Brothers in arms

Story and pictures by Shaun Inguanzo
DANDENONG is the first Australian Returned and Services League (RSL) branch to induct Iraqi-born interpreters as full members in what is poised to become a nationwide initiative.
The sub-branch committee and State RSL president Major General David McLachlan gave full RSL memberships to 22 Iraqis during a special ceremony on Saturday.
The former interpreters, now living in Dandenong and Noble Park, provided crucial language links between Australian troops and villagers during the Iraq conflict.
Maj Gen McLachlan said the interpreters’ help was vital in building trust between Australian troops and Iraqi citizens.
He told the interpreters that the RSL would endeavour to help them with their settlement into Australia in return for their bravery.
“You are now members of the Dandenong sub-branch – wear your badges with honour,” he said.
Dandenong RSL welfare committee member John Filmer saidthe interpreters had put themselves and their families at risk by travelling to and from Baghdad during the most intense moments of the conflict.
During the ceremony, Mr Filmer told the crowd that commanders he had spoken to for references for the interpreters had described the men as courageous.
“They said that only the best interpreters were employed, and that they were a valuable andimportant asset to the coalition team.”
Mr Filmer said Dandenong had set a national precedent and would help RSL sub-branches in all states and territories to follow suit.
Returned serviceman Rick Cachia served in Iraq in 2007 with the Fifth Battallion of the Royal Australian Regiment as a scout and was at Saturday’s ceremony.