Photo caption: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton (right) and Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor Ambrose Doolan presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Donald Harrod in recognition of his service during the Vietnam War.

A Vietnam veteran from Coonabarabran has been recognised for his military service during a special presentation recently.

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Coonabarabran’s Donald Andrew Harrod.

“Certificates of Appreciation are just one way that the Australian Government expresses its gratitude to those who have given so much in protecting our country’s interests and helping to restore and maintain peace around the world,” Mr Coulton said.

“We are grateful for the dedication and sacrifice demonstrated by our veterans’ service to Australia, and it’s important to recognise this.

“It’s an honour to be able to present this certificate to Donald, acknowledging his service in the Australian Army during the Vietnam War.

“Donald served as a Corporal in the 5th Battalion of The Royal Australian Regiment from February 1969 to March 1970.

“He was awarded a number of medals for his service including the Australian Active Service Medal – 1945-75 with Clasp Vietnam, the Vietnam Medal, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, Infantry Combat Badge and Returned from Active Service Badge.

“Thank you to Donald for his sacrifice and service. I hope this certificate can be a memento to remember the important role he played during the Vietnam War.”

Certificates of Appreciation are available for veterans who have served overseas in Australia’s Defence Forces during the Second World War and in wars, conflicts or peacekeeping operations since, or on the home front during the Second World War.

Veterans, or family members of a deceased eligible person, are invited to apply for a certificate.

Applications can be submitted to Mr Coulton’s Broken Hill electorate office at 275 Argent Street, Broken Hill NSW 2880 or via email to mark.coulton.mp@aph.gov.au.

More information about Certificates of Appreciation, including the guidelines and an application form is available at www.dva.gov.au/recognition/certificate-appreciation or by contacting the Department of Veterans’ Affairs on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).