At 20-years-old, Shayne O’Brien’s life was changed forever one day in 1967 when he was called up for military training.
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The young man put off his teaching career and posed for a photo in his new military outfit – a bittersweet present for his mother in case he never came back.
He was sent over to Vietnam as a reinforcement in October 1968 and joined the first battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment. There he was assigned to a rifle company and worked as a signaler.
“Looking back on it, it’s an experience I wouldn’t like to relive again, but I can see that while I was over there I made good friends, I enjoyed the camaraderie of the other blokes,” Mr O’Brien said.
Although many veterans faced anger upon their return from the unpopular war, Mr O’Brien said he was lucky enough to have a family and community who understood.
“I think that’s helped tremendously in the readjustment that you have to make when you come back from being in the army to civilian life,” he said.
He said he was very proud of the work the local Vietnam veteran group had accomplished in the community.
Locals are invited to commemorate Vietnam veterans today at 5pm. The Inverell RSL will host a short service at the Vietnam memorial in front of the RSM Club, and all are welcome to come along a lay wreaths.