Although the pandemic created challenges, it did not stop the Southern Highlands Sub Branch of the National Servicemen's Association from making 2021 a busy and triumphant year.
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The group known as NASHOs, offered their support to many causes this year.
This included upgrades to the Sutton Forest Memorial, and $400 donations to the Highlands Pipes and Drums, the Australian Light Horse Association in Moss Vale, Can Assist and the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
The association also held an Anzac Day ceremony and National Servicemen's Day ceremony (February 14) at Sutton Forest.
Despite long periods of isolation and the desire for members, most in their 80s, to connect with others, NASHOs had the opportunity to unite and celebrate the year that was.
Forty veterans and partners connected with one another at a Christmas dinner courtesy of the Mittagong RSL Club on December 4.
Members also gathered at the Sutton Forest National Service Memorial on December 23 to celebrate the year's achievements and draw their Christmas raffle.
Two limited-edition Great War bears clad in historically correct soldiers and sailors uniforms were up for grabs, and tickets sold fast.
The bears were in popular demand, which meant the association decided to include another raffle for an nurse and aviator bear in 2022.
Sub-branch President Robert Brown thanked the Mittagong RSL Club and Bunnings for their continuing support over many years.
Patron Duncan Gair acknowledged the sub-branch's commitment to ex-service people and the wider community.
Meetings are held at Mittagong RSL Club on the second Wednesday of each month.
Membership is open to all ex-service people and enquiries can be directed to sub-branch secretary Norm Mallard on 0419 682 444.
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The first National Service Scheme ran from 1951 to 1959.
Eighteen-year-olds were called up and 227,000 individuals served in 52 intakes.
Twenty-year-old males had to register for the second scheme between 1965 and 1972, when 63,735 men were called up for two years' full-time service.
About 150 served in Borneo and 15,381 in Vietnam, where 212 conscripts died on active service.
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