Our People in QLD
Sasha Rhodes - Turkish Adventure For Sasha
Murphy’s Creek has had a difficult start to 2011, but one resident is giving the town something to smile about after her trip of a lifetime.
Sasha Rhodes, 16, is just back from Turkey. She accompanied the Australian Federation Guard contingent who travelled to Turkey to participate in ANZAC Day commemorative services at Gallipoli.
The Concordia Lutheran College student travelled to Turkey after being selected for the Cadet Sergeant Eleanore “Ellie” Tibble Memorial Pilgrimage Scholarship through the Australian Air Force Cadets.
Sasha, a Cadet Sergeant at Number 209 Squadron (AAFC) at Oakey, said the trip to Turkey was unforgettable.
“I feel very privileged to have gone,” she said. “It was such an emotional trip and such a great experience.”
Sasha, who had never been overseas before, said nothing could prepare you for the first time you saw the battle-ground.
“I was very shocked when I first got to Gallipoli,” she said.
“The pictures really don’t capture the elements or terrain or show how hard it must have been for the soldiers.”
Sasha said she would use her new found knowledge to help educate people about Gallipoli.
“Hopefully I can explain to people the true courage and skills and mateship shown by the people who fought there,” she said.
The Cadet Sergeant Eleanore “Ellie” Tibble Memorial Pilgrimage Scholarship was established in 2000 and is awarded annually. It provides the recipients the opportunity to travel to Gallipoli and further their understanding of the ANZAC tradition, the role of the Australian Imperial Force in the Great War, and to take part in the Australian Defence Force Remembrance services.
For more information about Australian Air Force Cadets and how to contact a cadet squadron, visit www.aafc.org.au.