An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 13 briefed delegates on the Alliance of Retired Public Servants, which is lobbying to address the issue of state pension reductions. As ONE is excluded from the Had- dington Road agreement, the Alliance has as an important role to play in protect- ing veterans' pensions. The head of ONE's Strategic Committee, Lt Gen Gerry McMahon (retd), then ad- dressed delegates on the future of the organisation, telling them: "It's great to see what has been achieved through all the hard work that ONE, along with IUNVA and ARCO, has done, and that we are now recognised in the veterans policy in the new White Paper". Gen McMahon spoke about the Strategic Committee's draft five-year plan for 2016-2021, titled 'Building for the Future', which has to be agreed by the board be- fore being sent out to the branches for deliberation, after which the final draft will be presented at next year's convention for acceptance. The draft plan contains information on the organisation under the headings of 'CEO and Board', 'Vision', 'Mission', 'What We Do', 'Values and Structure' and 'Stra- tegic Plan'. Gen McMahon said the plan was designed to enhance public awareness of the organisation and to increase finances and membership. Brú na bhFiann manager, Dick Dillon, then spoke about the great, and not well known, work the staff of the house do for many ex-service personnel who may find themselves homeless for a variety of reasons. "Brú na bhFiann was founded as a home- less initiative," he told conference, "and is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year." The home, which is audited quarterly and annually by Dublin City Council, has nine staff (five full-time and four part-time), seven of whom have military backgrounds. Dick (a retired sergeant major from 5 Inf Bn who I had the pleasure to serve under, and rarely heard speaking softly!) spoke about his residents with care and compassion as he informed delegates about the great service ONE's homeless initiative provides for our former comrades. The conference was hushed while Dick gave the background of some of Brú na bhFiann's residents (without revealing their identities), such as one man in the third stage of Huntington's disease. "There is no help from the Defence Forces now he's left," Dick said. "It's up to us in ONE to help these veterans." Dick told the delegates that he and his staff have the highest regard for the residents, and reminded members of ONE that when visiting ONE HQ, which is located in Brú na bhFiann, they are entering the residents' home, and that they shouldn't look down on the residents "unless they are offering a hand up". Addressing the delegates directly, Dick said: "Did anyone here ever visit any- one in one of ONE's homes? Did you ever drop-off a Christmas present? Only you can answer these questions." In conclusion, he said: "We must fully support ONE fundraising initiatives, as this is what we were set up for. And we need to be set up for future DF person- nel who will be in need of our help – because this problem is not going away!" After a well deserved standing ovation, a delegate from youghal said that he had used the overnight accommodation available in Brú na bhFiann and was impressed with the way both residents and guest are treated, and he congratulated Dick and his staff for their work. The final speaker was Lt Col Dermot Hannifin (OC 2 Arty Regt), who was representing the chief of staff as a guest. "I'm here representing the COS," he said, "but really I'm here to represent the serving members of the Defence Forces and to acknowledge the great work you have done, and the work you continue to do. I think you have finally been given that recognition in the new White Paper's veterans policy." Lt Col Hannifin also encouraged members of ONE to attend the new Friday Clubs being held around the country to meet with serving members and to learn about current DF equipment and technologies. The evening concluded with a number of presentations. In a very tight, three-branch finish, Mayo won the Branch of the year award, while ONE medallions were presented to Jim Nolan (Roger Casement branch) for 43 years service with the organisation; to Lt Gen McMahon, for his service to ONE; and to Dick Dillon, in recognition of his great work with Brú na bhFiann. Finally, Gus Hennessy handed over the chain of office to the incoming president, Mick Carroll. ONE's CEO, Ollie O'Connor ONE Mayo branch receiving their Branch of the Year award. Sgt Major Dick Dillon Retd, speaking about Brú na bhFiann.

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