Around 88 veteran national servicemen attended the launch of the Veterans in Need campaign for 2024, initiated by the Veterans Aid Fund (VAF).
The event on 18 January in the hall of the Dutch Reformed Church in Du Toitspan Road, Kimberley, provided a warm welcome to those present with the VAF Rat Pack. It then commenced with a salute to veterans no longer with us, featuring the military song, “Tweejaar,” sung by Philip Moolman, a director of the VAF.
Veterans of diverse units, reminiscing about service days in the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s, converged.
Past. Ensie Ennslin led a morning meditation, praising the VAF for its support of the almost-forgotten veterans.
Quintus Smalman, chief executive officer (CEO), delivered an informative session, highlighting the vital role every veteran played during their national service.
Col Dries Oelofse, former officer in command at 3 Parachute Battalion, emphasised the unity of military veterans, and the importance of comradeship.
The veterans shared experiences, laughter, and touching moments, with prizes awarded and a male veterans’ choir singing well-known songs.
The veterans, most in need, received deserved support. Liz Bouwer, head of humanitarian affairs, distributed R500 vouchers.
The VAF encouraged veterans to share anecdotes and articles for the magazine, The Veteran, as well as for the developing Veterans Museum.
To learn more about the VAF, visit veteransaidfund.co.za.
