Vietnam veteran Stephen Basil Spence was "surprised" and "humbled" when he discovered he was receiving an Order of Australia Medal for his work with veterans in the Southern Highlands.
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The Renwick resident has connected with veterans, and supported them and their families through his time at Mittagong RSL's Sub-Branch.
Mr Spence said assisting former servicemen and their families was an "easy decision."
"When they put on the uniform, they put the rest of their life on hold," he said.
"It has had varying effects on people depending on where they served, and what they went through."
Mr Spence participated in National Service and did a tour of Vietnam from 1969 to the mid-1970s.
"It did have a pretty fair impact on me and left a lasting legacy with me," he said.
He is currently the president of Mittagong RSL's Sub-Branch, and took on various roles in the branch over the years.
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He has assisted veterans, and widows with securing pensions, and having their disabilities officially recognised as the Pension Officer from 2013 to 2016.
Mr Spence also supported veterans and their families as a welfare officer from 2012 to 2014.
He checked in with hospitalised veterans and their families and assisted with tribute funerals at the RSL for fallen veterans on request by their families.
"The reward is in being able to help veterans," he said.
"We get thanked by the veterans and their families, but we don't do it for that."
Mr Spence has not only assisted in the well-being of veterans but has also helped preserve, and present their legacy to RSL attendees.
The preservation of war memorabilia and preserving displays in the RSL was some of his other responsibilities.
He contributed to the writing of the centenarian of the Mitagong Sub Branch in 2019.
"That's another way of helping veterans have their stories still there and alive," he said.
Mr Pence has been a member of the Sub-Branch's Board of Directors since 2013, where he became the secretary for three years.
He has been awarded an Australian Active Service Medal, the Australian Defence Force Medal, a National Service Medal, Vietnam Star, and a Return from Active Service Badge.
He said he would be honoured to wear the OAM alongside his other medals, and hoped to receive them for VP Day on the 15th of August.
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