Now it’s Mum’s Army

Fighting family: Pte Cheryl Melling has followed hers sons Sig Gregory Luxford (left) and Cpl Clinton Luxford into the Army. Photo by Kelly Jones, Wagga Studios

By Cpl Cameron Jamieson

FORGET Dad’s Army because things have changed.

There’s plenty of room for mums too in the Australian Army, and one of Kapooka’s latest graduates is living proof that dreams can come true when mixed with patience and determination.

Pte Cheryl Melling, 47, is a mother of six who first applied to join the Women’s Royal Australian Army Corps when she was 17.

However, in a tale that may sound familiar to some soldiers, she was told to reapply in a couple of years time.

Other things, such as raising a family, soon intervened, but finally she has achieved her dream of becoming a soldier.

“I am very excited and proud to be following in the footsteps of not only two of my uncles who served with the Australian military in WW2, but also of my two boys who serve today in the Army,” Pte Melling said.

“My enlistment day was almost eight years to the day that my eldest son joined up, and after a very long journey I can finally wear the uniform alongside him.”

Her sons Cpl Clinton Luxford and Sig Gregory Luxford were on hand at Kapooka to see their mother march-off the hallowed parade ground.

Cpl Luxford said he was very proud of his mother’s achievement.

“It’s a great example of someone pursuing a dream regardless of the time span involved,” he said.

Cpl Luxford said he was also felt closer to his mother.

“She’s still my mum, but now we share a mutual experience,” he said.