Themed workout honours the Anzacs

PERSONNEL at RAAF Base East Sale marked Anzac Day with a commemorative Workout of the Day (WOD), bringing together serving members, base leadership, and the local veteran community.

About 50 personnel took part in the activity, which was designed with symbolic elements recognising multiple generations of service.

Participants began with a 1915-metre row, acknowledging the year of the Gallipoli landings and the young Australians who served during WWI.

The workout was conducted in programmed waves, with participants completing 19 rounds of five squats, five push ups, and five sit ups, with scaled options available. Each wave also completed 41 calories of work, representing the Australian service members who lost their lives during operations in Afghanistan.

Prior to the start of the WOD, organisers acknowledged the support of SADFO WGCDR Peter Ferris, Base Manager Jim Sutton, the ADFFLS team, and PTIs, as well as welcoming President of RSL Sale SQNLDR Kylie Willmot, who attended the event in support of the initiative.

One of the organisers, CPL Sharnee Retzki, encouraged participants to reflect on the personal sacrifice of the fallen.

“This base is young. Many of us are at the beginning of our careers, planning our futures,” CPL Retzki said.

“The Anzacs we honour today were the same age, at the same stage of life – except they were stepping into war, not certainty.

“Service still matters, and the responsibility that comes with wearing this uniform is very real. Today was about remembering that, together.”

In addition to its commemorative focus, the WOD also supported the local veteran community, raising $460 for RSL Sale through voluntary contributions from participants.

SQNLDR Willmot said the event highlighted the ongoing connection between today’s Air Force personnel and those who served before them, and noted the importance of shared remembrance and mutual support.