Image Gallery 2009
23 January 2009
Celebrating the true Aussie spirit in southern Afghanistan
For the troops of the 1st Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force (MRTF), based in southern Afghanistan, the chance to celebrate Australia Day came a few days early.
The soldiers took time out from the high tempo of their operations to enjoy a few cherished reminders of home.
Roast vegetables, sausage rolls and meat pies were on the menu, accompanied by a couple of real beers, in true tradition of celebrating Australia Day.
The soldier’s barbecue and recreation area, glowed in green and gold, both from the decorations they had made and the glow sticks that festooned the rafters.
The Southern Cross stood out on their uniforms and in the numerous Australian flags that were hung and carried with pride throughout the celebrations.
The soldiers enjoyed a variety of competitions, bringing out the friendly rivalry in everyone.
Whether it was blindly throwing a football through a target or participating in a relay race to a table covered in lamingtons and non-alcoholic beer, all soldiers showed their love for a challenge and a good laugh in true Aussie spirit.
Commander of Joint Task Force 633, Major General Mike Kelly, was on hand to enjoy the festivities and to promote a number of the soldiers. Major General Kelly also congratulated the 1st MRTF on their efforts.
The night concluded with the Regimental Sergeant Major of the Battle Group addressing the soldiers and giving them messages from their two comrades who have returned to Australia after being injured during the mission.
| 20090121ara8502859_0049 Officer in Charge of the Freight Distribution Centre, Captain Sara Robertson proudly displays her patriotic fervour during Australia Day celebrations at Tarin Kowt, southern Afghanistan. (ate taken: 21 January 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20090121ara8502859_0056 Sapper Lindsay Armstrong, one of the 1st Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force's (MRTF) construction engineers, enjoys some delicacies from home during Australia Day celebrations in Uruzgan Province, southern Afghanistan. Sapper Armstrong is an Afghan veteran having previously served with the 1st Reconstruction Task Force in 2006 and 2007. (ate taken: 21 January 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20090121ara8502859_0057 Privates Heath Moloney and Jasen Bicsak from the 1st Mentoring Reconstruction Task Force Combat Team enjoy a traditional Aussie meat pie, while taking a break from operations to celebrate Australia Day. (ate taken: 21 January 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20090121ara8502859_0091 The Commander of Australian Forces in the Middle East Area of Operations, Major General Mick Kelly, joins the soldiers of the 1st Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force in celebrating Australia Day on a cold night in Afghanistan. (ate taken: 21 January 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20090121ara8502859_0094 Private Chris Trevarrow, from the 1st Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force's (MRTF) transport section reaches for a traditional Aussie meat pie in spirit of Australia Day. (ate taken: 21 January 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20090121ara8502859_0099 Corporal Westley Syme, the battle groups' postman replaced his uniform for the evening with green and gold to mark Australia Day celebrations in southern Afghanistan. (ate taken: 21 January 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20090121ara8502859_0118 Captain Mark Gilchrist of the 1st Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force, addressed the soldiers on what Australia Day means and what it is to be an Australian soldier serving overseas. (ate taken: 21 January 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20090121ara8502859_0127 As he concludes his Australia Day address, Captain Mark Gilchrist, reminds the soldiers of the 1st Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force, that they share a common bond and pride in being Australians and serving their country on operations. (ate taken: 21 January 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20090121ara8502859_0143 (Left to right) Corporal Tim Glover is guided by Private Nathan Smith, as he attempts to pass a football through a waiting target during Australia Day competitions in Afghanistan. (ate taken: 21 January 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20090121ara8502859_0160 Major Mark Baldock, guides Captain Tom Whale as he blindly passes a football during the competitions held to mark Australia Day in southern Afghanistan. (ate taken: 21 January 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20090121ara8502859_0187 Commander of Australian Forces in the Middle East, Major General Mick Kelly, addresses the soldiers of the 1st Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force during Australia Day celebrations in southern Afghanistan. (Date taken: 21 January 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20090121ara8502859_0198 Teams of officers, sergeants and soldiers from the 1st Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force participate in the great train race to a table covered with lamingtons and non-alcoholic beers. (Date taken: 21 January 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20090121ara8502859_0199 Sergeant Donna Haigh enjoys eating a lamington during the evening competitions to celebrate Australia in southern Afghanistan. (Date taken: 21 January 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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