4 Field Regiment (SVN) 'Old Boys' Newsletter - May 2013 Edition

2 A while back I received an email from Graeme Leonard . You may recall he was only 18 when we deployed and Brushy Forward was very anxious to keep him out of harm’s way at least until he turned 19. Great to hear from Graeme after all these years so here is some of the correspondence that went back and forward: Hi Peter Bruce, Its Graeme Leonard, Vietnam 70-71 AWCC alongside you at Arty Tac, Peter Dunn and others. Mate I am still in Townsville with 2 boys, 5 grand children. Was looking at old book called “Vietnam Remembered”. I was only 18 years and 11 months when Col Foord (Forward) took me over. Would like to try and catch up with guys if I could??? Am now almost 61, years fly by don’t they. You can get me on 0407 664472, Home 0407664472, E Mail gonzodalegend@hotmail.com I look forward to your reply. Regards Graeme (Gonzo) Hi Darryl, Dave, Peter and Lance Guys 43 years ago we connected and spent time in Vietnam together. It is Graeme Leonard, known to my friends now as “Gonzo”. It used to be “Hungry” when playing footy. I am still in Townsville recently retired from the Pharmaceutical Industry just over 12 months ago after spending 25 years plus looking after Doctors in FNQ. Am still with the same girl, Jan, we have 2 boys, 5 grandchildren. All is going well, nothing serious to report. Guys I hope you and your families are all well and looking forward to a great 2013. Hope to catch up with you later in the year, maybe Anzac Day???? Kind Regards Graeme (Gonzo) Leonard 0407 664472 P.S Youngest person to go to Nam with 4 Fld, 18 years and 10 months. Nothing else has changed GO PIES 2013 Lance Grimstone’s response: Well, Gidday Graeme..!! Am on holidays at Straddie at the moment. But when I get back home, I'll email a few pics that might be of interest to your good lady Jan and your kids. Indeed, if you forward your address in Townsville, I'll post up a dvd that I put together for the boys who attended our reunion in Perth a couple of years back. Lots of faces and places and even all the wives were stoked..! After my medivac, discharged at Brisbane. Straight back to the Gold Coast, the surf and uni. Married a Hawthorn girl, Ollie, and we have a son and daughter, but only two grandkids so far. Interestingly, my daughter Sarah and her hubby (then Peter Wilkins) worked in Townsville a few years back, she as a physiotherapist, he as the NQ developmental officer for the Queensland Reds. Been through T'ville few times myself in my capacity as a geologist. Now semi-retired, and taking to writing books, 3 published via a boutique outfit, another doing the rounds with the major publishers (fingers crossed) and currently closing out the fifth manuscript, hopefully this month. See www.grimstone.com.au Its really great to hear from you.. The more things change, the more they stay the same.... Just had Mick & Pat Long over for New Year, and yes, Anzac Day would be an excellent time to get together. Peter Bruce and Sid Farrow are planning an Anzac Day down their way this year.. Stuff the Pies...Go the Lions... Cheers, Lance