Community support was strong for ex-servicemen who experienced the Vietnam War when the Kooralbyn Valley RSL Sub Branch hosted a Vietnam Veterans Concert at Billabong Park.
The evening went from 2pm until 5pm kicking off with a re-enactment of a chopper pick-up by the Jimboomba Cadets.
Live entertainment was provided by local band The Usual Suspex which included musicians Tracey Braidwood, Graham Brine, Juanita Blanco-Morrison, Murray Scoble, David and Karen Barnes.
Vietnam veteran Reid Stevens also performed several songs, his way of sharing his experiences of war.
“There was constant danger, the hardship of being out in the jungle for up to six weeks at a time – there were the casualties and how much you were missing being at home,” he said.
Reid performed three of his own songs with Martian On The Moon being one that holds the greatest significance of his time in Vietnam.
“If you can imagine a Martian being on the moon feeling completely out of place, that’s what it felt like initially – and then gradually, like in my song, it took me five years to sort of make it back properly,” Reid said.
Reid’s wife and number one supporter Helen Stevens appreciated the evening saying it gave Reid the recognition he deserves.
“He’s got some wonderful songs – I have to say it because he won’t,” she said.
“He is a very giving man and a very humble man.”
The evening was attended by multiple Vietnam veterans including Defence Service Nurses Sub Branch RSL Queensland President Ann Bramwell, Author June Collins and organisers David Barnes and Brian McInnis.
“I think it’s very special and it’s lovely to see that it happens still. It brings back a lot of memories – the sense of humour is still there, the concept of family is still there, which is very strong in defence,” Ann said.
“Vietnam was the turning point of my life, so it’s huge for me to get with any of the veterans – I’ll go anywhere just to pay my respects to the Vietnam Veterans,” June said.
The concert had a great turn out with over 150 people supporting the day, including other RSL branch members.
