Military Police (MP) are not usually known for garden makeovers, but a local team recently pitched in on behalf of Legacy to support a veteran with a much-needed yard clean-up.
After multiple major leg surgeries, Navy veteran Luke McCallum's backyard was in serious need of attention. The Invictus and Warrior Games athlete was grateful to receive support from Legacy, which came in the form of some willing and able-serving personnel.
The team from Joint Military Police Unit (JMPU) Headquarters spent a few hours mowing, weeding and tidying, while chatting with Luke about his Navy service and achievements competing in veterans' adaptive sports.
Luke took up indoor rowing after he lost the use of his leg, which led to him competing in indoor rowing and other adaptive sports at the 2024 Warrior Games in Florida and the 2025 Invictus Games in Vancouver.
'There is no better feeling than giving back to a member of our Defence family who needs a bit of extra support.'
Despite his achievements, Luke was initially reluctant to accept help from Legacy.
"I felt that there were other veterans more in need of help than myself, but I know that if I had the chance to support a veteran and their family when I was serving, I would have jumped at the opportunity," Luke said.
"I'd never really had much to do with MPs during my Navy service and it was interesting to hear about the type of work they do."
Captain Taylor Cresswell led the garden clean-up team and enjoyed hearing Luke's story about his service and adaptive sports achievements.
"Luke told us that he has found a new joy for life and purpose again through sport. We all found his story and journey incredibly inspiring and are grateful to have been able to help him and his family out," Captain Cresswell said.
The team presented Luke with a JMPU cap and an ADF Provost Marshal challenge coin, along with a new soccer ball for his son to kick around the freshly cleared yard.
"He even took off his Carlton cap and replaced it with the JMPU one," Captain Cresswell said.
"I hope this experience is the first of many for JMPU. There is no better feeling than giving back to a member of our Defence family who needs a bit of extra support."
