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Exercise Stone Pillow 2015

Exercise Stone Pillow 2015 ..By CAPT(LCCC) Anthea Chase-Currier

On the 17th of October 2015, the CO, Instructors, Parents, and Cadets of LCCC slept under the stars to raise awareness to the issues of homelessness within the Australian Veteran Community, and  to raise funds for organisations who provide housing and support to homeless veterans and their families.

The event took place at Dorrington Park, Northern Suburbs Hockey Club, Ashgrove.

The day started with cadets and staff arriving at 0900 hours and helping the organisers to set up and get the area ready for participants’ arrival at 1300 h.

There were welcoming speeches followed by safety and admin briefs at 1600 h. This was followed by Bravo Company’s ‘Bravo Blues’ displaying their precision Rifle Drill movements; a job well done. Kudos to LT (LCCC) John Weir for his hard work in training the team.

At 1730 h, the Special guests and VIPS arrived which included Patron, Corporal Ben Roberts-Smith VC, MG, Corporal Dan Keighran VC, Doug and Kaye Baird representing Corporal Cameron Baird VC, MG, Chief of Army Lieutenant General Angus Campbell DSC, AM and Regimental Sergeant Major – Army Warrant Officer Don Spinks OAM.

Cadets and Staff were especially honoured and very excited to meet the Victoria Cross recipients and to have photos taken with them.

Alpha Company had the honour of providing cadets for the Catafalque Party for the Sunset Memorial Service at 1800 h. It was a solemn service run by Army Chaplain Gary Stone. This was followed by more speeches and thank-yous. It was then that LCCC presented a cheque of $1300.00 to CPL Elena Rowland; the amount raised by cadets, parents and staff of LCCC to be used for our Homeless Veterans.

A delicious Dinner followed, provided by an Army Catering detachment . The Army Band then came on stage to entertain all. Both cadets and parents enjoyed dancing to their lively music. An Auction then took place and a large amount of money was raised through the process.

Last Post was played at 2300 h and some very tired cadets and parents retired to their sleeping bags for the night with a Duty Officer on watch to make sure our cadets were safe.

Reveille on the morning of the 18th of October was at 0700 h. Cadets and Staff were treated to a yummy breakfast and then work was underway to get all equipment, gazebos and trailers packed up and loaded.

It has been reported that Ex Stone Pillow had, through everyone’s amazing donations, raised $37 000 for Homes for Heroes and homeless veterans.

Overall, it was a memorable experience and LCCC is looking forward to Ex Stone Pillow 2016.