I am Proud to say that on the 27th of June 2008, I travelled to Kapooka Army Base (near Wagga Wagga) and watched my son March Out from Basic Training. I could not believe the difference in my son that the 80 days of basic training had made.

He now walks and sits with a straight back ( no more slouching over to play games on the puter or tv).  When we were walking down the street the following day, he would move out of other people's way instead of expecting them to do that. We had lunch in Macca's and as we left a stranger held the door open. My son, nodded to him and said " Thank you sir" !!!!!!!!!

My son went from being a youth on his way to trouble, to a man anyone could be proud of. He has decided he wants to make the Army his lifetime career and will stay in past the 4 years he signed up for.

Yes, there are dangers in being in the Army. He may be sent over seas into a war zone, which is what he wants anyway, to defend people who need help, in the name of this great country we live in. But honestly, he could be a labourer, or a manager here in Australia, and be killed on his way to work in a car accident. If you look at statistics, there are so many people that die here in OZ everyday, from accidents and diseases like cancer.

At least in the Army, he has full medical and dental cover, his food and board are of a good standard, his clothes are supplied and the pay is good.

The Defence Forces are a good employer with Equal Opportunities for all so, Yes, I am proud that my son is an Aussie soldier and will follow in the great traditions of ANZAC's.