Don't forget the 21st century soldier
Mon 14 May 2007
Robyn Daniels, Journalism
When paying your respects this Anzac Day, think not only of the distant past, but of the Coast’s young service men and women of today.
Steve McDonald of Wurtulla is an ex-serviceman at only 24-years-old.
He was recently awarded the ‘Australian Defence Medal’ (ADM) for completing four years duty in the Australian Army. 
Mr McDonald served for six months in Iraq and seven months in East Timor, on top of his three years training in Australia.
“For a young soldier it felt good to be able to put your training into practise,” Mr McDonald said of his service abroad.
“If I didn’t go, it would be like going to footy training every week and never actually getting to play the big game.”
To be eligible for an ADM a person must have honoured their initial contracted enlistment period, usually four years.
Local MP Peter Slipper presented the medal to many Sunshine Coast residents at a ceremony held at the Caloundra RSL Club last month.
This is the fourth medal for Mr McDonald who already has a Campaign Medal for his service in Iraq, an Australian Active Service Medal and the UN Medal for peacekeeping in Timor.
Mr McDonald said while he enjoyed his time abroad, he always planned to come back home his service.
“I just got sick of being away and I always wanted to come back to the Coast,” Mr McDonald said.
Mr McDonald said he marched on Anzac Day last year and looks forward to participating again this year.
“I feel proud that I am in the same category as others that have marched for much longer than me,” Mr McDonald said.
“Anzac day is about thanking our soldiers, sailors and airmen, past and present, for service during our country’s time of need. I’m just proud to be a part of it all.”
Another young Sunshine Coast serviceman, 21-year-old Nick Tetis, is currently a seaman moving up the ranks in the Royal Australian Navy.
Mr Tetis is based in Sydney on the HMAS Tobruk, but says he will most likely be back on the Coast for Anzac Day.
“I’ll be on leave then so I’ll attend a dawn service on the Coast, otherwise Sydney or Brisbane, I don’t know where I’ll be yet,” Mr Tetis said.
“Hopefully I’ll get to march afterwards as well.”
Mr Tetis said the meaning of Anzac Day had changed for him since enlisting in May 2005.
“I feel prouder,” Mr Tetis said.
“Because I’m part of such a well-respected military, it definitely instils more pride in me.”
Mr Tetis has also served abroad earning an Australian Active Service Medal with an International Coalition Against Terrorism Clasp.
He will receive an ADM after four years in the navy, however he plans to stay with the armed forces even after his contract expires.
“I do miss the Coast though,” Mr Tetis said.
“I was born and raised there so I do miss it heaps, especially my family and friends.”
Image(s) designed by Robyn Daniels