Big lift for little battler

Cruising: Shannon Lawler enjoys a ride in a 4RAR (Cdo) RHIB.

By Lt Cameron Jamieson

MEMBERS of Army’s Tactical Assault Group-East (TAG-E) and 171 Avn Sqn have brought a day of action and excitement into the life of a young Melbourne boy suffering from terminal cancer.
TAG-E spokesman Maj Dave Harris said the soldiers were in Melbourne as part of Operation Acolyte when they read about five-year-old Shannon Lawler’s situation, in the Werribee Banner newspaper.

“Shannon had recently visited the Point Cook Air Force museum with the Starlight Foundation,” Maj Harris said.

“Our soldiers have families of their own and they really wanted to do something to give Shannon another day to remember, so they asked if they could arrange for him to go for a ride in one of their fast assault boats and to fly in a Black Hawk.”

The Task Group’s commanding officer had no hesitation in approving the plan and five-year-old Shannon, his parents Erika and John and older brother Kevin have now enjoyed an experience few people outside the military get to enjoy.

Shannon was apprehensive at first, but with gentle coaxing and a patient approach by the soldiers, his confidence grew to the point where he was all smiles.

Shannon said he enjoyed it when the boat went fast and over ‘bumps’, but he wasn’t too sure about his brothers handling of the assault boat. “He’s a maniac,” Shannon said.

John Lawler said the offer of rides came as a great surprise to the family.

“It was unbelievable – we didn’t think in our wildest dreams that we’d get to go up in a Black Hawk,” John said.

“We had to keep it quiet from Shannon, because all he could talk about was Black Hawks. He’s seen them fly over [during the Commonwealth Games], and every time he heard one he’d run out of the house and wave.”