ASC UNOSOM Reunion Function Update (as at 19 Mar 23) 

Galab wanaagsan,

Folks, an update to my last, with a focus on our Reunion function to be held at the Federal Golf Club on 24 Apr 23.   In essence, please don't delay and make your payment ASAP,  as Paul Angelatos will be overseas from 11 Apr 23 onwards.

As usual, attached is the latest list, of those UNOSOM I & II personnel, who have confirmed their attendance in Canberra in Apr 23.  Unfortunately, some Somali vets can no longer get to Canberra. (SCROLL DOWN)

Please carefully check the list to ensure your details listed are correct, particularly for the Government House Reception.  Several c/s still need to provide further final detail.   The information provided, is being transcribed to an Excel spreadsheet which will be submitted to Government House, Canberra.

At this time, 126 attending Government House;  99 (TBC) attending the ASC UNOSOM I & II Reunion at the Federal Golf Club -42 PAID - and 59 (TBC) participating in the ANZAC Commemorative March.

Many thanks to those 42 x vets, including Kiwi cousins, who have paid in recent days, just a gentle nudge to the remainder...

• Federal Golf Club (ASC UNOSOM I & II Reunion) - Monday 24 Apr 23 - 1300 - 1600 
  • So far 15 have paid!!  Please make your payments       ASAP!!  Paul is overseas from 11 Apr 23 Thanks again to Paul for arranging, to ensure       your attendance at our Reunion please read the info below
    • What - ASC UNOSOM I & II Reunion 
    • Where - Federal Golf Club, Gowrie Drive,        Red Hill ACT 2603.
    • When - Mon 24 Apr 23 - 1300 -1600.
  • Cost - $40 per head - this includes, canapes package,       room hire including A/V as required.  Purchase own drinks at the       bar.
  • Payment       Details - via EFT to 
    • Paul Angelatos
    • BSB 062-905
    • A/C: 10120027 
  • So Paul knows who has paid - please identify yourself by listing your last name in capitals in the bank reference eg: BLOGGS 
  • Payment (and       final numbers) are needed by no later than Monday 10 Apr 23 (Easter Monday)...this       is the absolute deadline folks. 
    • Paul is overseas after that time, with no ability to        chase people or accept late payments. 
  • Please start making payments ASAP - thanks.

All the best for now and look forward to seeing you in Canberra

Nabad gelyo,

John O'Grady

Adelaide

19 Mar 23

Update Somali Vets 30th Anniversary Reunion in Canberra 2023 - Attendance by Op IGUANA ASC UNOSOM Personnel (as at 14 Mar 23)

Wanaaxan, Salaan Maanta, greetings to all!

Again, many thanks to all those who have been in touch with me since my last email of 28 Feb 23, including our Kiwi cousins, IOT confirm their attendance.  Welcome to those who have just joined the group and Its fantastic to see that eleven (11) Kiwis are going to be with us in Canberra.

Quite a deal of info in this update!

Attached is the latest list, of those UNOSOM I & II personnel, who have confirmed their attendance in Canberra in Apr 23.  (LOCATED AFTER THESE UPDATES)

Please carefully check the list to ensure your details listed are correct.  Several c/s still need to provide further final detail.   The information provided, is being transcribed to an Excel spreadsheet which will be submitted to Government House, Canberra.

At this time, 133 attending Government House;  103 (TBC) attending the ASC UNOSOM I & II Reunion at the Federal Golf Club and 59 (TBC) participating in the ANZAC Commemorative March.

Please note the following new information:

