HUMBLED BY MEDAL WINNERS
KRISTIE Jackson sounds like any other Aussie mum – she has a loving family, a job in administration and a network of friends.
But there is a glaring difference: she’s a Royal Australian Air Force member on deployment in the Middle East.
“I just genuinely don’t feel like I’m very far away,” Leading Aircraftwoman Jackson said.
“I feel like I’ve gone to work and haven’t come home yet.”
LACW Jackson is based at the Middle East Australian Head Quarters in the United Arab Emirates as a personnel capability specialist, organising the medals for soldiers deployed to the area.
“I’ve distributed 2500 medals since I got here two months ago,” LACW Jackson said.
“To see the volume of medals that I’ve distributed opened my eyes to the sacrifices Australian soldiers, sailors and airmen, and their families make.
“We have weekly medal ceremonies and I stand there with a tray with their medals.
“I’ve seen smiles so big their cheeks have popped. It’s very humbling.”
LACW Jackson will spend Anzac Day at the Head Quarters, where some typical events to mark the day are planned.
“It’s an honour (to be here on Anzac Day).
“Starting at 4 o’clock we have a gunfire breakfast, followed by a dawn service.”
LACW Jackson urged Gold Coasters to get out and experience Anzac Day on Wednesday.
“If you can’t catch a dawn service, make sure you go out and be a part of a march,” LACW Jackson said.