Crowe’s maximus impact on soldiers
Oscar winner visits 2RAR before rocking AACAP

Russell Crowe performing during the concert for AACAP on Palm Island.

Lunch at the Chauvel Mess on Lavarack Barracks with members of A Coy, 2RAR. Photos by Cpl Belinda Mepham, Army newspaper

By Cpl Belinda Mepham
Queensland Reporter

OSCAR winner Russell Crowe was treated to a first rate ORs’ lunch with 2RAR, A Coy members at Chauvel Mess during his visit to 2 RAR last month.

The low-key meal allowed Russell and the infantrymen to relax and enjoy the activity without the pressure to perform.

Next stop was a walk through 2RAR’s reception centre set up to welcome veterans and their friends and families who had recently arrived for the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Samichon.

Many members were unaware that Crowe would be dropping by but took the surprise with calm ease, not making a fuss.

A group of visiting veterans nearly jumped out of their skin when he approached them.

One member of the group turned to his mate saying “I thought I just saw Russell Crowe,” then turning back to check he excitedly exclaimed on realising it was in fact Crowe.

“Oh my God it’s Russell .…ing Crowe, hey, congratulations on your baby, mate,” he said.

The ice was well and truly broken and after purchasing 2RAR memorabilia and numerous photo opportunities with delighted ladies of the group, the short visit with 2RAR came to an end.

Next stop was hosted by 5 Avn Black Hawks.

After mandatory aircraft safety briefs, flying helmet fittings, more photos and an introduction to the Minister of Defence, Robert Hill, the Black Hawk took Crowe on a coastal fly-by of Magnetic Island before tracking to Palm Island.

At Palm Island Crowe met with his band, Thirty Odd Foot of Grunts (TOFOG), and prepared for the evening’s Tour De Force concert.

The Tour De Force concert is a traditional event organised as part of AACAP activities.

Palm Island residents, 17 Cont Sqn and their supporting members, Land Commander Maj-Gen David Hurley and Senator Hill attended the concert.

TOFOG gave a rock concert Palm Island would never forget with a lot of attitude, a supportive gesture to the island community, and the hard-working AACAP members.

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