Leaving a legacy of helping military families

Dedicated. Honourable. Committed

Glenn Willmann OAM was a member of the Australian Army for thirty-two years and served in Vietnam, but he is continuing to serve after his retirement and has been an active member of Legacy since 2005.

He has organised ANZAC Day parades, fundraising concerts, guest speaking roles at civic functions and radio and newspaper interviews to publicise the needs of veterans.

One of Glenn’s responsibilities is to look after the interests of two hundred and fifty widows and dependent children of deceased veterans in the Morayfield / Caboolture area.

He contacts each individual regularly to ensure they can access the financial and other assistance that is available to them.

He is known for his resourcefulness and always seeks solutions regardless of the problems to be overcome.

Glenn feels honoured and grateful to have been voted a Westfield Local Hero.

“It makes me proud because you know that you are doing something to assist the widows and the ex-servicemen.

“I’m looking after widows of my mother’s age as well as mothers of those that I served with in Vietnam. In some cases, it is the wives of my mates.”

Support also includes taking women to doctors and other appointments and organising outings to ensure they are connected with others in similar circumstances.

Glenn devotes many hours a month to Legacy and the numerous other veteran causes he supports. In 2013 he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to veterans and their families.

“It's important to me to uphold the respect and standards of those people who have come before me and leave a huge impact on our lives and country,” he says.

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation.

Legacy Queensland will use its grant to fund outings organised by the social inclusion program.

“You get emotional and grateful when you know how people have been helped by Legacy,” says Glenn. “It makes me feel proud that Westfield supports organisations like us to contribute to the community.”

__For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here. __