Returning from Operation Kudu, Darwin local Lance Corporal Sam Kilgour has celebrated his first Anzac Day after deployment, as well as his first as an uncle.
The section 2nd in Command from the 5th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, didn't have desires to join the ADF as a youngster, but found himself inspired after a friend in the Army Reserve spoke highly of their experience.
Now, Lance Corporal Kilgour has represented the Australian Army on both domestic and international operations, most recently with a significant role as an instructor to Ukrainian recruits on Operation Kudu.
"I dual-hatted as an instructor and the section 2nd in Command," Lance Corporal Kilgour said.
"So I was helping the section commander organise the section admin, but I was also taking part in all the lessons themselves."
From joining on peer recommendation, Lance Corporal Kilgour said he would like to become an instructor at the School of Infantry or Kapooka in the future.
"It's definitely a very rewarding experience and the personal growth that I got out of Operation Kudu helped shape and refine my instructing skills," he said.
"I enjoyed the opportunity to integrate with different countries, learn how they do things and make a difference by training the Ukrainians for what they're going back to.
"Getting that experience on what I'll be expected to do as an instructor has helped quite a lot; I definitely think I'll do that later in life."
Lance Corporal Kilgour had an extra reason to celebrate on Anzac Day this year, as he became an uncle the day after coming home from deployment.
Although he and his team were exempt from participating in any ceremonial activities on Anzac Day, he planned to attend the dawn service at the 5th Battalion to pay his respects and integrate with his colleagues.
"It's my first Anzac Day with the little nephew, and I couldn't be prouder," Lance Corporal Kilgour.
"It's a sombre and moving experience to be a part of Anzac Day and be able to share experiences with other veterans of the battalion.
"While we take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who served before us and have now passed, we can also take a moment to celebrate those around us, who serve with us side-by-side."
