass the parcel.Cheers.Ibbo.

I'm with you Ibbo, my Guru has done his bit and proud to do so.  These "pretenders" need to be exposed.     Go for it Basil.

Yep, even though I am reluctant to screw this guys life forever I think I shall let my findings be known. I was reluctant simply because I know how screwed up life can get for a veteran and others who have to deal with life and death situations eg firies, ambos etc. This bloke may be genuine but could also be so totally delusional and not actually know the truth. Either way he may need help. He says that being a Vietnam Veteran helps him score with women, OH YEAH? What woman in her right mind would allow herself to be scored with by a worn out old veteran (this is hypothetical I don't expect a response - unless you want to respond)

Dave thats a fine record, frankly don't know how you cope, I've used up 1 psychiatrist and am onto my 4th clinical psych....We don't really mind if you take out your frustrations on us, we have broad shoulders.

I saw a New badge on the back of a Vietnam Veterans car on ANZAC Day which lightened the mood "We were winning when I was there"...

Go to it Basil. No one has the right to exploit anyone else. Get on the DVA, Viet Vets to hunt him out and shut him down. Cheer Chris

Ma wrote:

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I'm with you Ibbo, my Guru has done his bit and proud to do so.  These "pretenders" need to be exposed.     Go for it Basil.

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Yes obviously a man of distinctive bearing....Your Guru that is....

 

 Served with the United Nations as well Basil.  Needless to say I'm as proud as punch of him and was priviledged to be able to actually march with him this Anzac Day.  Gee it's great to be an Aussie.

I am a none service person. I have great regard for those that have faced the opposition in battle. I have been with VV at social gatherings, and talked with them at a personal level. Read a couple of books about it.

They all have a story, but do not tell. It is written in the way they go about life now. Some good, more not so.

I would not like, to have my respect, downgraded by someone "posing" as a VV. Basil, I am sure you know your facts and how to deal with it. This can only be dealt with by those involved, and I think they should clear the air.

I hope more good than bad comes out of it, for the Vets sake.

I agree with all the comments below, expose him for what he really is.

just havent seen any posts from you lately rolly and thought it a good way to "flush you out" so to speak!!!

DVA isn't interested unless there is evdence of fraud, which of course I don't have.

As long as the person isn't screwing with people's heads. It's not always about money. Most of the VV I know would be strong enough to stand up to this bloke, but if he targets the more fragile and messes with their heads, that's as bad a fraud by money. Shut him down. Chris

DVA may not be interested simply because it may mean they have to do something, on the other hand the RSL is concerned and said they will at least investigate and see what can be done but it is apparently not illegal to impersonate an exservice person.

Basil wrote ............."Dave thats a fine record, frankly don't know how you cope, I've used up 1 psychiatrist and am onto my 4th clinical psych....We don't really mind if you take out your frustrations on us, we have broad shoulders." well the truth of the matter is that every now and again I simply dont cope, I go out to the workshop and just let it all go, freinds help a great deal, been on medication (didnt work) but most times I just go from one persons crisis to another and bumble my way through hopefully helping people along the way, but it sort of "builds up" inside and thats why we must take such frequent breaks I was a country volunteer firey for quite a while and I still carry baggage from that, seen a lot of things, but nothing like military action, but in some ways similar I simply dont know how an ex serviceman/woman who has seen combat action can cope without gross medication, as I said I have come across a few but the expertise required in this field is beyond me, I have been offered "specialised" training to try to cope and help with the vets but I am very loathe to do this, flashbacks, moodswings, unexplained irritation, nightmares, it's for the experts to work on that one and I leave it there I also counsel the counselors and that is a tottaly different kettle of fish altogether, these people have no "relief valve" and take all other peoples problems on board, some are in psych wards in the big smoke, total breakdowns, nobody hears about the good peoples lives destroyed by trying to help others we do not have enough volunteers, same old story, our ses is undermanned and when they are shorthanded on major events I go out with them as well, salvos have shut up shop and moved the operations to the city, c.f.s. undermanned 70% of the time, man/woman power is in such short supply and yet so many people unemployed, I could (and have done many times) work 24 hours a day and still not catch up, last february a storm front came through, 6 of us worked for 4 days without a break, nobody to releive us, we were needed, we couldnt say no but I see these drongoes throwing away a good, fine life, if I was god I would take it away from them and give it to someone who deserves it to go around saying that one has been to war or whatever trying to "bignote" oneself is very low indeed and I feel is a very sad case of a human, if he is genuinely "mixed up" then I feel great sorrow for him, it's spitting in the eye of our sacred sons and daughters but without knowing him completely then how do you tell? if you go in with all guns blazing and he turns out to be "genuine" then he may take the next step which, as you know, is never far out of mind maybe do a little "research" on his regiment and where he was stationed and find a few who also served in that same unit, just a couple of discreet enquirys, but maybe softly, softly is the way to proceed if you wish to expose him?

