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Saluting Our Veterans Today

Service, Courage & Resilience Gallery
Click on any image to enter the Exhibition

Lincoln Trainor-A63P1258 LCDR Lincoln Trainor served over 18 years in the RAN as a Maritime Warfare Officer, Navigator, METOC specialist and Oceanographer, accumulating more than 40,000 nautical miles on destroyers, minehunters and submarines, with postings in the UK and US. A graduate of ADFA and the Naval Postgraduate School, he received a Deputy Chief of Navy Commendation for leadership on a major undersea warfare project. Continuing a proud family legacy, he now studies Paramedicine and veteran transition at ACU	Roger Hyde WO2 Roger Hyde OAM served in the ARA from 1980 to 2001 with the Royal Australian Engineers, initially as a Combat Field Engineer before qualifying as an Explosive Detection Dog Handler at SME. He supported major domestic security operations and later became a Bomb Disposal Technician, deploying to Cambodia, the Solomon Islands, Nauru and the UK for mine clearance and UXO tasks. Awarded the OAM for service in East Timor and Cambodia, Roger now supports veterans through the Highett RSL.	Dan Culliford-A63P2050 Dan Culliford enlisted in the ARA in 1983, continuing a strong family military tradition, and served three years in RASigs as a Radio and Keyboard Operator, including Exercise Kokoda in PNG in 1985. After discharging in 1986 and joining the police, he re enlisted in 1998 with the ARes as a Military Policeman for a further five years. In 2001 he deployed to Timor Leste as a UN Peacekeeper, later continuing his career with the Australian Federal Police.
John Vardy PTE John Vardy enlisted in the ARA in South Australia in 1975, serving with the RAASC. After Recruit Training, he was posted to 26 Tpt Coy, 87 Pl, Puckapunyal, supporting major exercises including Exercise Kangaroo 2 in 1976 and assisting 21 Const Sqn, CMF units and Portsea Officer Cadets. In 1977 he joined the Army Apprentices School at Balcombe, providing transport and supply support. John discharged in 1978, recalling strong mateship and valuable experience.	Jennifer Marr Jen began her Army Reserve career in 1978 with the WRAAC and later transitioned into the Regular Army, serving in administration, instruction, and ICT roles. She was a trailblazer, often the only woman in her unit, and contributed to ceremonial duties, uniform reforms, and IT advancements. Medically discharged in 1999, she later worked in IT security at Home Affairs and Defence. Since retiring, she has remained active in the RSL community through leadership and volunteer work.	Ralph Wollmer Ralph Wollmer served in the RAN from 1950 to 1957 and in the RANFR until 1965. Trained at HMAS Cerberus, he served aboard HMAS Australia and HMAS Murchison, deploying to Korea between 1951 and 1954 under United Nations operations, and was present during the 1952 Monte Bello nuclear tests. He later undertook security duties at Cerberus and served with HMAS Anzac in Malaya. Enlisting at 18, Ralph recalls strong camaraderie and enduring bonds forged through naval service.
Allan Adams GNR Allan Adams was called up for National Service in 1965, commencing service in March 1966 at age 21. After Recruit Training at Puckapunyal, he joined 131 Div Loc Bty at Holsworthy, with further training in Canberra, Shoalwater Bay, Canungra and the School of Artillery. Deploying to Vietnam in May 1967, he served at Nui Dat in demanding conditions. Allan reflects on his service with a strong sense of mateship, maintaining many of those bonds today.	Jordie Burgess Warrant Officer Class One Jordie Burgess, from Digby, Victoria, enlisted in the Australian Army at 17 in 1986 as an Electrical Fitter. He served in key leadership and instructional roles, with deployments to Rwanda, Bougainville, and East Timor. Promoted to WO1 in 2004, he transitioned to the Army Reserves in 2006 and began a civilian career with the Australian Public Service. Jordie, a devoted husband and father, remains committed to service and leadership.	Peter Donovan Peter Donovan enlisted in the ARA in 1980, completing Recruit and Corps Training before posting to 2/4 RAR in Townsville, where he served as an Infantryman for three years. He later transferred to RA Engineers, with his civilian bricklaying trade recognised, and joined 21 Construction Squadron at Puckapunyal, undertaking construction and maintenance tasks. He deployed to Tonga on a humanitarian mission after a major cyclone. Peter discharged in 1986 and later ran his own trade business until ret
Pamela Cockburn Pamela Cockburn, born in Kurri Kurri, NSW, enlisted in the WRAAF in 1968, serving as an Equipment Supplier at RAAF Edinburgh. She married Alan in 1970, later discharging to accompany him to RAAF Butterworth, Malaysia, for three years. After further overseas service in the United States, she built a successful civilian career in Darwin and Adelaide. Pamela credits her WRAAF experience with shaping her resilience, adaptability, and enduring service connections.	Rick Laing Rick Laing trained at Balcombe as an Operator Keyboard and Radio before further Corps training at Ingleburn and posting to 2 Signals Regiment, Watsonia. After completing Canungra, he deployed to South Vietnam in late 1968 with 110 Signals Squadron, supporting 1 ALSG at Vung Tau through cipher, communications and ionosphere reading tasks. His unit also came under RPG and mortar attack at Bearcat. Rick served 172 days in Vietnam, discharging in July 1969.	Jeff Walter Jeff was conscripted into National Service in April 1974, completing Recruit Training at Puckapunyal before posting to Artillery and attending the School of Artillery at North Head. He later served with 104 Bty, Ingleburn, as a radio operator. Following the election of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, National Service was abolished in December 1974, shaping the course of his service. Jeff later became an active member of the Highett RSL and contributes to his local community.
