THE late Mr John Edward Glennon has been posthumously honoured with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for his exceptional service to veterans, their families and the community.

His leadership at the Bowraville RSL sub-Branch, including a term as President and various executive positions over many years, demonstrated a lasting impact on the local veteran community.

Mr Glennon’s influence extended to Nambucca Valley Legacy, where he served as President from 2008 to 2009 and held membership since 2000, showcasing his commitment to preserving the legacy of those who served.

His dedication to community service also included roles at the Frank Partridge VC Military Museum, the Nambucca Valley Rugby Club where he served as inaugural Treasurer and founder, and various significant positions within the broader community.

More recently Mr Glennon served as the Chairman of Inner Suburbs Sydney Legacy in 2013.

Mr Glennon held key roles within RSL NSW, including Former Secretary at the Auburn Sub-Branch and Former President and Secretary at the North Coast District Council.

Notably, Mr Glennon served as a transcriber of World War One diaries of servicemen at the Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales, contributing to the preservation of historical records.

In addition to his extensive volunteer work, Mr Glennon served as President of the Macksville High School Parents and Citizens Association in 2008-2009 and demonstrated bravery as a retained fire fighter for both the Argents Hill Rural Fire Service (2000-2007) and the Bowraville Fire Brigade (1992-2000).

To say that John Glennon dedicated his life to the betterment of the community is an absolute understatement.

While the OAM citation says much about the incredible work this man did for his community, there is much more about him that is not so well known.

John was wounded in action in Vietnam during combat that claimed the life of some of his mates.

In the 1970s, while teaching at Cleveland Street Boys’ High School, he won a grant to purchase a four-wheel drive vehicle and resources to provide an alternative curriculum for at-risk Indigenous students with poor attendance records.

He also volunteered his time during school holidays taking students on excursions to places of significance for Aboriginal culture.

He then established an after-school homework centre for Indigenous students and did the same at Bowraville Central School in the 1980s.

“Dad lived a full life and touched many people along the way and whether I am in Bowraville or Balmain, there is always someone who stops to ask after him,” John’s daughter Sophie Glennon told News Of The Area.

“Dad’s legacy will live on for a long time to come, due to his selfless nature and the years dedicated to volunteering his time to improve the lives of others.”

The recognition of Mr John Edward Glennon with the OAM is a testament to a life devoted to selfless service and will be remembered as a lasting tribute to his legacy.

By Mick BIRTLES