Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann MP, has today congratulated four local deserving current and former servicemen for their contributions to Australia’s overseas efforts.

The Australian Government's Saluting Their Service Certificates of Appreciation are a way of expressing the nation's gratitude to those who served in the defence forces or on the home front in the Second World War or in wars, conflicts and peace operations overseas since.

After beginning an apprenticeship at the Railway Workshops, Doug Simonds served as a RAAF ground staff fitter between 1942 and 1946, and was posted in Moratai and Borneo to assist Australia’s efforts in the Second World War.

Ken Hartwell served for the Royal Australian Navy between 1951 and 1972 in Australia’s efforts in South East Asia, including the Korean War, the Malayan Emergency, peace operations in Indonesia and the Vietnam War.

Between 1963 and 1965 and 1969 and 1970 Stanley “Ray” Watherston served in RAAF peace operations in Malaysia, and in the Vietnam War.

Steve Currie contributed to Australia’s efforts in the Middle East between 1977 to 2012, and remains posted at Amberley RAAF Base.

Steve served in Operation Slipper, Operation Catalyst, and Operation Mazurka: the Australian Contingent of Multi-National Force and Observers, serving in Egypt, Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Mr Neumann acknowledged the four men represented a tremendous combined service to Australian defence force operations, spanning from the Second World War to today.

“Ipswich is a garrison town, and it’s important to take time to recognise the efforts of our local servicemen and women who have spent large periods of time away from their families in conflicts and overseas operations.

“The certificates presented today are just a small way for me as their Federal representative to recognise the outstanding contributions these men have made to Australia’s Defence operations,” Mr Neumann said.