MAJOR Grant Prendergast returned from Iraq just five months ago.
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Battling in harsh conditions himself, Major Prendergast said ANZAC Day reflections are more important than ever.
“Every day is different and you just don’t know what you’re going to be required to do,” he said.
“It could be turning up to work and sitting behind your desk on a Monday, on a Wednesday you could be on an aircraft carrier in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
“The drawcard is the sense of adventure and responsibility, being responsible, looking after the welfare of soldiers and the service we give to our country is a great sense of satisfaction and pride.”
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Mr Prendergast has served for more than 20 years and is a leader to soldiers in the Armidale, Tamworth and Muswellbrook regions.
In his time with the defence force he has served in Afghanistan, Iraq, East Timor and several other countries.
He said when soldiers go to serve, they write a blank cheque with their lives.
“The missions I have undertaken have been very rewarding and life-changing experiences,” he said.
There are a lot of soldiers from this region that have served and some of them have made the ultimate sacrifice.
- Major Grant Prendergast
“At the end of the day you’re helping those that can’t help themselves.”
Mr Prendergast started out as a soldier in Tamworth, and has been posted to various locations in Australia.
The sense of responsibility, service to his country, adventure and mateship are what keep him in the position.
“You’re extremely close with your mates, I suppose you could say you have your normal family and then you have your military family,” he said.
“There are a lot of soldiers from this region that have served and some of them have made the ultimate sacrifice.
“That’s something we should never forget.”
Working with soldiers from New Zealand, the United States of America and the British, he said it doesn’t matter which mission he’s on, everyone looks out for one another.
He’s lived in conditions where he hasn’t seen clouds or birds for weeks, or drunk a glass of milk in months.
“If you look at a veteran, at some point he’s written a blank cheque in service of his country and that’s a pretty big sacrifice to make,” he said.
“When I was overseas, have you ever gone without milk for nine and a half months? Not seen television or music, a green tree or a bird for six months? They’re the little things that we have to miss out on.
So when I get back to Australia, you hear about the problems people have got – I’m just so grateful I can drink a glass of milk, have some fresh bread or see the clouds.”