Portarlington’s Rieny Nieuwenhof is a proud owner of an OAM for his service to veterans, their families, and the community.
The Australian Army veteran did a tour in Vietnam in 1971 and understands the need to look after the men and women who have served.
“I know the difficulties that veterans have gone through since the time they were in Vietnam and then of course afterwards,” he said.
“That experience of Vietnam has, for many veterans, left a very deep and traumatic marking on their consciousness.
“They’ve not only suffered physical problems, but they also have major psychological issues as well as a result of their experience in the war zone.”
Rieny said that receiving the King’s Birthday Honours OAM award for helping veterans was “very special”.
“It’s a great honour to be recognised for the work that I’ve been doing,” he said.
“I didn’t expect that would happen at all. I suppose like many recipients of these awards, you do it because you want to, and you do it on a volunteer basis.”
Rieny said he joined the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Geelong and District Sub Branch after finishing his professional teaching career and has been the president there since 2013.
“My main work has been the welfare of veterans and their families… helping them in various ways, particularly in the welfare and social area,” he said.
“Veterans, whether they’re Vietnam Veterans or any other veterans, have served their country and done a fantastic job putting their lives on the line if necessary.
“They need to be acknowledged, recognised, and people need to appreciate what they’ve gone through.”
