Credit to 'Tan Mei Kuan - Ipoh Echo '
'In conjunction with Armed Forces Day, the
2nd Malaysian Infantry Brigade honoured 87 former soldiers who were
wounded when in harness. The event was held at the brigade commander’s
residence along Thompson Road on Thursday, October 13.
Attired casually, the 200-odd invitees
had lunch on the lawn with the accompaniment of music and songs from a
live band. The Last Post was played signalling the start of the morning
event.
“We always assist the Department of
Veterans Affairs and governmental agencies who want to help retirees.
However, there are many ex-servicemen who have not registered with the
veteran department. Tracing them becomes difficult,” said Brig-Gen
Mas’od bin Hj Muhammad, Commander 2nd Malaysian Infantry Brigade to
reporters.
“We’ve gone on air to get them to
register and via word of mouth to spread the gospel,” he added. The
affable general made it a point to greet everyone at their respective
seats.
Among the 87 honourees, three were from
the navy while one from the air force. Some had retired since 1979 while
some are still in service. Ipoh Echo spoke to a 58-year-old former air
force officer, Captain (Rtd) Yusoff bin Rabaie. Yusoff lost his right
hand in a grenade incident in 1978. The hand grenade exploded in his
right hand during a grenade-throwing exercise at a range in Terendak
Camp, Malacca. He was only 19 years old then.
“I remember the date and time clearly. It
was Thursday, March 16. I was critically wounded. The doctor told me
that I had only a five per cent chance of survival. I underwent 10
months of treatment with another two years of follow-up treatment. I now
have 70 per cent permanent disability,” said the Taiping-born Yusoff.
He resumed service in 1979 doing desk-bound jobs and retired a captain
in 1991.
Yusoff’s advice to all serving military personnel out there: “Serve
with all your heart and do your best. Remember, if we don’t defend our
country, who will?”
I wonder if both Yusoff and Mas'od realise they are skots :D
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