BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS: Lindsay Wright pours ex-servicewoman Aleasha Clinghan some rum as she toasts friends still serving in the defence force. Photo JUDE KEOGH 0425breaky9
Ex-servicewoman Aleasha Clinghan said the Anzac Day dawn service yesterday was one of the most powerful ceremonies she had seen.
The service was the first she had been to since leaving the army in September last year. She said the ceremony made her miss the camaraderie of service.
“It was really moving and it did make me think of all my mates still overseas and in Brisbane,” she said.
“It was really good to see so many people in attendance.”
Miss Clinghan who is 26 years old served in the army as a lance corporal for eight years and had several stints in the Middle East. She said there were six people from Orange in her contingent.
“It was really funny we all went there separately and found out we were all from Orange and became great mates,” she said.
Miss Clinghan said she loves attending the dawn service for the eerie ambiance. She said it gives people time to reflect on the friends and family who never came home.
“It does feel different being a civilian but it is still the same in many ways,” she said
“You go for your mates and personally I have lost some.”
During her service Miss Clinghan acquired the Australian active service medal, the Afghanistan campaign medal, the Iraq campaign medal and the international security assistance force medal.
nicole.kuter@ruralpress.com