Febuary 2026

 

 

 

 

 Virtue Is the Source of Nobility.

 

 

 

 

My Return from Vietnam Memoirs – Roger Dwyer

 

 

 

 

The Vietnam War that never ended with a satisfactory conclusion. It was our conquest extended war / contact, 10 years, 1962-1972, and it still continues today. 10 years of our male youth serving our country. The return journey back to Australia that never ends and is replayed each and every night to today. Just know each night can be longer than the previous and this has continued for 60 years now.

 

 

 

 

I was inducted within the 1968 National Service intake, an obligation towards the Australian Government, with the sole purpose to increase the then military personnel. The reason was to stop the North Vietnam Government invading South Vietnam against the oppositive North Vietnam Government invading the South Government and obtain a complete communist country and it’s intention of spreading to other nearby countries and also securing Australia from threat.

 

 

 

 

I spent 15 months as an Infantry soldier within Vietnam which naturally changed my mindset, attitude and personally because a normal Australian citizen / civilian / does not encounter and endure this at the young age of 20 – 22 years.

 

 

 

 

Now it’s time, come home to Australia as my obligation and duty is complete on behalf of the Australian Government and its citizens. A corporal pats me on the shoulder, “Dwyer tour time is up, be on the next Qantas plane leaving on Wednesday. Take your kit bag and a change of civilian clothes”.

 

 

 

 

We landed at Singapore airport and told to discard all military clothes, including our famous slouch hat, our true Australian military symbol, which we wore with pride continuing the previous generations of military personnel / veterans. All military clothes were confiscated, including my hat which I never saw again.

 

 

 

 

By now, 15 months involved within a War Zone country with complete military activity, my mind and body had changed to a different person. “Often Quoted” by Mothers and Wives, “My Husband – Son is a different person now” after completion of duty.

 

 

 

 

The Qantas plane circled Sydney airport until after curfew, enabling all civilian staff personnel to leave and go home. It then landed at the furthest strip with only one small gate to exit through and enter home  (Australia). We did not realize or know what was occurring at home by both Government and civilians and then the RSL who was obliged to assist us. A total disgrace.  Oh, what a surprise awaited us and we received it.

 

 

 

 

The Qld and Australian RSLs what with World War 2 veterans were the disgrace. Walking down Queen St people stopped and just stared at us. Who are these groups of people 1968. “We were Different”. Short haircuts and clothes two years old, leather polished shoes, no joggers or jeans. We expected some type of gratitude after representing Australia within combat conditions, another surprise, no pats on the back, no handshakes, no gratitude. Then a young smartly dressed woman walked directly toward us purposely and spat into our faces and screamed “Baby Killers”. We were bewildered as to this. What was the reason and why this unbelievable conduct?  What a disappointment, and that image is still a reflection today 60 years on.

 

 

 

 

Obtaining Previous Employment.

 

 

 

 

By law, all conscripts were eligible to be reemployed at their previous jobs. But another surprise awaited us, that position has been filled by a current person so then came the problem to us veterans. DVA did not exist then, so once again no assistance by government to enforce law. Who would want to reinstate us “Different People” back to private companies and no other private companies were to provide assistance. So, each individual was on his own to regain employment. Most times at some alternate company that did not provide adjustment back to civilian lifestyle.

 

 

 

 

A larger much more serious issue awaited some Veterans. Previous marriages quickly broke up, we were different people now, suicides started occurring, new marriages did not last long and 80% of marriages were dissolved. The adjustment, both mental and physical was not easy and without any guidance by senior military, government person, and repeat Australia and Queensland RSL discarded us, in particular World War 2 veterans disregarded us. “You were not involved in a Real War” and so it also became another significant issue, and the suicides still continue today and the nightmare still last and the ruminating deeper in the mind each night. They became very long nights, people and civilians cannot realize and know how difficult it becomes for the mind to rest and stop ruminating the numerous times I have said to myself, “I will never get to sleep tonight”. Never once I have been able to sleep throughout the night for the last 60 years.

