Troops Celebrate Australia Day With Sport And BBQ
25 January 2010
As Australians celebrate Australia Day and 'throw another shrimp on the barbie', so too will Aussie troops deployed overseas gather around the hot plate and grill, less the beer.
The Deputy Chief of Joint Operations Command, Air Vice Marshal Greg Evans, said Australia Day is a significant day of celebration for all Australians, including those serving on operations.
"Australia Day unites us as a community, works to heal divisions, and gives us a unique view of the world," Air Vice Marshal Evans said.
"We are regarded by our partners and those countries in which we work, for our compassionate approach to the local people and getting the job done. Although our men and women serving on operations can't take the day off, we send them our best wishes and heartfelt thanks for the hard work they are doing on behalf of Australia."
Australian troops from the Middle East are especially embracing the spirit of Australia Day and that of Australia's 'Lambassador', Sam Kekovich, with the recognition of their own unofficial Australian Defence Force (ADF) Lambassador for the Middle East, Air Load Team member Corporal Dean Bickley, of Perth.
"Thanks to all the lamb farmers from Gidgegannup to Alice River for the fare that will be barbequed tomorrow," Corporal Bickley said.
In Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan, members of the Second Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force (MRTF-2) and other Australian units, will be celebrating the special day by pitching the officers and senior non-commissioned officers against the soldiers in a cricket match.
"There will also be a bit of international rivalry when the Australians take on the Dutch and the United States in cricket later in the day," MRTF-2 Regimental Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class One Darren Murch said.
Volleyball games will also be held against the US, Dutch and Slovaks as well as Aussie rules, handball and rugby league competitions. Elsewhere in Afghanistan, thong throwing and softball have been added to the traditional barbeque lunch and cricket game.
HMAS Stuart will be continuing its operations in the Gulf of Oman, conducting counter-terrorism operations but will take time to celebrate Australia Day a few days early. On Australia Day, Stuart will be alongside in Abu Dhabi, taking part in a multi-national maritime security exercise, incorporating personnel from Jordan, United Arab Emirates, United States Coast Guard, Qatar and Canada.
The Commander of Australian Forces in the Middle East, Major General John Cantwell wished every one back home a wonderful Australia Day for 2010.
"On behalf of all of Australia's sailors, soldiers, airmen and Defence civilians, who are doing important jobs here, we thank you sincerely for the wonderful support that we receive every single day. We just couldn't do our job without it," Major General Cantwell said.
"We also know that many Aussies are doing it tough at home right now, with fires, floods and, of course, the ongoing drought. To all of you who have had a tough time, we think of you often and hope to hear of better times for you all soon."
In East Timor, troops will be attending a cricket match on the beach organised by the Australian Embassy. A number of other sports competitions will be held.
Similarly in the Solomon Islands, sport will be a large focus of the day. ADF troops, along with members from the Australian Federal Police, will have the opportunity to participate in a sports afternoon, a church service and end the day with a barbeque.
