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

4 Worth a look – copy it into your browser. Sent to me by Ted Richards, an old Legacy mate from Melbourne. http://www.laosgpsmap.com/ho-chi-minh-trail-laos/ An email from Ken Wylie... As I've aged, I've become kinder to, and less critical of, myself. I've become my own friend. I have seen too many dear friends leave this world, too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging. Whose business is it, if I choose to read, or play on the computer, until 4 AM, or sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 50s, 60s & 70s, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love, I will. I will walk the beach, in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves, with abandon, if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set. They, too, will get old. I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And, eventually, I remember the important things. Sure, over the years, my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break, when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength, and understanding, and compassion. A heart never broken, is pristine, and sterile, and will never know the joy of being imperfect. I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver. As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong. So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day (if I feel like it). MAY OUR FRIENDSHIP NEVER COME APART, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT'S STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART! Army Combat Badge If anyone has yet to put in an application for their ACB you can do it via us. Kerry Boyce has offered to collate the applications and we will forward them to Head of Corps for approval. National Gunner Dinner – August 23, 2014 Thought we would take the opportunity to notify you of the decision to hold a National Gunner Dinner on the 23 August 2014. Click on the Flyer below to view full details of the dinner on the Australian Artillery Association’s website, or simply visit the website at http://www.australianartilleryassociation.com . Interesting clip from NZ on how they farewell a warrior. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10829992 From Dave Drabble: (June 2012) Hello All Sorry about the delay but not much internet access from the back of a camel in the Sahara – or from some of the hotels/riads either. And before any wisecracks from you blokes – both the camels were male and not even very pretty!!! Got a new poem from Ric about his café in Casablanca and have attached for your