But for medical reasons, it was one he said was necessary. 

Since moving to Wagga and joining the local branch, Mr Edmonds has rarely missed a commemorative service – a familiar face with his proudly displayed service medals adorning his chest. 

Nor has he missed many scheduled sub-branch meetings.

Not even a visit to the hospital could keep the 88-year-old one of these regular gatherings, discharging himself from hospital one time this year and arriving with a cannula in his arm.  

Despite ill health, the Korean War veteran said he would continue assisting fellow military men and women as best he could for as long as he could. 

Mr Edmonds enlisted for military service as a teenager in Wagga and spent two years in Japan with occupational forces before entering the Korean conflict as an infantryman in September, 1951.

Following his service, he joined the RSL in Albion Park. A few years after moving back to Wagga in the 1980s, he signed up again.

Mr Edmonds said he had witnessed many changes across the decades. But he said the purpose of the charity-based organisation remained the same: to support servicemen and women of all capacities and ages. 

After almost two years in the organisation’s top post, he the mission of the charity had always come first. 

“There’s never been anything personal for me in it,” Mr Edmonds said. “It’s always been about the members and the families that need our support.”

His leadership followed the 13-year presidency of Kevin Kerr, who stood down in 2017.

Following his election, the then 86-year-old said his age was not a problem for the demanding job, priding himself on being able to get along with veterans of past wars and present conflicts alike.

This trait will be his legacy as president, according to fellow member and treasurer David Williams, who said Mr Edmonds was one of the first to focus on amalgamating and improving the relationship between older and contemporary veterans. 

“He had quite a hand in that,” Mr Williams said.

“That will be his greatest legacy.

“He was thoroughly enjoying the role and it is sad to see him step down.”

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