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First 1AFH Association Newsletter stamps

Association History 

1st (Aust) Field Hospital Association, 1AFH Assoc Newsletter first stamps,

THE STORY OF THE STAMPS

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With a fragmented address list in hand, and the newly released Vietnam Veterans Nominal Roll available, the search for past serving members of 1AFH, and associated units began. 

 

Our contact list grew and we 'snail mailed' everyone to inform them of the formation of the Association as well as the upcoming 'Return of the Vampire Reunion 1998'.

 

At that stage the Association had no members and no funds so costs needed to be kept to a minimum. The stamps in this image were sourced from a stamp dealer who wanted to off load low denomination stamps at a reduced price.

Some members may recall envelopes arriving in their letter-box covered in a variety of these stamps.

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The rest, as they say, is history.

1 (Aust) FIELD HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION Incorporated

ABN 42 805 791 858

Patron: MajGen David G Rossi AO Rtd

 

ASSOCIATION TIMELINE

 

1987 – Australian Forces Vietnam Welcome Home Parade, Sydney NSW. Dave Stevenson & John Lyle had a vision to form a social club for those that served with 1AFH Vietnam and began collecting contact details.

 

1994 - Opening of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Canberra. It was obvious that more work was needed to build the 1st Australian Field Hospital Veteran Community.

 

1996 - 16th March, Melbourne, – at a small gathering of Vampires, and their families, Bob Bell (inaugural President) put forward the concept of formalising a membership-based association which was supported by all in attendance.

 

1996 - March, April and May - With a fragmented address list in hand, and the newly released Vietnam Veterans Nominal Roll available, the search began, and the contact list grew.

 

1996 - June - First newsletter containing a membership application form was mailed to all on the updated list. Within 48 hours applications arrived on the doorstep.

 

The Association was now up and running.

 

1998 – VAMPIRE Reunion, Sydney NSW 
First major reunion for past members of the unit held in conjunction with 1 Fd Hospital, Holsworthy Barracks, to celebrate the 30th Birthday of the unit (raised 1 Apr 1968, Vung Tau Vietnam). 

 

Moving through time to …… NOW 

 

The 1 (Aust) Field Hospital Association Inc. continues to evolve and grow.

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