The Senior

Looking for 1965-72 era Nashos who did not serve in Vietnam

THEY SERVED TOO: Geoff Parkes, left, on a training exercise at Uranquinty, near Wagga Wagga, NSW, in 1971.
THEY SERVED TOO: Geoff Parkes, left, on a training exercise at Uranquinty, near Wagga Wagga, NSW, in 1971.

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A recently formed association, Nasho Fair Go, is searching out all national servicemen who served in the Vietnam War era but did not go to Vietnam.

President, Geoff Parkes said there were 48,000 nashos, but how many are still alive is not known, while actuarial sources suggest it may be less than 35,000.

"We were picked by ballot, under threat of imprisonment, out of the 870,000 men who turned twenty between 1965 and 1972," he said.

"We lost two years of our youth to conscription and still have received no thanks or compensation for it. All our member's lives were affected by their enforced service, and some were ruined. Some of their stories are on our website".

Nasho Fair Go is petitioning the federal government to make Department of Veteran Affairs Gold Health Cards available to its members. This would give them the comfort of knowing their health would be taken care of in their old age. They also want to alert old Nashos that they may already qualify for the DVA White Card, which is available to all ex-servicemen.

Mr Parkes said there were a number of tasks to be done.

"First up, we need to try and find as many of us who are still above ground," he said.

"We need to band together and be heard. If you know a Vietnam War era Nasho who didn't go to Vietnam, please ask him to log onto www.nashofairgo.com.au and register with us. We want him on board.

"Even if you don't know a Nasho, you can help us by going to the website and signing our petition. We have over 20,000 signatures so far, but we need yours as well, please. Your help would be most appreciated. Thank you".

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