WHILE Ian McKeown served for his country in the army, it is his service since his return that earned him a prestigious honour on the weekend.
The Cranbourne East resident received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) on Australia Day.
Mr McKeown received the accolade for his service to the community, particularly veterans and their families.
Mr McKeown is the immediate past president of the Defence Force Welfare Association Victorian Branch – a position he held from 1998 up until 2011. He was also on the association’s committee for two years prior to that.
Mr McKeown is also a TIP welfare and pensions officer and is the editor of the Supplement newsletter.
His service to veteran affairs doesn’t stop there as he was also a representative on the Victorian Ex-Service Organisation Consultative Forum.
Mr McKeown has also been involved with the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam Association Victorian Branch as a committee member from 1993 to 1998 and then from 2002 until now, as secretary and treasurer from 1998 to 2002.
As a foundation member of the Dromana and District Historical Society, Mr McKeown still has strong ties with the society as the chairman of the historical book committee and as president from 2008 to 2009.
Mr McKeown has also been the vice-president of the Australian Welsh Male Choir since 2009, and been on the committee since 1998.
Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston AC AFC (Ret’d), chairman of the Council of the Order, said the awards were public recognition of people who provided outstanding community service and whose achievements enhanced national identity.
“By their actions they demonstrate the qualities of positive role models,” he said.
“The recipients are not only worthy of respect but encourage emulations.
“These awards also recognise the quiet achievers in our midst.
“They are people who serve the community but do not seek accolades.”
