South West Rocks Navy Cadet unit marks over 20 years of attendance at ANZAC Day Service

For 17 year old Leading Seaman Allen though, this marks her final service with the crew that she credits with turning her life around.

"I was a troubled kid before I joined the cadets; I had no respect for authority or myself, " she said.

"These last few years with the cadets has changed me for the better, and given me once in a lifetime experiences that I will never forget.

"I've been on naval bases, ships, attended ceremonies, fundraisers, seen helicopters land on ships, and served the community with great pride."

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Now that her time with the cadets is drawing to a close, Leading Seaman Allen is looking toward a right future that, among other things, could involve joining the Navy.

"Once I age out of the cadets on my 18th birthday, I have a few different plans in mind," she said.

"One of them is to join the Navy and serve my country, but we will see what happens."

Along with her friends in the TS Culgoa unit, Allen's commanding officers CPO Schloeffel and LEUT Aitken are particularly sorry to lose such a dependable cadet.

"As the CO of the unit, I'm really going to miss her; leading Seman Allen's assistance and leadership has been invaluable these last few years; it's very sad to see her go," LEUT Aitken said.

"She has been an absolute asset as a cadet, and we are all very sorry she has to leave us," CPO Schloeffel said.

"Wherever she decides to go next, they will be very lucky to have her."

The Navy Cadets of the TS Culgoa are always on the lookout for new recruits; anybody under the age of 18 who is interested in joining, can call LEUT Aitken on 0407 666 801 for more information.

Other ANZAC Day Services in the Macleay

For those unable to attend in person, a national service is scheduled at the Australian War Memorial and will be televised across the nation.

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