Major-General Peter Phillips AO MC, National President of the RSL
'Dear Charlie,
‘I am pleased to advise that the National Executive of the RSL has endorsed the proposal to establish a master plan for development of a Kokoda Track Memorial Park.
‘Thank you for taking the time to address our National Executive and for the personal effort you have put into promoting this concept.
‘As we approach the 60th anniversary of the epic battles of the Kokoda Track, it is appropriate that we honour those who lost their lives there or served their country so valiantly’.
From Captain Stan Bissett MC - 2.14th Battalion Association, 30 September 2003:'Dear Charlie,
'You have already been a tower of strength in achieving recognition for the performance of all Aussies and 'Fuzzy-Wuzzys' in the Kokoda campaign. We would be honoured to have you as a member of our association'Note: Charlie accepted Stan's invitation and joined immediately - he has been a member ever since.
From Lieutenant-Colonel Phil Rhoden OBE (former Commanding Officer of 2/14th Battalion at Isurava):
'Dear Charlie,
'The veterans and I, in particular, are aware of your work over many years in you bringing the events in 1942 to the attention of all who would listen to you and some who would not and were it not for that persistence and endeavour of yours the words courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice would not be at Isurava for all to see.'
Ray Baldwin, Kokoda Veteran, 2/27th Battalion Association:
‘Dear Charlie,
‘On the night of our welcome at the Sydney Stadium I had a brief chat with you. I was one of many who approached you. What a wonderful night. Val stated that I looked so sombre as against my fellow passengers in the cavalcade. In fact I was overawed with the reaction of that vast audience and I was thinking 'I wonder if they really know the full story of the Kokoda Track and the final killing grounds of the Beach Heads'. Then I started to see the absolute happiness on the faces of the people, especially the children, and so then I too started to wave back. As long as I retain my faculties I shall remember that night.’