It wasn’t until early in May 2008 that I knew anything about “Skip”; it’s entirely possible, that, sometime in the past we may have seen each other on the road somewhere in this vast country of ours, and then, acknowledging a fellow rider would have waved as we passed each other. Unfortunately though, if it has not already occurred that way, then, the likelihood of it happening to myself or any other rider in the future is pretty slim, the reason being, that, Skip was over in America on his way to The Wall to pay his respects to all the soldiers who had made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War, it was a journey close to his heart and should have been the trip of a lifetime; but instead, it very nearly took his life when he crashed his motorcycle outside of Las Vegas. A long way from home with a broken neck and rendered a quadriplegic, Skips life had changed from being a biker with the air rushing past his face, to a man unable to even breath that very same air without a ventilator, however, indicative of his fighting spirit, on the 28th of May, three weeks after the accident, Skip had rallied enough to be able to survive the flight from America to a hospital in Brisbane, Skip’s back home with us again, but, he needs our help.

As a member of the Vietnam Veterans MC QLD Chapter, his credentials as an Aussie biker go without saying, and, in serving his country as a career soldier, Skip dutifully carried forward the ANZAC legacy that had been entrusted to him. For a lot of years he stood ready to fight to protect our country and our lifestyle, Skip has spent his life backing people up, and, now that he is in the biggest fight of his life, as Aussies it’s time for us to return the favour. So, stand up and be counted, get your mates to chip in a few dollars next time all of you arrived safely at your destination after a ride, then, send it to a fellow biker who sadly never made it to his destination.

Read the following words written by one of Skip’s mates then click the link to the VVMC QLD Chapter home page for the full story and details on how to help Skip.

From a mate of 40 years.

Skip is a product of the Army Apprentice School, Balcombe Vic where he graduated as an electrician. He arrived in Vietnam Dec 68 and was posted to 106 Field Workshops as a RAEME Corporal electrician. After a short period at 106, he was transferred to 3rd Cavalry Regt where his electrical expertise was required. As part of his job function, he also was crew commander of an armoured personnel carrier (APC) and spent some time in fire support bases carrying out repairs to vehicles and equipment. One of the most significant battles of the Vietnam War was fought by the 3rd Cavalry Regt on June 6th 1969 in the village of Binh Ba. This hamlet was situated approx 5 km from Aust Task Force HQ at Nui Dat. The Viet Cong practised extortion on the Binh Ba population rather than living among them. It was reported through intelligence that there was a sizeable VC force attempting to infiltrate Binh Ba. The heavy counter action was from the 3rd Cav APC's and Centurion tanks from 1st Armoured Regt. Skip manned the .50 cal machine gun atop his APC and played a vital role in overrunning the enemy. He returned to Aust from Vietnam in Dec 1969. Skip made a career in the Army and retired as a Warrant Officer 2nd Class.

He was a dedicated soldier. A good mate with an infectious smile and laugh; a good sense of humour and a practical joker.

The Wall, Photograph by Larry Powell

Other Photo's courtesy of VVMC Qld Chapter