For Loch resident Sylvy Dolphin, our military history is something she’s always been interested in from a young age.
She believes we should do everything we can to support our service personnel who’ve paid for and are paying the ultimate sacrifice.
Sylvy’s passion for our military history even took her to Europe, where in 2013 she completed a Western Front tour in France and Belgium and spent 10 days visiting various grave sites, battle grounds and museums.
Australian War Memorial at sunrise on ANZAC morning.
“I spent ANZAC Day at the Australian War Memorial in France which was very special,” Sylvy explained.
“Our town Loch was named after Sergeant Albert Lock who was killed over there so I took some soil from here and placed it near his grave when I was in Belgium.” (Pictured above).
For Sylvy, she feels especially passionate about Vietnam veterans, who struggled when returning home.
“I remember in high school having an argument with my social studies teacher about their treatment.”
Today, Sylvy gives back to our veterans and current serving military members by helping organise the yearly ANZAC Day service in her community.
“It’s the least I can do. Those that died paid the ultimate sacrifice, and those who return oftentimes face their own battles from mental, physical and social injuries,” Sylvy said.
“Some of our service personnel have never come back into normal living, they just can’t – so anything that can increase knowledge, support and appreciation for our veterans and also first responders is crucial.”
Sylvy learnt about MESHA when she attended our Remembrance Day Breakfast one year, and has been attending ever since.
“Service personnel need specialised help, as what they’re going through is very niche and the everyday civilian can’t relate,” Sylvy said.
“As a whole, the work MESHA is doing with those that need help is very important and absolutely fantastic.”
If you’re passionate like Sylvy and would like to donate to MESHA, click here or contact us on contact us on (08) 7002 0880.
