Australian Navy Commodore Brett Sonter, RAN has been invited to the 2018 Anzac centenary in Crookwell next week.
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The Crookwell R.S.L sub-branch was interested in having a serving member attached to the Anzac Day commemorations.
Commodore Sonter joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1990 after three years in the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA).
He started as a Seaman Officer training at HMAS Watson. Serving in HMA Ships Jervis Bay, Derwent, Torrens, Hobart and Darwin.
His operational sea service include deployments to the Middle-East HMAS Newcastle, HMAS Darwin, and HMAS Stuart.
Looking back his highlights included being the Joint Task Force Commander at the request of the Government of Fiji following Tropical Cyclone Winston, which included the new amphibious ship HMAS Canberra, and Commanding the two thousand personnel strong Amphibious Task Force during Exercise TALISMAN SABRE in 2017.
“Crookwell, like many communities across Australia, made a significant contribution of personnel in the service of our country,” he said.
“The sacrifice by the people of Crookwell is the prime reason as to why we enjoy the quality of life we have today. We will forever be in their debt.”
About 62,000 Australians are recorded to have lost their lived in World War 1.
“The number of deaths devastated some towns with generations wiped out. The preservation of regional Australia in contemporary times is a true reflection of the resilience of country people,” he said.
2018 Anzac Day timetable of Commemorative Program
Wearing of Medals
Just a reminder that it is only veterans and serving members of the Australian Defence Force who are entitled to wear their medals on the left breast.
Descendants of veterans may wear their family medals on the right breast.
Dawn Service
Assemble at the Crookwell Services Club, Goulburn Street by 5.30am.
Gunfire breakfast
Line up for march at approximately 5.40am.
Proceed to Memorial Park for Dawn Service at 6am.
Breakfast
At the Top Pub after Dawn Service.
Cost $10 per head.
Marchers with vouchers, please present to bar staff.
11am Service
Assemble at the Crookwell Services Club, Goulburn Street by 10.30am.
Line up for the march at approximately 10.40am.
Proceed to Memorial Park for Service at 11am.
Anzac Day Lunch
A lunch will be held at the Crookwell Services Club at 1pm; to be seated by 12.45pm.
RSL Sub-Branch members, partners and all others, $20 per head.
World War II veterans, carers and invited guests, free.
Please give your names and money to the Services Club as soon as possible.
The traditional Two-Up Game will be held in the auditorium of the Services Club, starting at 4pm.