While many turn their thoughts this Anzac Day to those who lost their lives on the beaches of Gallipoli over a century ago, the loved ones of Bendigo army officer Adam Chirgwin will be focused on a much more contemporary conflict.
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As the city pays its respects to soldiers past and present in the pre-dawn light, Captain Chirgwin will be half a world away continuing his work training Iraqi security forces north of Baghdad.
As part of Australia’s contribution to the internal coalition effort against Islamic State – Operation Okra – the Second-in-Command of an Anzac training company is deployed with Task Group Taji 4, helping prepare Iraqi security forces to take the fight to the terrorist group otherwise known as “Daesh”.
“This is my first deployment and it has been an amazing experience working with Australian, New Zealand and coalition forces in a combined environment, you couldn’t ask for a more professional group of soldiers and officers,” he said.
“Our role is to provide individual and small unit training to the Iraqi security forces before they move forward to fight Daesh in places like Mosul and elsewhere in Iraq.”
For Captain Chirgwin, this Anzac Day will mark another day working closely with members of the Iraqi security forces as part of his regular duties.
“They are amazing people,” he said.
“Despite what they have been through in recent years, they are still some of the most generous and welcoming people you could ever meet.
“It’s been a really humbling experience meeting some of the trainees and learning what they have been through.”
But also on Anzac Day, as ever, Captain Chirgwin will draw strength from knowing he has the support of loved ones back home, as well as that of his local RSL.
“It’s been fantastic to receive cards and gifts from family and friends, as well as care packages from the RSL,” he said.
“It’s a brilliant boost to morale for everyone.”
Captain Chirgwin – who moved to Bendigo with his family in 2000 where he attended St Peter’s Primary School and Catholic College Bendigo – said while it was a shame not to spend Easter and Anzac Day with family in Victoria, he was committed to his “important work”.
“From all reports we are achieving some very good results,” he said.