By Abbey Cannan
Noosa resident Wayne Carter has been honoured with a nationwide award, recognising his years of dedication to helping fellow veterans and their families.
Wayne, nicknamed Whisky since the day he was born, is the newest life member of the Tewantin Noosa RSL Sub Branch.
His service began at the early age of 16 when he enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force as an apprentice in 1965, graduating at Wagga mid-1967 as an Aircraft Electrical Fitter.
“Different aspects of my service career had its traumatic events which went hand in hand with normal activities of service life. In particular, time in Vietnam was very traumatic,“ Whisky said.
“Generally, I am in regular contact and friends with past colleagues during my RAAF service, like any other aspect sometimes they pop up as a blast from the past when not expected, comradeship is very prevalent.“
From his time in the RAAF, he has a very soft point from four months in the USA attached to the Australian Embassy Washington DC.
“I was involved in the training and procurement of the Boeing Vertol Chinook CH-47C Helicopter aircraft, firstly at Fort Eutis, Virginia, at the USA Army Transportation School being trained on the theory induction to the aircraft, secondly at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, learning the practical aspects of the aircraft maintenance with the 82nd Airborne Division.“
In March 1988, Whisky was discharged with the rank of Warrant Officer.
“Post-discharge, while fulfilling my full time employment, I became very active with Ipswich RSL Sub Branch as a volunteer supporting their activities,“ he said.
“This included representation as a delegate at a district level.
“In 1995, noticing a need for more support for the wider veteran community, training was undertaken by me from Department of Veterans Affairs and Training Information Programme (TIP) and I completed all relevant training/advanced courses/seminars up to and including Advocate.
“This allowed me to assist in processing disability pension claims, welfare issues, conducting of interviews, application submissions for disability pension and included visits to homes, hospitals, rehabilitation and aged care facilities. Also included were visits to assist veterans in remote localities within the RSL Moreton District.“
From late 2005 his membership was transferred to Tewantin Noosa RSL Sub Branch where he continued assisting members, retired Defence Force Personnel and the veteran community.
“Over my career I had nurtured and developed a wide range of network and contacts throughout Australia, who have approached me for assistance and guidance,“ he said.
“As a volunteer trainer with TIP from 2002 until 2016, I was a team member presenting courses and seminars to ex service organisations, this included visiting areas from Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Maryborough, Hervey Bay, Maroochydore, Caloundra, Brisbane, New Farm, Coolangatta, Ipswich, and Oakey.“
Whisky said he was proud to be granted Life Membership by the RSL and to be recognised by his peers.
“It has been my honour to offer my time and service, for the benefit of others while giving me self-satisfaction with my achievements whilst assisting the wider veteran community,“ he said.
