Our People in QLD
Ben Hodge - Highland Park
This ANZAC Day Highland Park accountant Vicki Hodge and her warehouse-manager husband Graeme will have something special to watch on TV.
Their son Ben, 25, will be part of the Australia’s Federation Guard contingent at the ANZAC Cove dawn service, and later at Lone Pine.
“I went straight from a school uniform to a Royal Australian Air Force uniform, and it’s my second time in the Guard,” said Ben.
“The first was in 2006-07 as a Leading Aircraftman, and in 2009 I came back as a Corporal. Second time lucky!
“We have ceremonial duties all over Australia, but I went overseas for the first time last year — when the wartime Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels were awarded their medallions.
“But Gallipoli is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It still feels a bit surreal to be honest — and I’m really grateful as I couldn’t have afforded to get there by myself.
“I have supported many high-profile ceremonial parades all over Australia but I will definitely be most nervous for this one. There will be such a mix of emotions going through my head at that time, at that place,” said Ben.