• Information Pack - Somali Veterans 30th Anniversary Reunion
• Ken Snell is currently preparing a comprensive document, with contributions from all Somali Vet groups.  The aim is to provide key info for participation in planned events, general info about Canberra including  public transport, as well as local attractions to see while visiting (including Gary Wilson's advice IRT organised tours of the AWM).  Issue      date is TBA in the near future, I will send the Information Pack to you  via this means.
• Welcome Drinks - Saturday 22 Apr 23 - ASC UNOSOM - Ainsley Football Club, 52 Wakefield Ave, Ainsley ACT 2602, from 1700...a very, very informal UNOSOM gathering, indoors, fire side area, bar. Planned by me about five hours ago, what could possibly go wrong! See you there.
• Others:  HQ AFS, 1RAR Group. RMC Sgts’ Mess, 1400 – 1600, Combes Rd, Duntroon [Dress: Neat      casual, no thongs or sandals] ü B Squadron. Mercure Canberra      (formerly Olims), timings - from 1700. ü RAN Veterans. Assembly, Braddon, from 1700. Family are welcome at these functions. All functions are PAYG and there may be some additional costs with the RMC Sgts’ Mess.  NZDF - contact Dean 'Doon' Groves for details.
• Government      House Reception - Sunday 23 Apr 23 - 1400 - 1700
  • As mentioned, an ASC UNOSOM Excel spreadsheet list has now been created and will be submitted to Government House, as part of the master list covering all Somali vets (Op IGUANA/OP SOLACE).  This list has been compiled from the info already provided by you, noting the restrictions previously advised about party size etc.   
  • Confirmation       of Attendance:  Government House will commence contacting all Somali vets via email, on/about 2 Apr 23 IOT confirm attendance of you and your       guests. 
  • Reception Timings:       1400 - 1700. 
  • Dress:  Jacket and trousers, neat casual / female equivalant dress. 
  • Parking:  Limited within Government House, majority of parking is located off Dunossil Drive.  Note: Regular 'Golf Buggy' runs by Government House staff, will occur IVO Dunrossil Drive for anyone needing assistance.
• Federal Golf Club (ASC UNOSOM I & II Reunion) - Monday 24 Apr 23 - 1300 - 1600
  • So far 15 have paid!!  Please make your payments ASAP!!  Paul is overseas from 11 Apr 23 Thanks again to Paul for arranging, to ensure your attendance at our Reunion please read the info below
    • What - ASC UNOSOM I & II Reunion 
    • Where - Federal Golf Club, Gowrie Drive,Red Hill ACT 2603.
    • When - Mon 24 Apr 23 - 1300 -1600.
  • Cost - $40 per head - this includes, canapes package, room hire including A/V as required.  Purchase own drinks at the bar.
  • Payment  Details - via EFT to 
    • Paul Angelatos
    • BSB 062-905
    • A/C: 10120027 
  • So Paul knows who has paid - please identify yourself by listing your last name in       capitals in the bank reference eg: BLOGGS 
  • Payment (and final numbers) are needed by no later than Monday 10 Apr 23 (Easter Monday)...this is the absolute deadline folks. 
    • Paul is overseas after that time, with no ability to chase people or accept late payments. 
  • Please start making payments ASAP - thanks.
• ANZAC Day Commemorative March - Canberra - ASC UNOSOM I & II Contingent Aspects - Tuesday      25 Apr 23 - 0900 for 0930 stepoff 
  • An assumption, is that unless advised, the 59 x personnel listed, will march with the ASC UNOSOM I & II Contingent (no doubt, other Somali Vets will turn up on the day).  
    • FYSA  an ASC UNOSOM I & II Banner has been purchased.
  • Timings:  As shown above.  Further details to follow, including our specific       FUP etc.
  • Dress:
    • Minimum of coat, tie, UN blue beret, medals / female equivalent dress - is requested to be worn.
    • Current serving ADF personnel - have the option of wearing uniform.  However, individuals need to be aware of their respective service policy/direction IRT wearing of uniform/consumption of alcohol while in uniform etc.
    • Current serving NZDF personnel - IAW current NZDF policy/direction etc. (c/s WO1 Ray Kareko may be able to advise/assist IRT current NZDF arrangements??).  
  • Post March Gathering:   Poppy's Cafe       including a cash bar, will be available for all Somali Veterans, immediately after the march, however, this venue is expected to be quite crowded.  
  • ASC UNOSOM Contingent intentions: Are to return to the Federal Golf Club (same       location as the Reunion) for a reflective lemonade/drink/lunch at own cost.  Spouse, partner, significant other, family members are welcome. 

That's enough for now.   Further updates will follow.

Any dramas, concerns, let me know.

All the best for now and look forward to seeing you in Canberra

Nabad gelyo,

John O'Grady

Adelaide

14 Mar 23

 From Gary Wilson ATC

Thanks for the update and the work done by yourself and the admin team – very much appreciated. 

I have paid $80 today for myself and Anabele and my accommodation is 4 nights at QT Canberra 1 London CCT (22-26 Apr 23).  I may drive from Toowoomba but if not,  we will fly to Syd and Hire  Car from Syd to CB.

Update - WRT AWM Tours

I have been in contact with Gerard at the AWM and the max group size for AWM Tours is currently 15 for an 80min Tour.  However, they may be able to increase numbers for our group but need to see how many are keen to attend a Tour of the AWM?

