John Schnaars OAM
Retired Trooper
Gunner/Signaller
1st Forward Delivery Troop, 1st Armoured Regiment
Royal Australian Armoured Corps
Vietnam War Veteran

Medals and Awards
Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75 with clasp
Vietnam Medal
Australian Defence Medal
Anniversary of National Service 1951-72 Medal
Returned from Active Service Badge
Army Combat Badge
NAIDOC Senior Male Citizen of the Year 2004
Order of Australia Medal (General Division) 2019

I am an Indigenous Vietnam Veteran who has always believed in paying respect to all indigenous defence service men and women who have served Australia in times of conflict. As a result of this vision I established,  in 2005, the not-for-profit organisation Honouring Indigenous War Graves Inc. (HIWG). Our perseverance and strength resulted in the placement of many headstones throughout Western Australia for those indigenous veterans who otherwise would not have been recognised, along with a ceremony of recognition and acknowledgement for the families of these veterans. Between 2005 – 2010 I, along with many supporters, enabled the acknowledgement of over 100 indigenous veterans throughout the state. H.I.W.G. Inc. has touched the hearts of many families, communities, ex- and current defence personnel and many others through our collective ability to “make it happen” by providing a long overdue opportunity for family and friends to openly share their love and pride for their passed loved ones’ efforts. What drives me?  Lest We Forget”

http://www.hiwg2005.websyte.com.au/