A ROSEWOOD resident has received acknowledgement from the Returned Services League of Queensland for his commitment to the organisation.
For a cumulative total of 30 years, James Trevethan has shared stories, made long life friends and assisted in the running of events and meetings with the RSL branches at Laidley and Rosewood.
His career in the Australian Defence Force began on October 30, 1965.
Prior to joining the Army, James was a primary school teacher in Brisbane and during this time his interest to join the Army grew because he viewed it as a new adventure.
His first military role was in the Army Educational Corps as a Lieutenant where he taught and trained soldiers into their current and future roles.
James said he enjoyed this role because it challenged him to ensure command, leadership and management were enforced to give his students the best training and learning environment possible.
“This was an extremely rewarding role in many ways as every day I felt as though I was helping others reach their goals while leaving with a sense of accomplishment,” he said.
“Young soldiers would turn to me for educational tips and also advice to do with their everyday life, each individual became like family who I mentored until they graduated to reach their goals.”
Over time, James was promoted to Captain and finally to Major before he retired in January, 1990.
“I spent a total of 25 years in the Forces and knew that in my retirement I still wanted to be involved with the comradery that I felt during all of those years in the Army,” he said.
“The Laidley RSL was the closest branch in my area so I decided to join.
“It was a great feeling and a place where I felt I could share my experiences with like-minded people.
“Meetings would take place regularly and I was involved in many Anzac Day and Remembrance Day services.
“Marching in parades was also a highlight as I saw it as a time to share the honour of serving my country with families of the community.”
In 2009, James moved to Rosewood and he also transferred his membership with the RSL from the Laidley branch to Rosewood.
“The Rosewood branch is just full of friendly and inspirational members, some who served the same time that I did, and some others who served before my time and after,” he said.
“I feel that when you are in the forces you build a special bond with your fellow work colleagues something that is missed when you leave after so long.
“The RSL branch has given me this bond, friendship and a safe place to be able to connect with others who have shared a similar experience, for this I am grateful and it is a pleasure to be a part of.”
Away from the RSL, James enjoys many social outings.
He is involved with lawn bowls and dancing groups which meet weekly for day trips, competitive events and teachings.
“Being active and social is what keeps me going, I am grateful for my friends and also for the groups that I am involved with,” he said.
“Receiving this certificate was quite overwhelming and it means a lot to me, thank you to the Rosewood Sub Branch and to RSL Queensland.”