 

 

 

 

It’s not too late to shake the hand of a Vietnam veteran and thank him for his contributions and know he is entitled to his dose of alcohol each day. I returned to the Golf industry and by fate became very successful, hence finance to construct Camp Gregory Veterans Retreat. Currently there is not an equal within Australia. After many years of everyone wandering around within inner dimension circle one ingenious government said you people suffer from PTSD – What is That. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Wonderful diagnosis – How do you cure. Still no cure or solution which reoccurs regularly along with skin rashes from aerial spray of toxic chemical spray to kill jungle trees and vegetation without any consideration of any human being under the branches including ourselves.

 

 

 

 

It is a very unfortunate issue that the current generation has no idea of what we had to endure throughout our lives, there is an old Quote by Vietnam Veteran “The next day begins when the sun goes down.”

 

 

 

 

Veterans quickly isolated themselves from civilian neighbours and no work personnel could understand and accept their conversations. So quickly they found their own Ex Vietnam personnel to discuss individual issues and confide with each other over these new current ongoing issues and problems. Be aware there was no DVA department of veteran affairs. We classified as a “Bottle of Milk”. Government drank the top half with cream and the bottom half we then had to survive on ourselves that had little nourishment.

 

 

 

 

I wish to make it very clear to all Australian citizens and personnel in their own mind that the federal government both sides of the isle have never endevoured to fully assist returned Vietnam Veterans and I will include their families with grateful intentions and requirements. We lost a complete generation of good quality men for no legitimate reason just to appease United States government. Oh, what a mistake. If you know a Vietnam veteran go and shake his hand and say “Thank You for your Service.” It’s not too late, still I am getting closer to complete my National obligation I at 78. How it will be a long night again.

 

 

 

 

There was even the federal government minister, Jim Cairn’s joining in and accompanying leading protesters against us who we had just fulfilled our obligation, chosen by the government to represent them. Remember- It was not our individual choice or decision to become involved in a combat war and we now returned were not in a position to object. We just had to accept it.

 

 

 

 

The Government’s different attitude in assisting protesters against us with the protest and demeaning us to the public, who had no knowledge what really occurred within Vietnam.  Know that all newspaper and TV presenters were centred within Australia by Government, so the public only knew what they controlled. We and our families were the silent few small groups of Australians. We could not discuss or mention we served our country, and yourself in fear of abuse and reprisal against us. “The Baby Killer’s” & “Not a Real War” via the RSL controlled by World War 2 Veterans was alive and well, so we had to isolate ourselves which still continues today. Most live away on rural properties without distractions.

 

 

 

 

The government of the day purposely persuaded the public against us veterans the “Baby Killers” & not a “Real War” was alive & well for the spraying of highly poison chemical many years for us to endure and ignore. The rashes on our bodies became so bad and widespread, they included it in a popular song of the day, and then started, commenced, birth defects, and also male sperm not being reproductive for wives to become pregnant again leading to marriage breakdowns. The spraying of highly poison chemical “Agent Orange” used to defoliate trees, but it also washed down rivers and creeks then into our large dam supply at Nui Dat.

 

 

 

 

We washed and drank this highly toxic water daily. The medical staff at Nui Dat and Canberra both knew of the highly toxic spray but did nothing to cease it. As I write today, I have itchy rashes break out on my body somewhere. The dermatitis in both toes and fingers according to DVA chemists, there is no ointment, there is no cure. Of course, they would not accept it was used on us human beings until 15 years later and therefore there will be no conclusion to the Vietnam war until we all die, which will be sooner rather than later. DVA chemists cannot prescribe ointment because the government will not disclose the toxic chemical mix used so the renumeration and nightmares continue indefinitely to eternity. Physical and mental lives, suicide, would have been avoided. Billions of ongoing costs to taxpayer’s civilians. What gross stupidity by Prime Minister of the time. All the way with LBJ American President – unbelievable that man has a lot of repenting to do. Quote Vietnam Veteran if the bullet misses your head, the one that passed you by will eventually. Sometimes it takes a long time for a Dog to have his day.

 

 

 

 

I returned to the Golf industry and via fate became successful within the industry and so was able to commence and complete another phase within my life efforts and achievements. Camp Gregory Veterans and 1^st Responders 40-acre retreat at the mouth of the Gegory River. What a wonderful establishment it has become. Security, Tranquillity, Safe Haven to all free of charge veterans and 1^st responders.

 

 

 

 

Every transition within life should end on a good note.

