On Tuesday, May 8, Val and Fruin Forsyth attended the monthly Grenfell RSL Sub-Branch meeting to surprise Don Forsyth, who was awarded a Lifetime Membership from NSW ANZAC House.
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RSL President Glen Ivins presented Don with a gold RSL Badge along with a tie and a certificate of service. Don had been secretary of the Grenfell RSL Sub-Branch for 17 years, he also held other positions. Val was also given a certificate of appreciation for her assistance to Don over the years, Don replied that he had really enjoyed his years as secretary.
When nominating Don for this prestigious award the Grenfell RSL submitted a Citation in support of their recommendation as follows:
Don had held the position of the Honorary Secretary, at the Grenfell RSL Sub-Branch for an outstanding period of 17 years. He volunteered and held this position from February 2000 till February 2017. The only reason Don stood down from the position of Secretary was due to ill health.
What made Don’s tender as Secretary inspiring, was that he suffered a stroke on the 17th of September 2009. The stroke did not deter him from still holding the position of secretary, Don only missed 3 monthly meetings and then, transcribed the meetings at home. Further to his duties as secretary, Don has unselfishly volunteered his own time for the mounting of service medals for ex service persons and their families, he has been doing this since 1999. At present he has mounted over 150 sets of medals for the ex service community. He receives no financial reward for doing this, this is another sign of Don’s commitment towards the ex service community.
Not only has Don displayed his dedication to the Grenfell RSL Sub-Branch, he has volunteered and been involved in a number of other positions within the sub-branch. For 17 years Don held the position of being Grenfell’s RSL representative at the South West Slopes District Council, he carried out this duty from February 2000 till February 2017. He was the Parade Commander for the sub-branch in the years of 2000 to 2007. He has held the position of Welfare Officer for 5 years from February 2012 till February 2017. Whilst being secretary Don organised the ordering and return of the badges and poppies for ANZAC and Remembrance Days, he has and still does volunteer his time and experience for school and community RSL presentations. Don has maintained an endless enthusiasm towards RSL, and this combined with his excellent personal skills and professional manner has enabled him to produce a high standard within all positions held. Don’s total dedication and tireless efforts reflect great credit upon himself and are keeping with the finest traditions and standards of the RSL.