5 April 2003
Receiving messages to the Troops in the Middle East

Sergeant Arun Bartlett, avionics technician, and Corporal Sandra Baldrey, administration clerk, read 'Messages to the Troops' forwarded to the Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18 contingent on Operation Falconer.
"It is a boost the morale to know that the public is behind us. Some of the letters are really moving and when I read them it reminded me of all the brave men and women who have gone before us in so many other conflicts. Thank you," said Sergeant Bartlett.
The feeling was similar from Corporal Baldrey, "It's great to know that the people of Australia are thinking of us, not only our families. Thank you so much for sending them, it makes a difference knowing that you are behind us."
Many Australians have emailed and faxed their support for our troops deployed in the Middle East as part of the coalition to disarm Iraq. The Department of Defence has set up a 24-hour email (meesagestothetroops@defence.gov.au) and free call fax service (1800 643 938) to provide members of the public with the facility to send their messages.

L-R Smiles all round as Sergeant Arun Bartlett, avionics technician, and Corporal Sandra Baldrey, administration clerk (pic taken 04/04/03). Low-Res | Hi-Res