 

 

 

 

One year say 2009 we Vietnam Veterans as a group of 12 were playing golf at Bargara, we played early so by midday we were enjoying others company and individual stories of past experiences. So, one person said we should have a Retreat to go to, another said “Yes the government should supply one”. Another said, “In your Dreams”. They don’t care about us now beer cans half full or half empty depending on which side of the table you sit on.

 

 

 

 

I am listening and absorbing these conversations.   I then put up my hand up, silence, I have a plan, of course one person spoke “What are you up to this time Roggie”. First, we purchase a carton of cold beer split up between our four-wheel drives and follow me. One hour of driving through Woodgate national park via only 2 tracks still used by horse and sulky, we arrive at the position I intended.

 

 

 

 

Sharpie gets out of the vehicle can of beer empty, “Well Roger, you have really done it this time. You have brought us to “One street short of the end of the earth”’. Forest trees surrounded us, where are we another said, I replied with full can and walk follow me. No gate crawl through barb wire fence, back to visual of Vietnam through bush and five minutes chatter we arrived at mouth of Gregory River. All could not believe their eyes, “Heaven on Earth” one said.

 

 

 

 

We now call it Camp Gregory Veterans Retreat, for Veterans and First Responders as they deserve some seclusion also.

 

 

 

 

Now in 2026 with the camp completely established, it will prove to all personal and include government bureaucrats the value of the construction and purpose for current and future generations to utilize and benefit from. This success confirms correct decision to form a partnership with Burnett Mary Group.

 

 

 

 

It is a shame and tragedy that my main Co – Founder of Camp Gregory Veteran Retreat Brian “Simmo” Simpson Vietnam War Hero involved in both battle of Coral & Balmoral recently passed away recently with cancer. He would be so proud to read this story, because he was also involved the complete time and same circumstances within his return circle.

 

 

 

 

It is Now the end of the Road. I have paid my dues. I now daily wish to forget or remember it ever occurred.

 

A soldier with PTSD fell in a hole and couldn’t get out. A Senior NCO went by and the Soldier with PTSD called out for help. The Senior NCO yelled at him and told him to suck it up, dig deeper & drive on, then threw him a shovel. But the Soldier with PTSD could not suck it up and drive on, so he dug the hole deeper.

 

 

 

 

A Senior Officer went by and the Soldier with PTSD called out for help. The Senior Officer told him to use the tools your Senior NCO has given you, then threw him a bucket. But the Soldier with PTSD was using the tools his Senior NCO gave him, so he dug the hole deeper and filled the bucket.

 

 

 

 

A Psychiatrist walked by the Soldier with PTSD said, “Help I can’t get out.” The Psychiatrist gave him some drugs and said, “Take this it will relieve the pain.” The Soldier with PTSD said thanks, but the pills ran out, he was still in the hole.

 

 

 

 

A well-known Psychologist rode by and heard the Soldier with PTSD cries for help. He stopped and asked, “How did you get in there” Where you born there? Did your parents put you there? Tell me about yourself, it will alleviate your sense of loneliness. So, the Soldier with PTSD talked with him for an hour, then the Psychologist had to leave, but he said he’d be back next week. The Soldier with PTSD thanked him, but he was still in the hole.

 

 

 

 

A Priest came by. The Soldier with PTSD called for help. The Priest gave him a Bible and said, “I’ll say a prayer for you.” He got down on his knees and prayed for the Soldier with PTSD, then left. The Soldier with PTSD was very grateful, he read the Bible but was still stuck in the hole.

 

 

 

 

A DVA Official stopped and asked, “Why are you in this hole.” The DVA Official said to the Soldier with PTSD, send the request in Triplicate and we will Respond to it in Due time.

 

 

 

 

A Recovering Soldier with PTSD happening to be passing by the Soldier with PTSD cried out, “Hey help me.” I’m stuck in this hole!

 

 

 

 

Right away the recovering Soldier with PTSD jumped down the hole with him. The Soldier with PTSD said, “What are you doing”? Now we are both stuck in here!! But the recovering Soldier with PTSD said, Calm Down, It’s Okay, I’ve been here before, and I know how to get out.

 

 

 

 

Vietnam Veteran,

 

 

 

 

1968-1970

 

 

 

 

Founder Camp Gregory Veterans Retreat.

 

 

 

 

Roger Dwyer.