Additionally, he asked if the group would be more interested in the Post 45 era (UN Peace Keeping Missions up to and including East Timor) as 80mins would take up most of the WWI & WWII era.  I said WRT a guided Tour, the group may like to focus more on the Post 45 era as they could do their own walk around of the WW I & WW II era perhaps then join the 80min Post 45 Tour (UN Peace Keeping Operations).

When Gerard responds to my email, can I send out to the wider email group below as we need to assess numbers wanting to attend an AWM Tour ASAP so a booking etc can be locked in? Dean Groves (Doon) has 11 coming across the Ditch so I would see the NZ group as a priority for 1 AWM Tour group plus some ASC ATCs perhaps? 

Here are the block times I will indicate for members to lock in their interest:

(Note from the AWM Website - the Opening Times are 7 Days 10am to 4pm):

Date

AWM Tour Block Time

Numbers for AWM Tour

30 YR Reunion Planned Activities

Fri 21 Apr 23

1300-1700?

Possible NZ attendance??

No planned Activities ATM

Sat 22 Apr 23

1000-1200?

??

Welcome Events etc: 

• Mercure Hotel 1700+
• HQ  AFS, 1RAR Group. RMC Sgts’ Mess, 1400 – 1600
• RMC Sgts’ Mess 1400 – 1600
• Ainsley Football Club from 1700
• RAN Veterans. Assembly, Braddon, from 1700

 Sun 23 Apr 23

1000-1200

??

Govt House Reception Activity / 1400-1700 

Mon 24 Apr 23

1000-1200

??

Federal Golf Club Activity / 1300-1600

Tue 25 Apr 23

N/A

ANZAC PDE & Activities / All Day

Hope this will help with anyone wanting a Tour of the AWM.

Cheers, Gaary Wilson

ALCON

Advice received from Government House this afternoon, indicates that the Reception has now reached full capacity, at 800 x pax.

Therefore, registration for this event is now closed.

Furthermore, please be aware that there may be a further restriction on guests - to ensure (more) Somali veterans, who are the priority, have full opportunity to attend - with likely attendance being: Somali Veteran +3 at most

Further information will become known by PM Friday (3 Mar 23).   

If a reduction is required, you will be advised ASAP via this means.  

Thanks,

John O'Grady

Adelaide

1 Mar 23

Salaan Maanta, greetings to all!

Many thanks to all those who have been in touch with me since my last email of 19-20 Feb 23, including our Kiwi cousins, IOT confirm attendance.   Unfortunately, some Somali Vets can no longer make it to Canberra and some new vets have just joined us, welcome to them.

Quite a deal of info in this update.  Importantly, details are now available regarding the ASC UNOSOM I & II Reunion - Monday 24 Apr 23.

Attached is the latest list, of UNOSOM I & II personnel, who have confirmed their attendance in Canberra in Apr 23.   

If your name is on the list (and this email distribution), it is because youhave advised attendance.  Please check the list to ensure details listed are correct.  Several c/s still need to provide further detail eg:  confirmed names of their spouse/partner/family member/plus +1 etc.   

At this time, 121 (TBC) attending Government House;  91 (TBC) attending the ASC UNOSOM I & II Reunion at the Federal Golf Club and 55 (TBC) participating in the ANZAC Commemorative March.

 An assumption, is that unless advised, the 55 x  personnel listed, will march with the ASC UNOSOM I & II Contingent (no doubt, other Somali Vets will turn up on the day).   

• FYSA an ASC UNOSOM I & II Banner has been purchased.

Please note the following new information:

• Government      House Reception - Sunday 23 Apr 23 
  • Yes,  it is free to register your attendance.  However, as recently advised, please be aware there is a limitation on the numbers attending, each Somali Vet's party (including themselves) is limited to 4-6 per party. Thanks to all who have adjusted/reduced their numbers. 
  • An Excel spreadsheet list is about to be prepared for Government House.  In due course, this list will contain the details of all Op IGUANA ASC UNOSOM I & II personnel and guests.  At this stage, you don't need to do anything.  This list will       be complied from the info already provided by you, which has appeared in various Op IGUANA ASC UNOSOM I & II attendance updates, released over Jan-Feb.   
  • Closer to the date, Government House  will contact all listed Somali Vets via email IOT confirm attendance of you and your guests.

 Timings  for Sunday 23 Apr 23 are still TBA, however, anticipate a start time of  approx 1300-1400.  Firm info will be provided when known. 

