Kevin honoured to keep family’s traditions alive
SERGEANT Kevin Hourn is a third generation soldier coming from a family who are proud of not only their outstanding military tradition but also their indigenous heritage.
Sgt Hourn, who is based with Townsville’s 3rd Combat Signal Regiment, grew up in Kingaroy but now lives here with his wife Tracey and children Kayla, 7, Abbey, 5, and Aidan, 2.
Joining the army was the logical choice for Sgt Hourn who followed in the footsteps of his father Stephen and grandfather Dennis who also served.
Sgt Hourn is assisting the Troop Commander in managing soldiers preparing to head off on the Combined Arms Training Activity at High Range where the unit will be providing communications for the 3rd Brigade.
He was recently asked to go back to his old school to talk to the students about his 20- year military career which has included two deployments to East Timor.
‘‘ The principal asked me back to speak to all the students about my career and to encourage them to consider a career in the army for themselves,’’ he said.
‘‘ He also asked me to speak specifically t o t he i ndigenous students about my experience.
‘‘ When I enlisted in 1993 there were no indigenous programs like there are today.
‘‘ With my grades at school I was able to enlist as an apprentice.
‘‘ I’ve always striven hard to be accepted on my own merits.’’