Defence duo in stroke for generous Anzac Day gesture

For people in the defence forces, April 25 is a day that holds a special place in their hearts, with most of them marching and attending services around Australia.

But as that wasn't possible last month, due to the coronavirus pandemic, navy's Alexander Wilson, formerly of HMAS Albatross, and army's Joshua Vasicek (lance corporal military policeman at the army's recruit training establishment Kapooka) took another approach to honour those who had fallen and served.

The pair both rowed 42km on the day, as a way to raise funds for SoliderOn - an organisation that assists families of servicemen and women by securing their futures.

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"The idea was originally floated by some other members of the navy in Sydney and we adopted it at Wagga Wagga," said petty officer aircraft technician airframe Wilson.

"We thought it would be a great way to raise some funds out the front of our local gym, which is run by veterans.

"We committed to completing it on the Thursday afternoon before having a 10-minute meeting that night - there was no training beforehand, as we got straight into it after the dawn service on Anzac Day.

"In the end, I believe more than 50 defence members completed a marathon of some description.

"One of our colleagues at RAAF Base Wagga, seaman Holly Page, ran a half marathon around her accommodation precinct on base."

Wilson, who has played for the Shoalhaven Rugby Club, Royal Australian Navy Rugby Union side and Australian Stockman's team, acknowledged how important it was to do an activity like this on Anzac Day.

"Doing an event like this is important because it's easy to give something back, without much effort," Wilson, who's also been based at Perth and Florida during his time serving, said.

"Anzac Day is important to Australia and Australians.

"It's important to me and it's crucial the people that need support, after fighting for Australia, are treated with care and respect."

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The short preparation aspect definitely came into play for the pair during the row.

"Things got pretty tough around the 30-35km mark - lots of blisters and a really sore back," Wilson said.

"But the sun was shining, people were honking their horns as they drove past and generally, it was a great experience.

"It was a really special way to pay tribute and provide something meaningful to people that need it."

The servicemen duo have been blown away with the support they've received.

"We chose SoliderOn as it's a cause that's close to us," Wilson, who was on the HMAS Ballarat's recent deployment to the Middle East conducting anti-narcotics patrols, said.

"We are both serving members who have friends that require support and SoliderOn provides that valuable service.

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"I've personally served for 11 years and the experience has shaped me in many positives ways and created plenty of great memories.

"The fundraising aspect is going great, with us already having more than $4000 and still climbing.

"We aimed for $1000 and it's been terrific to see the support.

"It also highlights the power of social media and how it can be used for good."

While Wilson currently enjoys his lifestyle in Wagga Wagga, he hopes to return to the South Coast soon.

"Currently, I manage all of the navy's aviation apprentices," he said.

"They all go to Wagga for their trade training with the air force.

"I basically look after them and try to prepare them for their future in the navy's flying squadrons.

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"Wagga is great, it's a wonderful town that I never would have visited unless I joined the navy.

"But my plan is to return to Nowra in the next few years - I need to get back so I can play rugby for Shoalies again."

If you'd like to donate to the pair's cause, you can here.