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Glen Innes RSL sub-branch president Gordon Taylor has just returned from walking up to the Australian War Memorial along with his newly-found ex-SAS mates on the final leg of this year’s Wondering Wanders fundraising trek from Brisbane to Canberra.
The Warriors passed through Glen Innes in early October, leaving a lasting impression on Mr Taylor and the community at large as they endeavoured to support their colleagues as they retire from the Special Air Service, rarely without some form of physical or mental wound.
“I’ve made some very good friendships – both here and in Canberra – and they’ve invited me to walk with them next year, probably along the same route as they received such great support this year,” he said.
Several thousand dollars were raised locally for the effort, contributing towards funds to help ex-SAS in their return to civilian life.
Mr Taylor said the final walk from Veterans Park to the war memorial, breasting the hill to see thousands gathered for the arrival, was an emotive experience. Among the welcoming committee were serving SAS officers and Victoria Cross recipient and ex-SAS serviceman Ben Roberts-Smith, who is also patron of the SAS Association.
Mr Taylor enjoyed three days of celebrations in Canberra, including a reception at which Repatriation Commission-er Mark Kelly approached him to say he’d heard about how supportive Glen Innes had been of the endeavour, and Mr Kelly wasn’t the only one.
“It was all around the place how supportive Glen Innes had been,” Mr Taylor said.
Given the lead time Mr Taylor is planning a bigger reception for the Wandering Warriors when they hit town next year, and it’s all for a very worthy cause. He said these men have gone above and beyond the call of duty to serve their country, and they deserve society’s support when they retire.