RAAFVVA - An end of an era and new beginnings.
In February 2024, the Sub-Branch of the VVAA (Vic) and the Vietnam Veterans Branch of AFA Victoria held their AGM and, significantly, their last combined meeting.
Why did RAAFVVA separate from VVAA Vic and close as a Sub-Branch?
A new millennial, and Bob Elworthy, President of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia - Victoria (VVAA Vic), stared into the future - and faced reality. Vietnam Veterans could not last for ever.
Over subsequent years and after much discussion, it was agreed that VVAA Vic would gradually reduce large, official gatherings and encourage its Victorian Sub-Branches to look towards their own, ‘inevitable destiny’. The 50th Anniversary Commemorations in 2023 were last official commemoration gathering.
RAAFVVA was already seeking alternatives by which members could continue their original goals. Communication with AFA Victoria had commenced, and with 92.5% support from RAAFVVA members, the new Vietnam Veterans Branch was established on 1 Jan 2013.
From 2013 until now, Committee members continued as a VVAA (Vic) Sub-Branch, to maintain a ‘bridge’ between the two Associations.
Vietnam Veterans Branch President, Chris Hudnott explained, “Our committee members have worn a ‘second hat’ as members of the VVAA but time rolls on, we are all getting older (and wiser) and we took the decision to begin the process of separating from the VVAA some 12 months ago.
“It has been important to wind down this connection in a controlled way and in accordance with the VVAA (Vic) document ‘Under our Own Control’ which stresses the need for Sub-Branches to take the time to ensure that all administrative matters are addressed in an orderly manner.”
At the 2024 (Combined) AGM, it was announced that all legalities had been finalised – the bridge was closing. Chris Hudnott attended the VVAA State Council on 24 Feb, as an observer, to advise that RAAFVVA members would not be renewing membership, thus officially closing the Association. (With no restriction on individuals joining another VVAA Vic Sub-Branch.)
Above: RAAFVVA Committee (L-R): Andy Lapins, Chris Hudnott (President), Geoff Rose, Gill Coughlan (Secretary), Graeme Dodd, Peter Raymant, John Vansetten (Treasurer), Neil Boulton (Asst Secretary), Neil Morgan, and Max McGregor (Vice President)
The Four Foundation Members
During the early 1980s, the concept of a ‘RAAF Vietnam Veterans Association’ (RAAFVVA) was a regular topic of discussion between four enthusiastic RAAF members, who cheerfully held ‘routine’ gatherings at their SGT’s Mess in South Melbourne.
‘Snow’ Coughlan, ‘Chick’ Mercieca, Rob O’Brien and Tony Pahl, all agreed it would be a very worthy project. With enthusiasm and dedication, their plan became a reality – RAAFVVA was born!
At the 2013 RAAFVVA AGM, the four ‘Foundation Members’ were officially recognised for their initiative and determination. The three in attendance (unfortunately, Tony Pahl, was unable to be there, but received his later) were called forward to receive their individual, ‘Foundation Member’ badge.
Above L-R: Rob O’Brien,‘Snow’ Coughlan and Joe ‘Chick’ Mercieca proudly display their badges, following presentation from then President Lee Scully.
Past Presidents of RAAF VVA
It goes without saying that while the members were the lifeblood of the RAAFVVA, the past Presidents were the backbone.
Above L-R: 1984-1991: John ‘Snow’ Coughlan CGM; 1992:Rob O’Brien;1993-1995: Joe “Chick’ Mercieca; 1996-2000:Tony Wheal; 2001-2006: Graeme Dodd OAM.
Above L-R: 2007: Brendan Lynch, 2008-2010: Nick LeRay-Meyer AM; 2010-2015: Lee Scully; 2015-2017: Gareth Davis; 2017-2024: Chris Hudnott.
