A Sunshine Coast veteran has reflected on his deployment to Afghanistan as he prepares to oversee an ANZAC Day gathering at Maroochydore.
Former Army captain Jason Scanes spoke openly about his experiences with the 205th Coalition Advisory Team, as part of Operation Slipper in Afghanistan.
“Afghanistan was a very beautiful country which contrasted against the challenges of combating a resourceful insurgency,” he said.
“One poignant memory of my time there was an opportunity we had to hand out gifts to children who had lost their fathers, all of whom served in the Afghan National Army.
“The gifts were very small – colouring-in books, balls and small dolls – but to those kids, it was amazing.
“While in many ways, it feels that all of our good work there has unravelled, I feel that for two decades we gave the people of that country hope and you can never detract from how significant that is for those people.”
Upon leaving the military, Mr Scanes found purpose in continuing to serve through his role as CEO at Maroochy RSL, which provides crucial support to veterans and the wider community on the Sunshine Coast.
The organisation provides advocacy, family support, social opportunities and other assistance.
This ANZAC Day, Maroochy RSL will host a dawn service and morning service, accompanied by a gunfire breakfast and traditional two-up games, honouring the spirit of mateship, courage and remembrance.
Mr Scanes said he felt the ANZACs paved the way for how Australian soldiers carry themselves today.
“ANZAC Day, for me, transcends individual experiences,” he said.
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“It is about reflecting on the sacrifices of those who served and a commitment to global peace.
“The legacy of the ANZACs shapes the character of Australian soldiers, who are respected as tough, resilient and compassionate fighters.
“The ANZACs fought under some of the toughest conditions imaginable but they always upheld the value of mateship – delivering a serve of humour and banter to lift each other up during the hard times.”
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