East Maitland RSL Sub-Branch members Peter Harvey and Neil Cromarty have been awarded Life Memberships for their service to the Returned Service League of Australia.
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The two men have a combined 79 years of membership with the club during which time they have held multiple positions.
Mr Harvey has been a member of RSL NSW and East Maitland RSL sub-Branch for 53 years, including stints as President, Vice President, and Welfare Officer. For a number of years he has also been caretaker at the East Maitland War Cemetery on behalf of the sub-Branch - a position he takes take great pride in.
"To receive Life Membership of the RSL is not only a rewarding but humbling experience," Mr Harvey said. "I feel very honoured to have been nominated by my peers for this very prestigious award."
Mr Harvey served six years in the Australian Army in the Infantry Corps with 3rd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment in Malaysia which included deployments to the Thai Border Area in 1964 and to Sarawak (Borneo) a year later.
Mr Cromarty has been as an "exceptional" member of the East Maitland Sub-Branch since 1994 and has held the office of Sub-Branch Secretary for 23 years; Assistant Secretary for a year and Welfare Officer. His outstanding organisational skills have been invaluable in preparing for ANZAC and Remembrance Day Services.
"It was an honour to be awarded Life Membership and a very pleasant surprise to be recognised by my peers," he said. "I thank both the RSL and the sub-Branch members for giving me the opportunity to support veterans and their families."
Mr Neil Cromarty served nine years in the Australian Army in the Royal Australian Mechanical and Electrical Engineers and completed two tours of duty in Vietnam. He received two unit citations; United States of America Meritorious Unit Commendation and Republic of South Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, relating to his service with 1st Battalion RAR, which formed the third Battalion of 173rd Airborne Brigade, US Army.
NSW RSL Acting State President Ray James OAM made the presentation at a moving ceremony at the East Maitland War Memorial Centre.