Take for example Jason, an aerospace data controller at BAE Systems Australia and a musician in the Australian Army.
“As a saxophonist in the Army band I have some very different experiences to share,” says Jason. “I was fortunate enough to do a Forces Entertainment Tour of Afghanistan in 2013.”
“I remember playing ‘Who Can It Be Now?’ the famous Men at Work song, in the heart of Kabul one night. The crowd was really getting into the eighties music. I vividly remember getting to the solo and hearing my sound bounce off the buildings in downtown Kabul. It was a memory I’ll never forget.”
In addition to his remarkable saxophone solos, Jason spent much of his 15 years of service raising money for defence charities such as Legacy.
In his first year at BAE Systems Jason came full circle, this time raising his hand to take part in Legacy’s Centenary Torch Relay.
“Having an opportunity to represent BAE Systems while keeping a connection to my ADF service and celebrating such a milestone for Legacy is a real honour.”
“BAE Systems sees a lot of ex-servicemen and women transition from full-time service into their workplace. Many of these people, myself included, still have a strong relationship with their defence careers and often need the support of services such as Legacy.”
“Knowing that your employer will encourage your defence relationship through reserve service or contributing to valuable organisations such as Legacy is really important to me.”
Organisations such as Legacy aren’t Jason’s first introduction to defence support programs. It was at a veteran networking session that introduced Jason to his current role at BAE Systems Australia.
“I am an unlikely hire in this industry as I didn’t come from an aviation background. I went to the networking event looking for a career change, having a defence background led me to looking in the contractor space.”
On 13 July, Jason will pick up the torch for the Newcastle leg of the relay and looks most forward to meeting other veterans and hearing their stories.