Tom Beale acts as an unpaid advocate, driver and counsellor for many war veterans. Photo / Martin Sykes
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Pensioner Tom Beale has dedicated his life for the past four years to representing the "old fellas".
A veteran of World War II, the 84-year-old has been helping his old comrades by acting as their advocate, cab driver, counsellor and mate.
Mr Beale - who gained a war
disability pension in 2005 - says after going through a long and stressful application process, he wanted to help his "old dig mates" who were either too ill or unfit to apply for their pensions.
"The work is very hard [and] these men are very, very ill. You do the best for these guys because they've earned it," he said. From his home in Whangaparaoa, Mr Beale travels throughout the North Island, collecting veterans' application forms, medical assessments and other necessary documentation, before sending them to the Government department in Wellington for assessment.
He has already helped to get 25 veterans their war disability pension and is currently working to get a further 15 approved.
Mr Beale said it took up to six to eight months for an application to be approved - which was at times upsetting, with many approved applications only coming through after a veteran had died.
"These men have fought for King and country and unfortunately [they] are not happy. They need to be recognised and for a [war disability pension] application to take that long, it's not fair."
Mr Beale also takes ex-servicemen to their doctors' appointments.
Friend Ellie Pye, who nominated Mr Beale as an Unsung Hero, says he is an inspiration to many people and has become a trusted friend to war veterans' families.
"He's very focused - at this time of his life - doing things for other people," Mrs Pye said.
"Really, he could be sitting at home reading the paper - but he's not. It's inspiring."
Mrs Pye said Mr Beale spent hours filling out application forms - with no thought of being paid for his time.
"Some people take [his] work for granted and yet it's helping so many people. It's a nice acknowledgment."