John Decker SGT John Decker served 35 years in the ADF from 1970 as a member of the Royal Australian Artillery, across both ARA and ARes units nationwide. Rising to Gunnery Sergeant, he commanded gun crews on 25 pdr, L5 Pack Howitzer and M2A2 systems, and later served as a Command Post Sergeant and Forward Observer. His final posting with Defence Force Recruiting proved especially rewarding. Since retirement, he has remained active in veteran support through the RSL and community.	Sean Roche CFN Sean Roache enlisted in the ARes in 1988 with RAEME at 105 Fd Wksp, serving as a metal smith drawing on his civilian trade as a 1st Class Sheet Metal Worker. He undertook fabrication, welding, fitting and armoury tasks, and completed courses in armoury, fitting, driver training and CPL. A member of the unit shooting team, he competed interstate and internationally. Sean continued service after the unit’s move to Oakleigh Bks until 1995, completing seven years.	Kaye Geoghan Kaye A. Geoghegan enlisted in the RAN in 1965, completing Recruit Training at HMAS Cerberus before serving at HMAS Penguin, Balmoral Naval Hospital, as a WRANS Sick Berth Attendant. Discharged in 1967 as LWRANSBA, she went on to a long career in social work and child and adolescent psychotherapy, completing degrees at Monash University. After 40 years with The Alfred Hospital, she retired and remains an active member of the WRANS Vic Association.
Rob Cuskelly WOFF Robert James Cuskelly enlisted in the RAAF in 1969 as a Telegraphist, completing training at Edinburgh and Radio School Laverton before posting to RAAF Richmond from 1971–79. Subsequent service included Amberley, Tactical Communications at Richmond, the Technical Support Facility in Canberra, and Support Command Melbourne. Rising to WOFF, he discharged in 1994. His awards include the Defence Force Service Medal, Defence Medal, and a Chief of Air Staff Gold Commendation for Outstanding Servi	Ian Vakis Ian Vakis enlisted in the ARA in July 1970, completing Recruit Training at 2RTB and Corps Training at SME, Holsworthy, where he attained the rank of Spr and represented RA Engineers in squash. Posted to RMC Duntroon as a GD Draftsman, he produced projection slides and detailed models supporting officer cadet training and assisted during field war game exercises at Captains Flat. Ian was discharged in January 1972 after completing his service commitment.	Ian Palfery Ian Palfery, born in 1945, was among the first National Servicemen selected by the reintroduced “Birthday Ballot.” After completing university, he commenced Army service in 1969 and deployed to Vietnam in April 1970, serving over 11 months at Nui Dat before his discharge in 1971. Returning during a period of public opposition to the war, he later saw attitudes shift and remains connected through his unit association, reunions and ANZAC Day commemorations.
Hans Zinstag-A63P1427 Hans Zinsstag enlisted in the Swiss Army in 1965, completing basic and Corporal training before serving with Funker Kompanie 26 as a radio station leader. Operating a truck based communications unit with high power transmitters, receivers and ciphered teleprinter systems, he completed three compulsory refresher courses, including one during a severe winter in 1969. His service involved both voice and Morse based encrypted communications. Hans concluded his duties in 1969 before emigrating to Aus	Andi Kauer Andi Kauer began military service in 1995 with 26 Transport Squadron. After a medical discharge, he rejoined as a Reservist in 2004, serving with JMCO Melbourne and 3MP Company before a second discharge. Though never deployed, his dedication remained unwavering. Andi now plays Wheelchair AFL for Hawthorn and engages with RSL Active. His journey reflects resilience, pride in service, and a commitment to purpose beyond the military.	Alan Clifford Alan Clifford served in the Royal Marines from 1974 to 1990, rotating through specialist roles within 4/5 Commando and Zulu Company. His postings included North Sea raiding operations securing oil rigs and service in a Nuclear Defence Company. He later joined the Mountain and Arctic Warfare Cadre and, after the Falklands War, returned to 4/5 Commando with Patrols and Recce Troop. Across his career, he completed seven active deployments with UN, NATO and British forces.
Alan Cockburn FSGT Alan Cockburn enlisted in the RAAF in 1963 as an Apprentice Trainee, graduating in Electrical Engineering before deploying to Butterworth in 1967 to support DC 3 Dakota upgrades for regional operations. He later trained in the United States on P 3B Orion aircraft and ferried them to Australia. Promoted to Sergeant in 1969, he instructed in electrical trades, completed further overseas deployments, and contributed to P 3C acceptance before concluding his distinguished service in 1983.

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