Three members of the Waipawa and Districts RSA were honoured by the national body with the presentation of badges at the CHB Municipal Theatre this week.
Long-time members Jack McCleary and Wally Malcolm received gold star badges and former Waipawa president Maitland Manning was presented a merit badge.
Bob (Bukit) Hill, vice-president of the Royal New Zealand RSA said the gold award was one of the highest honours the RSA gives out.
"There's only one award higher and that's life membership. When we do these presentations the national president or vice-president does the presentation - it's that important."
Waipawa RSA president Gwyn Burton said it was an honour to hand over the richly deserved recognition, and spoke of the three men's contribution to war time efforts as well as the RSA and community as a whole.