Natasha Griggs (Solomon, Country Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On Tuesday, 22 April I had the enormous privilege of walking the final stages of an incredible trek that honoured the contribution of our service personnel in Afghanistan. Organised by the parents of sons who died in Afghanistan, the 400-kilometre Families of the Fallen Walk saw 80 or so people trek for 400 kilometres from Mataranka to Robertson Barracks over a 10-day period. One of the organisers, Ray Palmer, a man from my electorate, is an absolute inspiration. Ray and his wonderful wife, Pam, lost their son, Scott, in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan in 2010.

The epic walk was held to honour the 40 servicemen who were killed during the Afghan conflict, but it was also about raising awareness for post-traumatic stress disorder as well as raising funds for returned soldiers to walk the Kokoda Track. As the group approached the entrance of Robertson Barracks, we passed through an honour guard consisting of local diggers and the US Marines who are currently based in Darwin. As a civilian in an electorate with a strong presence of Defence Force personnel, I found this heartfelt gesture extremely touching and a small acknowledgement of the sacrifice that Scott and the 39 others have made in the service of our great country. I look forward to seeing similar walks around the country in honouring these wonderful men.