It would be hard to name a vocation more selfless than nursing. At various stages we are all reliant on the expertise, compassion and care of nurses. Some nurses not only fulfill their traditional role, they also serve in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
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The Australian Army Nursing Service first cared for our sick and wounded troops during the Boar War (1899-1902) and in 1951 they became known as The Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps (RAANC). Much-loved Nambucca resident, Mary Ode, proudly served as an army nurse during the 1950s and last week the ADF formally recognised Mary’s service.
Mary Ode, then Mary Donnelly, conducted her training at Healsville Victoria then served at One Camp Hospital at Yaronga Brisbane. One of Mary’s most vivid memories was inoculating long lines of soldiers prior to them heading off to the Korean War. Mary has always been a ‘team player’ and being a part of the nursing fraternity while being a member of the Army team during a time of conflict is something that Mary is fiercely proud of.
Mary laments that she left the Army on the eve of the RAANC being issued their corps badge. News of Mary and how proud she was of her time in uniform filtered through to the office of the Chief of the Australian Defence Force (CDF), Air Vice Marshall Mark Binskin, AC.
Last week Mary received a letter from the CDF thanking her for her dedication and service and an Appreciation of Service Certificate signed by the Deputy Chief of the Army, Major General Jake Ellwood, DSC. Army Headquarters sent the Director Army Nursing Services to present the letter and certificate personally. To top off what was an amazing day for Mary, she was also presented with the Australian Defence Medal and the beloved corps badge of the Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps.
The presentation to Mary was fitting recognition for valuable service to the nation by a selfless and caring lady, she is someone that the Mid North Coast community can be very proud of.
About the author: Mick Birtles is a recently retired Army Officer now living in Nambucca Heads. During his 36-year career, Birtles served in Bougainville, East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for command and leadership. Here he shares his interest in the welfare and well-being of veterans on the Mid North Coast.