Post by Dave Homewood on Oct 27, 2011 23:44:29 GMT 12
Medals `cheapened'
MARYKE PENMAN Last updated 09:22 25/10/2011
he new Defence Service Medal cheapens recognition of war veterans, some ex-service people say.
It is being awarded to those aged 60 and over who spent at least three years with the New Zealand Defence Force after World War Two.
Those who completed compulsory military training or national military service are also eligible.
"You see young people that have five or six medals, even though they've never fought a day in their lives. I personally don't have a problem, but those guys who faced shot and shell feel differently," East Coast Bays RSA president Geoff Ockleston says.
More than 8000 of the medals have been issued since they were introduced in April.
Member Brian Harkins who has received the new medal says: "They have lost a bit of meaning, they have been cheapened. The war veterans are the ones that really earnt their medals."
NZDF deputy director Donald Anderson says: "It's important to recognise the service of those who, through no fault of their own, were not deployed on operational services or combat."
Mr Ockleston says around 1500 Bays RSA members are eligible for the new medal.
"Mechanics, cooks, and all those that didn't have the glory jobs are candidates. If you think about it, pilots wouldn't have been able to fly without the mechanics," he says.
RSA member and Vietnam veteran Merv Mortensen says: "Those guys worked hard, made sacrifices and deserve due recognition. Some of them served for many years."
It is estimated 160,000 men and women are eligible for the medal.
Mr Ockleton says, aside from SAS, no Kiwi soldiers have been on a war campaign since Vietnam.
"There were guys on the frontline braving bullets and others back at the base who could go home at the end of the day and be safe in their beds.
"But they all played an important role," he says.
Royal New Zealand RSA chief executive Stephen Clarke says those who served through the 50s and 70s had very little, if any, chances to go on a campaign, but were still willing and ready.
"A medal tells a story. It doesn't diminish any of the veterans' service at war.
"That has and will always be recognised," Dr Clarke says.
RSA member Ross Nunn says: "I originally thought we weren't deserving, but it would be nice to have something to wear at the dawn parades."
www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/north-shore-times/5845476/Medals-cheapened
MARYKE PENMAN Last updated 09:22 25/10/2011
he new Defence Service Medal cheapens recognition of war veterans, some ex-service people say.
It is being awarded to those aged 60 and over who spent at least three years with the New Zealand Defence Force after World War Two.
Those who completed compulsory military training or national military service are also eligible.
"You see young people that have five or six medals, even though they've never fought a day in their lives. I personally don't have a problem, but those guys who faced shot and shell feel differently," East Coast Bays RSA president Geoff Ockleston says.
More than 8000 of the medals have been issued since they were introduced in April.
Member Brian Harkins who has received the new medal says: "They have lost a bit of meaning, they have been cheapened. The war veterans are the ones that really earnt their medals."
NZDF deputy director Donald Anderson says: "It's important to recognise the service of those who, through no fault of their own, were not deployed on operational services or combat."
Mr Ockleston says around 1500 Bays RSA members are eligible for the new medal.
"Mechanics, cooks, and all those that didn't have the glory jobs are candidates. If you think about it, pilots wouldn't have been able to fly without the mechanics," he says.
RSA member and Vietnam veteran Merv Mortensen says: "Those guys worked hard, made sacrifices and deserve due recognition. Some of them served for many years."
It is estimated 160,000 men and women are eligible for the medal.
Mr Ockleton says, aside from SAS, no Kiwi soldiers have been on a war campaign since Vietnam.
"There were guys on the frontline braving bullets and others back at the base who could go home at the end of the day and be safe in their beds.
"But they all played an important role," he says.
Royal New Zealand RSA chief executive Stephen Clarke says those who served through the 50s and 70s had very little, if any, chances to go on a campaign, but were still willing and ready.
"A medal tells a story. It doesn't diminish any of the veterans' service at war.
"That has and will always be recognised," Dr Clarke says.
RSA member Ross Nunn says: "I originally thought we weren't deserving, but it would be nice to have something to wear at the dawn parades."
www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/north-shore-times/5845476/Medals-cheapened