Servicemen honoured

By Bridget Brady
FOUR men from the City of Casey last week received the Australian Defence Medal during a special presentation at the Cranbourne RSL.
Federal Holt MP Anthony Byrne presented the medals on 27 August to recognise the service of past and present members of the Australian Defence Force.
Corporal Wayne Selvey, 48, of Narre Warren South; assault trooper Michael Haslam, 39, of Berwick; Lance Corporal Paul Bennets, 41, of Berwick; and Able Seaman Adrian Collins, 27, of Cranbourne East, each received one of the medals.
Mr Haslam said he’d learned skills he could use in everyday life during his four years of training on the 4th/19th Prince of Wales Light Horse based in Carlton where he underwent an assault trooper course.
Mr Haslam said he was honoured to receive the medal.
“It’s a good experience and I would encourage anyone to give it a go. You definitely come out a better person,” Mr Haslam said.
Mr Byrne said the public paid a lot of attention to sporting heroes and film stars, but did not talk enough about service men and women.
“Members of the defence forces often contribute in unseen and unrecognised ways. It’s an honour on behalf of the community to express our gratitude for the commitment and sacrifice of Australian Defence Force members.”
Lieutenant Michael De Zilva assisted with the presentation of the medals and said they were an important way to identify and encourage the work of service men and women. He said medals were a source of pride to their owners.
The Australian Defence Medal is awarded to regular and reserve force members who have completed their initial enlistment period of four years service since World War II and 3 September, 1945.
Any current or former Australian Defence Force member who wanted more information on eligibility or applying for the Australian Defence Medal can contact Anthony Byrne on 9796 7533.