A FORMER serviceman says he is “very grateful” to have been granted life membership for his outstanding contribution to a Riverland RSL sub-branch.
Renmark RSL member Tony Guster was bestowed with the rare honour at a small informal ceremony last Wednesday, after spending 10 years as sub-branch secretary.
Mr Guster said the application for life membership and the ceremony had been kept secret from him.
“I was very surprised because I had no idea that it was being planned,” he said.
“It’s quite a long process to get life membership and you have to show a lot of evidence of the person’s efforts.
“It was a very nice gesture, and I think it is an appreciation of my work as the secretary of the sub-branch.”
Mr Guster, who joined the Renmark sub-branch in 2007 after finishing work in 2005, said he enjoyed the camaraderie of the RSL.
“I like the spirit of being with ex-servicepeople and people who are interested in those matters,” he said.
“I think the RSL has an important role to play in maintaining people’s awareness of the need to be vigilant and to hold our government to account for what they are doing so they don’t lead us into unnecessary wars.
“We also put a lot of effort into commemoration. I have been heavily involved in preparing the Anzac Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies over the years.
“Thanks to my fellow sub-branch members for being so generous towards me and I hope that we have many years of fellowship to come.”