A special pre-screening event for the release of the Australian film Danger Close will be held next month for veterans, serving members and their families.
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The film features the battle of Long Tan during the Vietnam War, and Wagga RSL Sub-Branch vice president Richard Salcole said it was important to make veterans feel secure and respected.
"We understand the difficulties some members may have when watching footage like these movies," he said.
"In the past war movies were more romanticised, whereas now they are very graphic and realistic and can take veterans back to their own service."
Dave Abbott has also been involved with organising the screening, and said it was about creating a supportive environment for everyone.
"With the amount of war veterans we have in the sub-branch it can be very emotional for them, so to have it as a closed screening where they know the only people around them won't judge them if they have flashbacks or an episode is important to us," the Sub-Branch secretary said.
"A lot of those attending will know people who were in Long Tan, even I myself, my very first quartermaster was the signaler, so it does bring up tough memories but as a group it's important we have these nights to drag each other out of the house and be among family and friends.
We are a veteran family irregardless of when you served, where you served, which service you were in or what uniform you wore.
- Dave Abbott
In other words:
An Open Arms psychologist will be attending the event which Mr Salcole said provides peace of mind to veterans.
"If anyone has difficulties and wants to speak to a counselor, even if they just make contact with him on the night so he knows what they need and feel, he will be there," he said.
Mr Abbott added the event was also a fundraiser for the Sub-Branch and Murraguldrie Veterans Retreat.
"The retreat is for veterans and current serving members just out towards Tumbarumba, it's a fantastic facility set up by Vietnam vets," he said.
"What is does for someone's mental health is incredible."
Dave Gardiner himself is a war veteran and president of the Wagga RSL Sub-Branch. He said he hoped the city could back such an important event.
"I hope the Vietnam vets in the city support it, not all of them are members of the sub-branch but we want to see them attend," he said.
"I believe one person in Wagga was in the battle of Long Tan, so it's so important to show our respect and gratitude."
The pre-screening will be on August 12 ahead of Veterans Day on August 16.