Karen follows in footsteps of her grandfather who fought in WWII

THIS year marks the first time Anzac Day services have been cancelled since the outbreak of the Spanish flu in 1919, but it won’t stop this proud servicewoman from donning her medals and standing with pride tomorrow.

Anglicare Southern Queensland Executive Assistant, Karen Brighouse, served in the Royal Australian Air Force for seven years after graduating from year 12; inspired by her grandfather who served with pride during World War II.

Karen’s role, or Mustering as it was referred to, was  a Clerk G or more commonly known as “stenographer” which involved an ability to take shorthand and to transcribe conversations with pace.

“My postings included positions reporting to the Commanding Officers at the School of Radio in Laverton, Victoria, Base Squadron Amberley, the Group Captain in charge of procuring major military assets in Canberra and other short term assignments,” she said.

“Being a member of the Defence Force taught me discipline, responsibility, independence, respect and loyalty, not only to my country but to myself.”

New skills, lifelong friends, flying in military aircraft and participating in military exercises were some of the many benefits of joining the Air Force, Karen said.

“I have had quite a few experiences flying in military aircraft which always left me feeling exhilarated.”

“While posted at Amberley, there were many nights where I went to sleep to the sound of F-111’s practising their landing and take-off skills; and who doesn’t get a thrill from seeing them do dump and burns (like they used to at River fire).”

Karen said Anzac Day is a day to celebrate and reflect on the many sacrifices of those who have served and are continuing to serve “to enable our country to become the great treasure that it is.”

“Anzac Day enables me to remember the sacrifice of my grandfather and the proud tradition that it instilled in not only myself, but my sister who also served in the Air Force and my brother who served in the Army and is now a NSW police officer,” she said.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions put in place last month, Dawn services and parades have been cancelled.

Karen said she usually attends the Anzac Day services every year where she wears her service medals with pride, but this year will be different.

“This year, while not celebrating in the traditional way, I will still don my medal and stand at the end of my driveway to pay my respects to all who allowed, and continue to allow us to keep the Anzac spirit alive,” she said.

Australians are being encouraged to stand at the end of their driveways, on their balconies or in their lounge rooms at 6am tomorrow to remember and pay their respects to those who served.

They are also being encouraged to take a candle, a torch, or phone with them to help Light Up the Dawn to celebrate that Anzac spirit. Lest We Forget.