Mr Walker, who served for 12 months in Vietnam as a medic in 1968, has been a member of the Bathurst and Districts Sub-Branch of Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia since 2001 and has been the secretary and treasurer since 2003.

He has also been the treasurer of the NSW Branch Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia since 2006.

Mr Walker, a Portland local, said he originally wanted nothing to do with the association because of the way service people were treated when they returned home from Vietnam.

"But then someone got me involved and I like it because of the companionship. We've all got something in common and we are all in that age group where we need mates," he said.

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In his roles with Vietnam Veterans, Mr Walker is responsible organising many events including camping for the Bathurst 1000 weekend.

"During race weekend that's our main fundraising area. I also organise the Vietnam Veterans Day parade, service, guest speakers and luncheons," he said.

Mr Walker has also been a unique member of Portland Men's Shed since 2014 and secretary since 2016.

"Being associated with these groups has been very fulfilling and it's created a great group of friends in both communities the veteran community and the local men's shed," he said.

"It's really good because the older you get the harder it gets. You out live a lot of people and you need companionship you need mates."

He said it was quite the surprise to be rewarded for his work with an OAM during last weekend's Queen's Birthday honours.

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"I'm really excited about it and I'm really proud actually," he said.

"To think that all these years I've been involved, I've been recognised for it."

Mr Walker wanted to thank those who nominated him.

"It's all a bit much at the moment, but I'm thankful for it and for living in such a wonderful community," he said.

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