Dedicated RSA service officially acknowledged
Pride beamed from the eyes of two Putaruru Returned and Services Association (RSA) members as they received prestigious awards for their service.
Ian (Chuck) Hausman and president Murray Bath were both presented with awards during the Putaruru RSA’S 83rd annual general meeting on Wednesday. Hausman a long service award for his 40 years with the RSA and Bath, who has been president for 11 years, life membership.
On presenting Hausman with his award, district vice president Terry Findlay said it was a huge honour.
‘‘RSA awards are not given out lightly and to get a local award is very important because they are from your own people,’’ he said.
Immediate past president Alex Pluck presented Bath with life membership.
‘‘Murray has been a stalwart of this club for many years and he thoroughly deserves this award,’’ he said.
Hausman, who served in the New Zealand Army J Force in 1946 and who is now in his 90s, said it was unexpected.
‘‘It has been nearly half my life. I am very proud,’’ he said.
Bath, who joined the navy in 1964, said he was also proud.