Russel Brain and Barry Chamberlain were each presented with 50 year service certificates from The Returned & Services League of Australia NSW Branch.
Mr Brain’s 50 years of service milestone will be next month, while Mr Chamberlain’s anniversary landed in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2021.
Fellow Vietnam veteran Bernie Upjohn - who served in the 4th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, ANZAC Battalion in Vietnam with the late Keven Bode - was also recognised for attending every Anzac Eve dinner since 1971.
Hosted by the Deniliquin RSL Sub-branch, the Anzac Eve dinner was hosted at the Coach House Hotel on Wednesday.
About 90 veterans and their partners, war widows, Edward River Council Mayor Peta Betts, and friends of the Deni RSL Sub-branch attended what was described as a very enjoyable evening.
“Lachlan Tait was master of ceremonies, and did a terrific job,” sub-branch member Mick Morrisey said.
“The president, John Harris, spoke about the achievements of the sub-branch and highlighted the work of Tom ‘Sarge’ Cheeseman and the organisational skills of Jenny Tonta in bringing the night together.
“We were entertained by local musicians, piper Graeme Stewart, buglers Greg Harris and Clare Wing, and Richard Davies who provided a lovely back drop during dinner.
“Our guest speaker was Squadron Leader Dean Roberson (Ret) who addressed the audience on his impressive service career and thanked Tom Cheeseman who mentored a young Dean in choosing a career in the ADF.
“The team at the Coach House served a delicious meal and plenty of cold drinks. The service was excellent and much appreciated, given such short notice.
“The event was enjoyed by all and provided a great opportunity for our local veteran community to catch up.”
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