John Bluett

BACK in 1968, after my first deployment to Vietnam with Whiskey Company/RNZIR, I joined the local Whakatāne RSA.

I was questioned by a group of World War II veterans in the club who informed me that the Vietnam War was not a “real” war. They felt that I should not have been permitted to join the club.

Feeling the disrespect for my army service from this group, I promptly left the premises and stayed away for many years. As time progressed, I returned to the club and enjoyed serving on the committee for several years and as president. The club welcomed associate members, these being members of the community who had not served in the armed forces but enjoyed the warm family atmosphere of the club.

The primary function of the RSA as an organisation is to provide welfare, advocacy and commemoration on behalf of the veteran cohort.

The RSA has an obligation to the community to provide commemoration services, such as Anzac Day, for these veterans, many of whom have now passed away.

The standard must be worthy of the sacrifices they made, as most of their families have been deeply affected by a war.

The year is now 2024 and a small group of the associate members in the club appear to have overlooked the primary function of the RSA movement.

The club is much more than a meeting place for social activities.

Having served a total of six years in overseas postings, and two years on active service, I feel I have earned the right to feel comfortable in our local RSA.

As a veteran, I feel the disrespect of these mainly associate members for my years of service, and feel they are trampling on my mana.