Remembering those who died for us
Date published: 11 Nov 2022
Author: Kylie Sammut
As an Australian Army veteran, Kerrie Franzsen, Solutions Analyst for HealthShare NSW’s Employee and Financial Shared Services (EFSS), feels a special connection to Remembrance Day.
Every year at 11am on 11 November, Australians pause to remember those men and women who have served and those who have died in all wars and peacekeeping operations. This year Kerrie was privileged to host the inaugural Remembrance Day ceremony for her directorate where she shared with her colleagues the meaning of this special day and the significance of the red poppies.
Kerrie is a founding member of the HealthShare NSW’s newly established Veterans Network, aimed at creating an inclusive environment where veterans feel safe to share their stories and experiences.
Like many veterans, Kerry’s time in the Army is a period of her life she reflects on with pride.
Kerrie’s story
“I was 21 and a little bored with my everyday life and wanted a challenge and something different to the norm. One day in a mall in Sydney I saw some Army people recruiting for the Reserves, and that was that! I thought this is the best of both worlds - I get to keep my civilian life, but on the weekends and a few weeks a year run around in camouflage with a rifle! I applied, and got in.
I chose to be a combat medic because I was interested in that area and training, but mainly because at the time it was the closest a female could get to the front line.
I was attached to an infantry company, which was amazing and afforded me many opportunities that other females and medics weren't - like firing a rocket launcher, being held (fake) hostage, blowing up a tank, abseiling, 60km route marches in the middle of the night, etc, as well as all usual stuff like throwing grenades (badly), learning to fire and take care of my rifle (I'm a terrible shot), Catch-Kill-Pluck & Cook-a-Chook weekends (I couldn't complete this course!), rigorous fitness challenges and carrying men on my shoulders. I was also part of the first all-female team to be able to complete the grueling obstacle course at Canungra training facility in QLD.
My friends at the time thought the whole Army thing was hilarious. When we'd go out to clubs and pubs they would often push people aside saying: "Make way! Trained killer coming through!"
I did have my fair share of challenges including being one of only 3 females in my Company of about 120, as well as being a vegetarian. There were no vegetarian ration packs so on a 2 week camp I would swap rations and often end up with only 10 year old muesli bars and chocolate to eat.
I was on 7 days' notice to be deployed to the East Timor conflict in 1999, however the UN then went in and I was no longer needed. I was extremely disappointed as I was hoping all my training and experience could finally be put to use in a real combat environment, however I knew if I did go that my life would be forever changed. I discharged shortly after as I was going backpacking for an extended period, including visiting ANZAC cove in Turkey with some of my Army colleagues.
My time as an Australian Army Reservist is something I look back on with great pride and satisfaction and would recommend to anyone wanting to challenge themselves physically and mentally. Any resilience I have today I credit with my time in the Army. Today some of my best friends are my old Army buddies from all walks of life, and who are like brothers and always have my back.”
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