Newly promoted Cadet Sergeants Lani Farrell, 15, and brother Mason, 17, say the family's rich history in the Australian military is what has inspired them to pursue their service with the Australian Airforce Cadets.
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Lani and Mason's grandfather, Darcy Elbourne, is Taree's RSL Sub-branch vice president and served as a reserve soldier in the latter stages of the Vietnam War.
The Times caught up with Mr Elbourne, Lani and Mason after Taree's Remembrance Day ceremony at Club Taree on Thursday, November 11 to reflect on some of the reasons behind their dedication to service.
"We have military relatives all the way up to our great-great grandfathers who have served in World Wars I and II - three Army and one Airforce," Lani said.
"It is not just that, our dad is in the Army Reserves too and he is definitely an inspiration," Mason added.
Mr Elbourne said he was very proud of his grandchildren for their efforts on the day, which they seemed very humbled by.
"Although they are both sergeants, I am still the senior man because I am the warrant officer," Mr Elbourne joked.
"It is very special for me to have them in the cadets as it sort of follows the family tradition."
Lani and Mason have been with the Australian Airforce Cadets for around four years now and have gone through a lot of training for their Cadet Sergeant title.
"Usually cadet sergeant's go through a process of training at a Royal Australian Air Force base (RAAF), but due to COVID we completed a lot of training online," Lani said.
"It was very difficult doing it via Zoom," Mason added.
Lani and Mason attended the Remembrance Day ceremony with the other members of the 317 Squadron and Lieutenant Laurie Easter.
It was the first time in two years the squadron had attended a Remembrance Day ceremony due to COVID, which has effected cadet enrolments, Mr Easter said.
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