John Schnaars OAM
Trooper
Gunner/Signaller
1st Forward Delivery Troop
1st Armoured Regiment
Royal Australian Armoured Corps
Australian Army
Vietnam War Veteran
Medals and Awards
Order of Australia Medal – General Division 2019
Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75 with clasp Vietnam
Vietnam Medal
Australian Defence Medal
Anniversary of National Service 1951-72 Medal
Army Combat Badge
Returned from Active Service Badge
NAIDOC Senior Male Citizen of the Year 2004
I am an Indigenous Vietnam Veteran who has always believed in paying respect to all Indigenous Defence servicemen 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 214 Indigenous veterans throughout the state of Western Australia, plus four more in Victoria and one more in South Australia. Also, we have organised 12 memorials for all men and women who served which include one in Western Australia for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander soldiers killed and buried overseas during WW1 and WW2. We have held eleven funerals, at no cost, for families of our fallen veterans from conflicts from WW1 till today. HIWG 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/