Families served taste of military traditions

The families of personnel from the 10th Force Support Battalion were given a taste of military traditions when they attended a regimental dining-in night.

CAPTION: The 10th Force Support Battalion family dining-in night. Story by Captain Thomas Kaye.

Commanding Officer 10th Force Support Battalion Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Holmes hosted the all-ranks formal dinner for families at Lavarack Barracks.

Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) 10th Force Support Battalion Warrant Office Class One (WO1) Matthew Fuery ensured all the customs and traditions of a regimental dinner were observed at the event in the Sir Henry Chauvel other ranks’ mess.

The families and children – the youngest was six-months old – got dressed up for the occasion.

“It wasn’t an event just for the partners and family members, it was also an occasion for the children to be a part of the regimental dining-in night,” WO1 Fuery said.

“We really wanted to ensure that family members of all ages, who are not normally privy to such events, are able to experience this unique part of service life.”

Children were also involved in the proceedings, offering toasts.

Nine-year-old Brooke Gordon, daughter of the 10th Force Support Battalion’s adjutant Mick Gordon, demonstrated her father’s aptitude for organising senior ranks by assisting the RSM with dining president responsibilities on the night.

Eight-year-old Brodie Sanson attended the dinner with his mum Sergeant Marika Sanson and dad Sergeant Troy Sanson, which was a first for the trio.

“Reinforcing the bond between families is so important as it is not just the men and women in uniform that are a part of the Army, it’s their family too,” WO1 Fuery said.

“Extending the invitation to family allows them to meet the community that they are such a significant part of.”

A performance by the Pipes and Drums of the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, added to the atmosphere of the night and the dining-vice, newly promoted Sergeant Nathan Judd, had the crowd participating in light-hearted entertainment after the head table departed.

The 10th Force Support Battalion plans to conduct further family dining-in nights to continue fostering a strong sense of family within the unit.

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