A man deserving of the RSL’s highest honour has been recognised for his outstanding service to the League.
State President Dr Robert Webster OAM awarded the Meritorious Service Medal to John Wells OAM, the current President of the Dandenong-Cranbourne Sub-Branch.
John joined the Berwick RSL in 1971 and transferred to Dandenong in 1975. He has proudly served in various positions, including Secretary, Special Projects Officer, and is in his 10th year as the Sub-Branch President.
But what John might be best known for is his dedication to the welfare of veterans and their families across all areas of their lives.
Outside of the RSL, John is active in sporting groups, local schools and other ex-service organisations.
In his speech, Dr Robert Webster made mention of John’s dedication to the broader community.
“His relationship with local ethnic communities has been outstanding. He has brought South Vietnamese, Iraqis, Afghans and Turks, and now Ethiopians, into Dandenong’s ANZAC Day traditions and liaised with the Vietnamese community to keep the Footscray RSL alive.”
He is also recognised for his willingness to help other Sub-Branches in times of need.
“He was asked to head the Interim Committee of Management at Healesville RSL in the mid 2010s, and at State Branch’s request undertook a review and repair of the Mornington Sub-Branch.”
In typical fashion when you ask a busy person to do anything, John is your man. He has also found the time to write an illustrated history of the Dandenong RSL and is a published children’s author.
John was honoured with a Medal in the Order of Australia in 2010, for his service to the ex-service community, especially in housing, for serving to the community of Dandenong and for services to education.
He was made a Life Member of the League in 2018.
State President Dr Robert Webster says John is a most worthy recipient of the League’s highest honour.
"John's dedication to the many varies interests throughout his life, his voluntary service to his fellow human beings and to his local communities is inspirational. He is an outstanding member of his generation, with the utmost respect in the RSL, veteran and wider community."
Dr Robert Webster OAM
