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RSL chief enjoys reward after long-term service

GROWING up in a hurry after he was conscripted to fight in Vietnam with the Ninth Battalion at age 22 in 1968-69, Bardwell Park’s Alan Barnes has now been named on the Queen’s Birthday 2020 Honours List for service to veterans and their families.

”I am a Life Member of the RSL and president of Kingsgrove Sub-Branch since 1998, and what I do is very worthwhile but I certainly don’t do it for any recognition,” he said.
“A lot of other people make everything happen so it was a nice surprise.”
The Homes for Heroes program supporter has held a number of roles for the RSL, including secretary, vice-president, delegate and advisory committee member as well as holding offices with the Far Southern Metropolitan District Council (NSW), Returned and Services League of Australia.
“The volunteer work keeps me busy and I enjoy helping people; that’s what it is all about,” Mr Barnes added.