Woodcutters pay tribute to Vietnam veterans
TED Hawken has been to every Vietnam Veterans' Day since it began in 1988.
Mr Hawken was a Warrant Officer and a signaller in the Vietnam War.
He also served in Malaya in 1957 to 1959 and in Papua New Guinea in 1963.
He used to walk through the fields with a radio on his back and would send messages from patrols back to the artillery base.
"We would send fire orders on where to put the guns and shells at the other end," he said.
Now he serves his community as a welfare officer and assists veterans who may have hidden away since the war.
"It's to help people who don't realise their medical entitlements from the war," Mr Hawken said.
The veteran has had his own medical issues since his time in Vietnam.
He was diagnosed with bowel cancer and feels it was caused by his time in the war.
"We're always lucky to be alive," He said.
"But, you're always on edge and just like in the army; everything has to be 10 minutes ahead of time.
"You were always on edge when in operation and you bring that home with you."
He keeps himself busy with his mates at the Warwick Warriors Woodcutters.
"It keeps us active so we're not just sitting around moping," he said.
"It's good to get together and get away from everything and it's special to commemorate those men."'