Dave,a very well balanced upraisal of Basils original post.After reading your answer I feel that the old saying"Walk a mile in my shoes"certainly hits the spot with me.Cheers.Ibbo

Medication is not the answer. Shrinks love it but for minor depression it may be able to lift your mood temporarily. I found the only way to cope was to have my brain rewired so to speak (yes I know) it has taken me since 1998 to get it done. I have learned to remember without reliving some of the experiences that caused me to loose it in the first place. I now have flashbacks but I have the abilty to stand to the side and watch the drama unfold....PTSD is not uncommon, fact is it's becoming a rather "Sexy" ailment with every man and his dog offering mirical cures -at a price.

So life has to go on, Gracie helps me more than I thought she would and I have one other secret stress buster that I cannot disclose on this forum which can be addictive yet legal but expensive.....Any Veteran who has been to Vung Tau would know what that is -  surfing in thick, warm muddy water.... yeah as if...

G'day,

After reading all the messages in this topic I feel the following poem would not go astray.  I post it below if anyone requires it's removal please say so either by reply or PM.  I do not know the who the author is and I apologise for it's length.

THE FINAL INSPECTION

The Soldier stood and faced his God,

Which must always come to pass.

He hoped his shoes were shining,

Just as brightly as his brass.


"Step forward now, you Soldier,

How shall I deal with you?

Have you always turned the other cheek?

To My Church have you been true?"


The Soldier squared his shoulders and said,

"No, my Lord, I ain't.

Because those of us who carry guns,

Can't always be a saint.


I've had to work most Sundays,

And at times my talk was tough.

And sometimes I've been violent,

Because the world is awfully rough.


But, I never took a dollar,

That wasn't mine to keep...

Though I worked a lot of overtime,

When the bills got just too steep.


And I never passed a cry for help,

Though at times I shook with fear.

And sometimes, God, forgive me,

I've wept unmanly tears.


I know I don't deserve a place,

Among the people here.

They never wanted me around,

Except to calm their fears.


If you've a place for me here, Lord,

It needn't be so grand.


I never expected or had too much,

But if you don't, I'll understand.

It needn't be so grand.


There was a silence all around the throne,

Where the saints had often trod.

As the Soldier waited quietly,

For the judgment of his God.


"Step forward now, you Soldier,

You've borne your burdens well.

Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,

You've done your time in Hell."


Best Regards

John

How beautiful is that John, I would be very surprised if anyone could take offence at such sentiments and never a truer word spoken.  I think there is always a place for those that carry out their life's "chores" with love in their heart and a sense of "right" as well.

it stays as written, John, and thankyou

Wow.........Thank you.I feel humble.Cheers.Ibbo

Wow ! Thank you I feel I need to talk to my maker!After 20 yrs. in the R.A.N. Then 20 yrs. in D.F.A.T. I feel the Aussie Gov. should be a little more tolerant of we who have saved our buts off,to save them, the government, no matter what persuation.Having to fork out any xtra bucks to look after us.I know how hard it has been to save enough to live,with the daughter back at home and trying to get enough bucks together for a house deposit.Sorry I gibbering. Dave06 specs for that soap box please.

it's in the corner there Greg, just clamber on anytime you feel the urge!!