OK so to answer my post it is not item 1 but item 2

I am glad to see you [and other children] have come to grips and that there ARE govt organisations to help

but notice how the thread drifted off to the actual soldiers [now called veterens] who actually went to Vietnam, ie the 25% [who also have a govt dept]

but 75% of those like me who had no chance in the world [except for bribery] to get to Vietnam for the required 7 days have NOT ONE THING for the 2 years of incarceration, curtailment of liberty, loss of income and opportunity and boredom

what is more we are NOT veterans so dont even get to DVA database, so we dont even get old age pension at 60

I did a video for Kevin '07, not sure if he is listening

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=dOBZcN-j1KM

Hi there D. DOCTOR...

After reading several of your threads, it would appear that you're quite bitter, having first being conscripted for two years, you didn't actually get the opportunity to serve in Vietnam ? I hope that I've not misunderstood your post ?

Anyway, I guess some might consider that you were indeed very lucky. I suppose it's the way you look at it really.

Further, you also alluded to the fact that by missing out on service in South Vietnam, you were necessarily precluded from applying for the normal DVA War Service benefits, as a subsequent general entitlement.

I think I know where you're coming from, but I could only suggest that there would be many blokes that I served with would forsake and abandon, without any hesitation whatsoever, all the gongs, DVA benefits, and 'fanfare' associated with being a bona fide Vet. Just to be in a position similar to yours.

To be able to hold down a decent job, maintain an 'ordinary' happy family life, possess reasonable physical and mental health, have and cultivate normal friendships et al.

I suppose DOC., at the end of the day, it's all a matter of one's perception and primacy in life.

Take it easy old friend.

Kathmandu>"I used to feel such inner turmoil an my dad's birthdate out of a lotto draw and send him off for a death sentence in Vietnam but now I feel nothing, just emptiness and resignation"

Maybe you could take some heart that there would probably be open revolt if governments tried to pull something like that again, especially with feminists deliberately not seeking equality in all areas.

D Doctor>"what IS that of which you speak, steel?

why did you add it to my list?"

It is a half-hearted comment. It was speculation that some people may be inclined to blame their problems on something that happened to their father, when it could be another cause for which they might be able to do something about.

to answer both of you

the OFFICIAL Army figures said you had more chance as a soldier of being killed on the road in Oz than in Vietnam

OK, to understand that stat you have to understand that eg RAMAEE apprentices got moved to Moorebank as kids, were very lonely, spent whole weekend driving back to Balcome etc and many killed themselves on the road

IF I bribed my way to Vietnam in RAMEME [or whatever it was] and that was $500 in those days, then I was in a base camp in Nam with surfing and drugs and NO CHANCE of being killed

why do you think the regulars told us "over my dead body baga*se, I have been waiting 15 years for my War Service Loan and no way will you take that from me"

same as now, Nam was all about spin

only we knew the truth, but Nam was the War of the War Service Home as far as Oz was concerned

Hi again D. DOCTOR...

I'm sorry, with respect, I have no idea what you're talking about.
Apropos, bribes of $500 ? More chance of being killed on the roads in Australia than in 'Nam' ? Obviously, you appear to harbour many preconceived notions of the efficacious of the entire War in South Vietnam.

D.DOCTOR, I don't know what you're angry about, or why you seem so rancorous and resentful towards Vietnam Veterans. However, I don't believe I can contribute anything more constructive to this discussion. Anything that is, which may assist in enlightening you with respect to your opinions and preconceptions, in this matter.

Just for the record - I was a Regular and a volunteer.

Good luck to you old friend.

well oh song wu I am merely "telling it as it was"

there is no reason for me to embellish anything in this horrible example of discrimination

I mean even a total ars*hole like Howard simply said "no" when asked about conscription for Iraq [Kak kak], and that was with voting age at 18, not 21

IF you were voluteer then good for you mate. You were obviously enticed by the adverts for the War Service Home Loan at 3% as were all the regulars

road accident stats? - from the Army itself mate

bribery? - I was there mate and that was asking price to jump the queue [about 10 grand in today's money but in todays money home loan was 300 grand so conscripts paid the bribe]

The HELL was being conscripted - NOT going to Nam

THAT was the good fortune

but you are welcome to keep to the spin if it makes you feel warm & cuddly