Personnel at RAAF Base East Sale marked Anzac Day with a commemorative workout of the day (WOD), bringing together serving members, base leadership and the local veteran community.
About 50 personnel took part in the activity, which began with a 1915-metre row, acknowledging the year of the Gallipoli landings and the Australians who served during the World War I.
The workout was held in programmed waves, with participants completing 19 rounds of five squats, five push-ups and five sit-ups, with scaled options available. Each wave also completed 41 calories of work, representing the Australian service members who lost their lives during operations in Afghanistan.
Before starting the WOD, organisers acknowledged the support of Senior Australian Defence Force Officer Wing Commander Peter Ferris, Base Manager Jim Sutton, the ADF Fitness Leader team and physical training instructors, as well as welcoming RSL Sale president Squadron Leader Kylie Willmot, who attended the event in support of the initiative.
'Service still matters, and the responsibility that comes with wearing this uniform is very real.'
One of the organisers, Corporal Sharnee Retzki, encouraged participants to reflect on the personal sacrifice of the fallen.
"This base is young. Many of us are at the beginning of our careers, planning our futures," Corporal Retzki said.
"The Anzacs we honour today were the same age, at the same stage of life, except they were stepping into war, not certainty.
"Service still matters, and the responsibility that comes with wearing this uniform is very real. Today was about remembering that, together."
In addition to its commemorative focus, the WOD also supported the local veteran community, raising $460 for RSL Sale through voluntary contributions from participants.
Squadron Leader Willmot said the event highlighted the ongoing connection between today's Air Force personnel and those who served before them, and noted the importance of shared remembrance and mutual support.
