IT WAS a visit to remember for Indigenous Elder Uncle George Anderson at RAAF Base Amberley when he spoke to aviators about life as a conscripted soldier in the Vietnam War.
Mr Anderson, joined by his wife Rubena – one of the first Indigenous ABC newsreaders – spoke about the challenges of war and being an Indigenous Australian wanting to fight for his country.
“I received a letter telling me I had to sign up for National Service, so I went to Rockhampton and the people there told me I didn’t have to because I was Aboriginal,” Mr Anderson said.
“I got upset and told them, ‘I’m an Australian’, so they put my name down and then they sent me off to Adelaide for training.”
Mr Anderson was the only Indigenous soldier in his section and, despite the racism he said he encountered, soldiers all came together to protect each other.
“When we walked off the boat, we realised we could be shot at and killed,” Mr Anderson said.
“I was very proud to do my bit for the country.
“We looked after the fella in front and the one behind looked after you. Regardless of colour, we had to look after each other.
“We had our 50 year anniversary recently and catching up with those blokes was amazing.
“We’re all older, skinnier, or fatter; we said our g’days.”
Wing Commander Craig Nielsen said the talk brought aviators together to recognise achievements.
“We often get focused on individual areas within the unit, however, the unit functions as a broader team, and such talks bring that team together,” Wing Commander Nielsen said.
“Hearing about George’s service history and his cultural background creates connection and understanding and allows aviators to reflect on where we have come from.
“It’s important we take moments in time to build broadness in culture to best understand others and how we all work together.
“Regardless of our differences, we all want to be able to serve our country, and the one thing that has not changed within Defence is mateship.”
Read more about Mr Anderson and his service in the books Serving our Country and Our Mob that Served.
