An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir September 2015 www.dfmagazine.ie 10 | VETERAN'S NEWS VETERAN'S NEWS VETERAN'S NEWS IUNVA GENERAl CONVENTION 2015 REPORT AND PhOTOS by CPL LEE COyLE I n June, An Cosantóir attended IUNVA's annual general convention hosted by Post 5 at the Commons Express Inn, Cork. In attendance were National Chairman Eddie Robin- son, National Secretary Dan Garland, National Treasurer bSM Mick Dillon, National Vice-President Mick butler, representatives of 19 posts, and members of the association from around the country. Also present, as guests, were lt Col Ray O'lehan (representing GOC 1 bde) and lt Col Ollie barber, Director PSS. On the agenda were yearly reports from the secretary, treasurer, developments officer, welfare officer, chairman of the finance committee, director of ceremonies, purchasing officer, property officer, webmaster, and individual posts. IUNVA, which was founded in 1990, has the approval of the minister of defence, and is non-denominational, non-political and non-sectarian. It currently has 1,170 members in 21 posts throughout Ireland. Among the association's objectives are providing counselling to members and their families; providing help for those who have suffered as a result of their service overseas; keeping contact with other nations' UN veterans organisations; enhancing the pub- lic's understanding of the role of the UN; and promoting and protecting the interests of IUNVA and its members. Membership is available to any Irish resident who is a serving or former member of the Defence Forces or An Garda Síochána, and who has served at least 90 days on an overseas UN mission. Members range from 30-year-olds to 91-year-old former chaplain Canon Bob Jen- nings (retd), a member of Post 21 (Bray), who is a Korean War veteran, having served there with the British Army's Welsh Regiment. Post 15 (Cavan), has the youngest average age, at 41, just under half of whom are still serving in the Defence Forces. Its members also include the only woman in IUNVA, Pte Michelle Tarpey, who is serving with McKee Bks Camp Staff, and Paul Coventry, the only living recipient of the Military Medal for Gallantry (with Merit). The association is very important to its members and it is impressive to see their passion and dedication to helping and supporting each other and any other ex-ser- vicemen or women who need their help. 'Comrade' is a term widely used by members and the genuine way in which it is used makes visitors feel very welcome and at ease in their company. Listening to reports from the posts, quickly demonstrates how important IUNVA is to ex-servicemen and women and communities through the work and support they provide, such as cleaning memorials, painting special needs houses, and attending commemorations, parades and other events throughout the country. A moving example of the practical work done by the association was given by a member of IUNVA HQ who told the story of an ex-serviceman found sleeping rough around Dublin Airport by two ex-servicemen who now work with the Airport Police. They contacted IUNVA HQ who arranged a house for the individual and gave him the support he needed. On a sad note most posts experienced deaths of members during the last year and some posts are now experiencing low numbers. However, on the positive side a number of dormant posts have been reactivated over the last while, which is good news for the association. IUNVA currently has a number of projects in the works, one of which is acquiring a Renault van with built-in shelving and displays, which can be used for doing military shows and school talks around the country. An Cosantóir would like to thank the management of IUNVA for the invitation to attend their convention and we look forward to seeing and working with IUNVA members in the future. IUNVA National Treasurer, BSM Mick Dillon, DFHQ.

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