GG watches Gee Gees in Taji

Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove visited Australian troops deployed to the Middle East on Melbourne Cup Day.

Sir Peter acknowledged the ongoing service of Australian Defence Force personnel at home and abroad.

“Today we’re in a far off place where hundreds of Australians are doing a very tough job,” he said.

“We are as a nation enormously proud of you, instinctively proud of you. 

“We don’t hear enough of you, but that’s because you do your jobs so well.”

In Iraq, Sir Peter met with newly elected president Dr Barham Salih.

He also watched the running of the Melbourne Cup over breakfast with Australian and New Zealand soldiers as part of Task Group Taji.

Later, the Governor-General enjoyed a barbecue in Kabul, Afghanistan with Australian troops deployed on Operation Highroad, the ADF’s contribution to the NATO Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan.

He also met with troops in Headquarters Resolute Support and Camp Qargha, where ADF mentors support the development of the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces through the NATO Resolute Support train, advise and assist mission.

“Through your collective efforts, you are giving this nation a chance, and your stocks are enormously high, not just in Australia but of course with your Afghan hosts.

“All of your effort hinges around the fact that we want to help Iraq and Afghanistan to be able to defend themselves against all threats, and for them to grow as nations.

“Thank you for your service, for demonstrating the professionalism of our defence force and for continuing Australia’s proud military tradition.”

 

....

Click to enlarge

.

.

.

.

.

.


.


.