An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 27 By CPl lEE CoylE PhotoS By MARtIn RoWE T his year's IunvA annual general convention took place over 22-24 September in the talbot hotel, Claremorris, Co Mayo, a location chosen due to its proximity to a monument celebrating the sporting achievements of the late lt Gen Dermot Earley DSM, former chief of staff of the Defence Forces and one of the greatest gaelic footballers of his generation. The first day of the convention started with delegates and observers signing in, the affirmation of national delegates, and the adoption of standing orders; then it was straight to business. First up was a presentation about a booklet that is being produced that will cover ceremonial dress guidelines and the organisation's dress codes. This will give members easily accessed informa- tion on how and when various items of dress uniform should be worn. Delegates also received information about IUNVA's new website and updates on its progress. The new site will be much more user friendly and will boast a host of new features. The evening ended with a wreath- laying ceremony at the monument to Lt Gen Earley in Gortaganny, Co Mayo. The wife and daughter of the greatly loved former chief of staff attended the cer- emony and were presented with a small token from IUNVA. The second day started with updates on events organised and work carried out by IUNVA posts across the country over the past year. Many of these events con- cerned the attendance of IUNVA mem- bers at the funerals of former soldiers. The organisation´s officials also thanked IUNVA members for their visits to sick, retired soldiers who may not have many relatives, and also congratulated them for the success of the food programme, known as the 'food cloud', which help many people in need. Later the delegates were briefed on IUNVA's proposal to the Defence Forces for additions to the current pre-retire- ment course that assists personnel in adjusting to civilian life. They were also informed about the many improvements to the organisation over the last year, including the arrival of new vehicles and stands that can be used for events, as well as a new initiative that is being undertaken: the creation of a database showing the locations and dates of the deaths of Irish soldiers who died on overseas service. Coy Sgt Frank O'Connor, recently retired from Ceremonial Section, DFHQ, is helping with the construction of this database, which will be linked to IUNVA's new website. A guard of honour assembled out- side the convention venue to welcome Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM, who came to address the convention. After Vice Admiral Mellett thanked IUNVA for the invitation, he spoke about Maj Gen (retd) MJ Savino's "inspirational leadership in forming IUNVA". He also spoke about how grateful he and the nation were for the service provided by the Defence Forces. "Without our service, our society would not exist," he said, before adding, "As serving soldiers, we are only here now because of the service of others before us." Vice Admiral Mellett concluded by asking IUNVA members for their con- tinued service and support in helping others in need. Another guest speaker was Shelly Cot- ter from the Wives and Partners of the Defence Forces (WPDF), who was invited to inform the convention about the aims of the group, which was recently formed to advocate on behalf of their spouses/ partners for better working conditions. IUNVA have pledged to attend WPDF events to show support for their cause. On the final day of the convention, IUNVA presented plaques to members of A Coy, 35 Inf Bn, ONUC, in recognition of their heroic actions during the Siege of Jadotville. This was a very moving cer- emony, with 157 plaques being awarded to those involved in the siege. DF COS Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM meets IUNVA executives. IUNVA's National Welfare Officer Michael Thompson with members of WPDF. Jadotville Veterans' with their IUNVA presentation. Jadotville Veteran with his family

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