First life member: Goulburn Valley Vietnam Veterans Association president Peter Dealy (left) presents the group’s first ever life membership to long-serving contributor Kevin Heenan, as Mr Heenan’s wife, Dawn, watches on.
Vietnam veteran Kevin Heenan has been awarded the first ever life membership of Goulburn Valley Vietnam Veterans Association.
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A Shepparton East resident brought up on a soldier settlement orchard block at Katunga, Mr Heenan was a national serviceman conscripted to serve with the Royal Australian Artillery in Vietnam.
Mr Heenan’s award citation states he has served the GVVVA with distinction since joining in the late 1990s.
“He immediately became a willing worker at all GVVVA functions, serving on the committee and assisting at social and ceremonial events,” the citation reads.
Mr Heenan was association secretary for seven years from 2003 to 2010, and president for three years from 2012 to 2014. Through this period, he was the GVVVA delegate to the Victorian State Vietnam Veteran Council, regularly attending state meetings.
Mr Heenan also arranged school education visits for Anzac Day and Vietnam Veterans Day as well as being the association’s Anzac Day and Remembrance Day representative at the Shepparton cenotaph.
Artillery man: Kevin Heenan in uniform during his Vietnam service.
Photo by
John Lewis
Mr Heenan’s other contributions include organising the installation of a GVVVA honour board at Shepparton RSL; co-ordinating the Vietnam War display at the Shepparton RSL and Shepparton Library; arranging communications for Vietnam Veterans Day services run by the GVVVA; and co-ordinating with Greater Shepparton City Council access to the Shepparton Memorial Park and acquiring the necessary ceremonial flags.
During Veterans Day commemorations, Mr Heenan has also manned the GVVVA stand, selling badges to raise funds for Vietnam veterans’ welfare.
He was also bus driver for social outings for Vietnam veterans and their families.
A keen plant propagator, Mr Heenan supported the GVVVA stand at the Numurkah Bush Market for many years, providing plants for sale at no charge.
In an emotional reply to his presentation, Mr Heenan said it was the fellowship within the GVVVA that he appreciated most.
Mr Heenan has always been supported by his wife, Dawn, and this was also recognised at his presentation.
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