4 Field Regiment (SVN) 'Old Boys' Newsletter - January 2010

veterans are a selfish bunch who only focus on their own specific needs, then I hope that this album helps change that distorted perception. This album is about all of us for all of them - just as it was back then when they never even knew it! I have attached the title track 'Angels Beyond the Abyss' which I wrote to sing in the character role of a homeless veteran contemplating suicide. Yes, much on this album is dark stuff but I believe these things need to be said in order that society as a whole gets a chance to feel the emotions being felt by the disadvantaged, abused and neglected members of our society. The album is in two parts. Part one 'From Voices Veiled in Shadow' addresses the homeless issue and part two 'Where Loved Ones, Ghosts & Warriors Weep' contains veteran related songs. There is a 24 page colour booklet that comes with this album with all the lyrics to all the songs and as those who buy the album will see, the forward sections are written by Tanya Plibersek, Federal Minister for housing, MP Scott Morrison, Shadow Minister for housing and Alan Griffin, Federal Minister for Veterans' Affairs. This is a combined, bi partisan effort by all of us as Australians to try and speed up the process of positive change for the homeless and ourselves by urging people to get out there and volunteer their services to increase the positive output that will bring betterment to these jeopardised lives. I will boldly state that the Vietnam veteran community knows more about volunteer service than any other group in this country and is therefore best placed to advise others on the benefits related to doing so. The album will have its public release (with press fanfare organized by the major charity groups we support) in February 2010 and will go on public sale nationally through ABC Shops at a retail price of $29.99. The pre public - Veteran Community only launch is on as of now. I am asking you to buy this album at the 'pre release, retail direct' price of $24.00 plus postage and allow 10 days for delivery. All profits from the sale of this album are split evenly between St Vincent De Paul Society, Father Chris Riley's 'Youth off the Streets' Project & Wesley Mission. I do not earn a single cent from this. I have given this because I was born able to create and offer it and ask you to please consider participating in our united gift to Australia by buying this CD in aid of those in greater need than we. Veteran Community member and supporter orders can be placed by contacting me directly at any of the contact details below. Thank you in advance! Francis Edwards, Veteran Soul, The Vietnam Veteran Community Singers (02) 9660 2595, or 0458 993 268 or franced@bigpond.net.au or www.myspace.com/fedwards Dave Drabble sent me the following via email: If any one has ever been to a funeral at which The Last Post was played; this brings out a new meaning of it. Here is something everyone should know. Until I read this, I didn't know, but I checked it out and it's true: We have all heard the haunting song, 'The Last Post.' It's the song that gives us the lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes. But, do you know the story behind the song? If not, I think you will be interested to find out about its humble beginnings. Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the American Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land. During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him