Reading through the list in The Australian and notice an old mate from 7RAR days in Vietnam has been awarded an OAM.
Trouble is, his name was listed under Honorary Medal (OAM) in the General Division. Honorary awards are made to non Australians who contribute in a meaningful way to Australia and my mate is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army and definitely Australian.
I phoned up The Australian office in Brisbane and after some discussion it was decided that editors in Sydney had made a big mistake. They had in fact made 13 mistakes as a bunch of military chaps had been shunted to the non-Australian division.
They thanked me for pointing it out their error
The edited (by me) notice
Medal (OAM) in the Military Division to Lt Col Ian John Robinson, ACT For exceptional services to deployed Australian Defence Force personnel through Forces Entertainment from 2008 to 2016.
Ian was a corporal on the 2nd Tour of South Vietnam with 7RAR and yes, he served in the Army for all those intervening years
Well done that man.
Note: I know of no others with a 7RAR background in the Awards List. if there is someone then please leave a comment.
I, along with those members of Everyman’s Welfare Service who served with and under the direction of Ian, as Senior Personnel Officer, congratulate Ian Robinson for being awarded the AM in the latest Queens Hounurs List. A most appropriate recognition for a remarkable person and life of service devoted to the Australian Defence Force and its members.
Well Done Ian!
Kind regards
Stacey Kruck
I went to Ballarat High School with Lt Col Ian Robinson and joined the army with him almost 50 years ago on 12/03/1969. I hope some readers can help me contact ‘Nipper’ as I have recently found a school cadet photo where we are seated in a group.
Further to last message may have left wrong email address.