Australia’s four living Victoria Cross recipients and sole George Cross recipient have united for the first time in history to release a series of limited edition medallions to help raise funds for Soldier On and its work with wounded servicemen and women.
The war in Afghanistan is exacting a heavy price. Thirty-nine troops have been killed, hundreds physically wounded or injured and many more suffering from, or destined to suffer from, post traumatic stress.
With our troops due home later in the year, Soldier On’s CEO and founder John Bale, says he is preparing for a big surge in demand from returning servicemen and women who have physical and psychological injuries. “Coming home from war is more than a plane or boat ride. For many it can take years as they struggle to adapt to life away from the battlefield and to adjust to a life with injuries that will remind them forever of their time in the fight,” he said. "Our job is to help individuals regain confidence, to overcome the barriers that their physical or emotional wounds present. “This inspirational medallion collection will provide the funding we need to get on with helping our wounded.”
The medallion collection, “In the Service of Others” was officially launched by the Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison AO, at the Australian War Memorial.
The collection is a series of five medallions featuring the images of Warrant Officer Class II Keith Payne VC, Constable Michael Pratt GC, Corporal (then Trooper) Mark Donaldson VC, Corporal Benjamin Roberts-Smith VC MG and Corporal Daniel Keighran VC.
Struck with the support of the recipients, the medallions come with a replica Victoria Cross or George Cross. Only 1,000 of each medallion and 1,000 five-medallion sets will be released, with all profits from their sale going to Soldier On.
In releasing the collection Chief of Army noted that this is the first time ever that our Victoria Cross and George Cross recipients have come together or authorised their images and replicas of their medals to be used like this.
Victoria Cross for Australia recipient and Soldier On Patron-In-Chief, Corporal Mark Donaldson VC said he hopes the medallions will inspire others to acknowledge the sacrifices of those wounded while in the service of the nation. “Australians are becoming increasingly aware of the impact and sacrifices of our military personnel,” Corporal Donaldson said. “It is clear the public wants to help and these medallions are a way for them to support our wounded. “I was proud last year to come on board with Soldier On and to be helping them enhance, inspire and empower the lives of physically and mentally wounded servicemen and women. I hope this collection of medallions helps inspire Australians too, to give back to our wounded by raising funds for Soldier On.”
Mr Bale said the funds raised from the medallions would be put directly into helping wounded service personnel who, although receiving great support from Defence, would benefit from additional support and opportunities during their rehabilitation. "The funds raised through the generous support of the Victoria Cross and George Cross recipients will make a big difference to the lives of countless servicemen and women,” he said. “I think this collection is something industry – especially defence based industry – will really appreciate. It is an inspirational collection that would make ideal corporate awards to inspire or recognise achievement. He added. “In the military there is nothing more inspirational than those few who are recognised for outstanding gallantry or valour. I believe this collection will inspire others to help our wounded and also to strive to achieve their personal goals.”
Find out more about the In the Service of Others and how to secure a set of ‘same number’ individual medallions at www.SoldierOn.org.au