PETER J. FORBES

Veterans of the Vietnam War, Inc. and The Veterans Coalition

National  Commander
Board Member
Australian Commander

Veterans Fund of the United States

President
 

Contact Information

805 So. Township Boulevard
Pittston, PA  18640
Phone: 570-603-9740(office)
           570-603-9741(fax)

E-mail:  [email protected]

Military Background

1971 Combat Medic, 7^th Platoon, C Company, 3^rd Battalion,  Royal Australian Regiment (Old Faithful)

Drum Major and Piper, 3^rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment Pipes and Drums
 

Civilian Experience

Mining with Broken Hill South Pty Ltd

Design Engineering and Corporate Fleet Manager for the largest armoured car corporation in the world.

Equine Supplement and Human Health Food company in Australia

Additional Affiliations

Associate Member Representative – Veterans Day National Committee
Non Commissioned Officers Association

Clan Forbes Society Life Member

Biography 

     During the mid 80’s I was searching for a Veterans Organization that had as its main direction the welfare of Veterans and their families and to embrace the brotherhood of all Veterans.
     Many Veterans organizations had started off with this agenda.   However, due to many circumstances, the direction had changed to one of self-gratification and in many cases the seeking of public awards became the main focus. Just like so many Veterans, I too, had become disenchanted.      In 1989 I decided to become involved with the Veterans of the Vietnam War, Inc., a dedicated Veterans brotherhood organization. I sought direction from the National Office of the Veterans of the Vietnam War as to how to go about introducing the VVnW, Inc. into Australia and in 1991 this took place.  We have tried to bring self-esteem, pride, fitness and strength through unity during the last thirteen years of the VVnW, Inc. AU through many projects. The VVnW, Inc. AU instigated and managed the Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Day Celebrations on the closest Sunday to the 18^th of August each year.   The VVnW, Inc. AU put forward a proposal and gained a grant to start the VVnW, Inc. Veterans Rowing Club, the first of its kind in the world. The Veterans Assisting the Community and Environment projects like the River Torrens Rehabilitation project are projects that ensure awareness of the Veterans and promote their being part of and interested in the Community. This particular project focuses on the Veterans giving back to the community in the way of rehabilitating the River Torrens which has been closed to public use for over 30 years. The VVnW, Inc. AU along with the VVnW, Inc. International Head Office have made representation through U.S. Congressman Paul Kanjorski for a treaty between Australia and the United States for reciprocal health treatment for United States and Australian Veterans living in or traveling within each country.
     Other projects include the Anzac Gunfire Breakfast operated in conjunction with the military after the Dawn Service on the Anzac Day Morning on the 25^th of April each year.
     We found a need within the Veteran Community throughout Australia where indigent Veterans were being buried as paupers.  To guarantee that Veterans would receive a respectful, military-style burial at no cost we established, along with Blackwell Funerals, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Veterans Burial Trust Fund.  This fund has now buried Australian and American Veterans and laid them to rest with due respect. I have volunteered at VVnW International Headquarters for over eight years.   In 2003, I was elected to the position of VVnW U.S. National Vice Commander.  I served as an Advisor to the VVnW National Board of Directors. 
     I serve on the following committees:  Homeless Veterans/United Veterans Beacon House Committee; National Convention Coordinator; Member, National Membership Committee;  President, Veterans Fund of the U.S; I have been instrumental in programs which involve U.S. flag awareness, support our troops signs,  public relations, promotional/informational travel, military support packages, and Supporting Our Veterans in the War Against Terrorism Project. VVnW is a proud sponsor of TAPS and we have completed the Peer Mentor Training conducted in Arlington, Virginia.
     Two of our main focuses are being our brother’s keeper by building the United Veterans Beacon Houses, the homeless veterans program of the VVnW and the Military Support Program that shows support and encouragement of those who are serving as our messengers of Peace and Freedom. 

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