HMAS Cerberus’ Lieut-Commander Janine March-Goss, far left, and Commander John Goss, far right, pictured with La Trobe MP Jason Wood who presented foothills residents, Verity Dixon, Cheryl McInnes and Francis Fitzgerald with Australian Defence Medals. 23550.
By Tania Martin
JOINING the army was a life-changing experience for three foothills residents.
Last week they were recognised for service to their country with an Australia Defence Medal, which recognises defence personnel for at least three years of service.
Francis Fitzgerald of Boronia was just 18 when he enlisted but it was something he always wanted to do.
“I used to go past the recruiting office every day and one day I decided to go in,” he said.
Within a matter of weeks, Mr Fitzgerald was undertaking a medical evaluation and had joined the army ranks.
After initial training he was attached to an engineering unit in East Ringwood where he learnt how to build bridges and mine fields and worked with infantry units.
Verity Dixon and Cheryl McInnes of Belgrave both joined the Women’s Royal Australian Army Corps.
For Ms Dixon the army was a welcome diversion, as she was trying to figure out what she wanted to do.
During her three years she did a range of jobs from map surveying to helping build bridges, and blowing things up as part of the engineering corp.
It was a different story for Ms McInnes, joining the army to make a difference. She served in administrative roles in Brisbane and Canberra before moving to Melbourne. She even had a stint at military intelligence, handling top secret files.
