This Anzac Day, Corporal Kevin Jeffries will be standing proud at Lone Pine in Turkiye as the Commander of Australia’s Federation Guard catafalque party.
Corporal Jeffries, an Air Force avionics technician, has worked hard to make the short-list for the trip and is relieved to be going.
“To be chosen as the catafalque commander for such a significant occasion is a huge honour I take quite seriously and with a sombre mind,” he said.
“I instantly recognise the sacrifice our nation made from the story that has been retold by our people every year.”
Corporal Jeffries grew up on Sydney’s northern beaches in NSW, attending Narrabeen North primary school before moving to Bathurst to complete his senior schooling at Kelso High.
Prior to the ADF he owned his own transport and logistics company.
In 2009, at the age of 37, he made the commitment and joined the Air Force.
“I wanted job security after being made redundant multiple times, and I had an interest in fighter aircraft,” Corporal Jeffries said.
During his career, he has posted to RAAF bases Amberley, Williamtown and Wagga Wagga.
This is his second posting to Australia’s Federation Guard, previously doing a stint from 2017-2019.
“Australia’s Federation Guard is a top posting, that is why I am back here,” Corporal Jeffries said.
During his time at Australia’s Federation Guard, he has participated in ceremonies in Australia and travelled to France in 2018 for the centenary commemoration.
Corporal Jeffries, who is part of the 43-personnel contingent from Australia, will also have an opportunity to tour the battlefields, walking in the footsteps of the Anzacs to learn about the conditions faced during the war.
Australia’s Federation Guard contingent left Australia on April 17 and will parade at Gallipoli and Lone Pine, and support the New Zealand commemoration at Chunuk Bair, before returning home on April 29.
