Historic Military Interviews John

The National Vietnam Veterans Museum is a non-profit organisation that was set up to remember and recognise Australian diggers who returned from Vietnam. The museum is not focused on the war aspect but more on the everyday stories of diggers and the challenges during their time in Vietnam and after their return. The museum houses many artefacts such as medals, letters and photos donated by veterans, but it also has a unique collection of military equipment such as helicopters, trucks and jeeps. There are displays that tell you about life on base camp, daily activities and what it was like when they were at war.

It's not easy for Vietnam veterans to find support, or even to talk about their experiences. It's even harder when they come home and realize that their friends and family don't understand what they've been through. That's why John Methven, a retired Australian Army officer and Vietnam veteran, established the National Vietnam Veterans Museum in Victoria, Australia. The museum is dedicated to helping veterans find their own stories, as well as providing them with resources to deal with any issues they might be facing after coming home from war.

This audio is about a group of volunteers restoration of a Vietnam Era de Havilland DHC-4 Caribou aircraft at the National Vietnam Veterans Museum in Victoria Australia. During the Vietnam War, the Caribou was used primarily for transport of troops and equipment. Its ability to land and take-off on short airstrips made it a great workhorse. With thanks to the National Vietnam Veterans Museum, Phillip Island, Victoria Australia

Air Vice Marshall Alan Reed would fly RF-4c Phantom Bombers during the Vietnam war. He would fly more than 100 missions over North Vietnam doing arial reconnaissance. The RF-4C Phantom was designed by McDonnell Douglas in response to a US Air Force request for a photo-reconnaissance aircraft with two crew members, supersonic speed, and a high altitude capability. The prototype first flew in May 1966 and entered service in November 1967 with the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing at Korat RTAFB, Thailand. The RF-4Cs were used extensively during the Vietnam War. They provided reconnaissance support for ground troops, performed battle damage assessment photography, and took pictures of enemy installations that were used to plan strikes by B-52 bombers against those targets. In this video, Captain John Methven (Ret) shares Australian soldier experiences as a platoon commander and Regiment Signals Officer with the 2nd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment that was stationed at the Australian base at Nui Dat. John has dedicated his life to fighting for the recognition of Vietnam Veterans and assisting veterans dealing with PTSD and the impacts of agent orange. John is the founder and curator of the National Vietnam Veterans Museum at Philip Island in Victoria Australia.

The Vietnam War was a very stressful time for soldiers. They were away from their families, they had to deal with being in a war zone and they were often subjected to violence. When soldiers would return from combat missions they found ways to relax. Often this would involve drinking large amounts of beer and watching movies and live shows when available. It's easy to see why they wanted to escape their memories and enjoy themselves once they were back at base! In this video, Captain John Methven (Ret) shares Australian soldier experiences as a platoon commander and Regiment Signals Officer with the 2nd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment that was stationed at the Australian base at Nui Dat. John has dedicated his life to fighting for the recognition of Vietnam Veterans and assisting veterans dealing with PTSD and the impacts of agent orange. John is the founder and curator of the National Vietnam Veterans Museum at Philip Island in Victoria Australia.

Air Vice Marshall Alan Reed would fly RF-4c Phantom Bombers during the Vietnam war. He would fly more than 100 missions over North Vietnam doing arial reconnaissance. The RF-4C Phantom was designed by McDonnell Douglas in response to a US Air Force request for a photo-reconnaissance aircraft with two crew members, supersonic speed, and a high altitude capability. The prototype first flew in May 1966 and entered service in November 1967 with the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing at Korat RTAFB, Thailand. The RF-4Cs were used extensively during the Vietnam War. They provided reconnaissance support for ground troops, performed battle damage assessment photography, and took pictures of enemy installations that were used to plan strikes by B-52 bombers against those targets. In this video, Captain John Methven (Ret) shares Australian soldier experiences as a platoon commander and Regiment Signals Officer with the 2nd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment that was stationed at the Australian base at Nui Dat. John has dedicated his life to fighting for the recognition of Vietnam Veterans and assisting veterans dealing with PTSD and the impacts of agent orange. John is the founder and curator of the National Vietnam Veterans Museum at Philip Island in Victoria Australia.