• Federal Golf Club (ASC UNOSOM I & II Reunion) - Monday 24 Apr 23 
  • Many       thanks to Paul Angelatos, for all his efforts with organising!  To       ensure your attendance at our Reunion please read the info below 
    • What - ASC UNOSOM I & II Reunion 
    • Where   - Federal Golf Club, Gowrie Drive, Red Hill ACT 2603. 
    • When - Mon 24 Apr 23 - 1300 -1600. 
  • Cost - $40 per head - this includes, canapes package, room hire including A/V as required.  Purchase own drinks at the bar.
  • Payment Details - via EFT to 
    • Paul  Angelatos
    • BSB 062-905
    • A/C:  10120027 
  • So that Paul knows who has paid - please identify yourself by listing your last       name in capitals in the bank reference eg: BLOGGS 
  • Payment (and  final numbers) are needed by no later than Monday 10 Apr 23 (Easter Monday)...this is the absolute deadline folks. 
    • Paul is overseas after that time, with no ability to chase people or accept late        payments. 
  • Please start making payments ASAP.
• ANZAC Day Commemorative March - Canberra - ASC UNOSOM I & II Contingent Aspects - Tuesday  25 Apr 23 
  • Timings:  See Ken's ADMIN INST  (also attached)  Further details to follow, including our specific FUP etc. 
  • Dress:
    • Minimum of coat, tie, UN blue beret, medals / female equivalent dress - is requested to be worn.
    • Current serving ADF personnel - have the option of wearing uniform.  However, individuals need to be aware of their respective service policy/direction IRT wearing of uniform/consumption of alcohol while in uniform etc.
    • Current serving NZDF personnel  - IAW current NZDF policy/direction etc. (c/s WO1 Ray Kareko may be able to advise/assist IRT current  NZDF arrangements??).
• Tours of the Australian War Memorial (AWM) 22-25 Apr 23
  • Gary Wilson has been in contact to advise that tours of the AWM can be arranged for Somali Vet groups, through an ex-colleague, Mr Dave Freeman (ex RAAF SQNLDR ATC) who is a tour guide there. If further info is needed about organised tours of the AWM, please contact Gary direct, via email to - wilson.gk@bigpond.com.       

Further updates will follow.

Any dramas, concerns, let me know.

All the best for now and look forward to seeing you in Canberra

Nabad gelyo,

John O'Grady

Adelaide

28 Feb 23

 FEBRUARY 25, 2023

To All Past and Present Members of the 1RAR Association, 

This year marks the 30th Anniversary of the deployment of the 1RAR Battalion Group to Somalia. Those who deployed will likely be presented the Meritorious Unit Citation (MUC) in time for ANZAC Day in Canberra this year, where the Somalia Contingent is to lead the march.

All of us who ever served in 1RAR are proud of them and expect everyone who attends will have a great reunion in Canberra. 

For those involved, below is a message from the Organising Committee for the 30-Year Somalia Deployment Reunion Reception at Government House on Sunday, 23 April 2023.

Please pass this email on to all Somalia Deployment veterans in your network. We will keep our members informed. Renewal of membership of the 1RAR Association is via this link.

Duty First,

President Jim Masters, OAM

Registration Excel Spreadsheet

All – firstly, thanks for your patience. We’ve had a few details to work out – with a bit more to sort.

Please complete the attached spreadsheet and email back to somalia.adf.30@gmail.com – once I have loaded your details to the master list I will send you a response.

Registration will close on Sunday 2 April 2023, at which time I will forward the master list to Government House.

One week out you will receive an email invitation from Government House, which you will need to click on the button provided to confirm your attendance.

Coord instructions for the day closer to the event.

Notes for completion:

1. Your service details must be per deployment and will be checked.
2. This reception is for veterans and immediate family, no more than 4-6 per party.
3. Include any specific requirements (will make best efforts to accommodate) or other special needs.
4. Every veteran needs to complete this – ie you can’t do a bulk registration for a platoon.
5. This registration system is just for HQ AFS, 1RAR Group and operational visitors to the Bn Group during the deployment. As a reminder, RAN and Op Iguana/UN members are being registered through other contacts.

Also – don’t forget the merchandise that is currently available through Military Shop. Search ‘Somalia’ to find some options.

See you in April.

Regards,

Ken Snell, Glenn Crosland, Vince Creagh & 9-er

Organising Committee 

1. Those who deployed will likely be presented the Meritorious Unit Citation (MUC) in time for ANZAC Day in Canberra this year.
2. The 1 RAR Association is looking after their members preparing a Master List to Government House. This is what John O'Grady is doing for all ASC Members so contact John via his email address and advise him the details he is required to advise Government House. If you are not on any list you will not be contacted by Government House with their email invitation to attend on 23 April 2023 at the Reception. The ball is in your court.

Regards