Honouring those who came before – in two countries

LCpl Jonathan Lee has served two nations, worn two uniforms, and carried one enduring purpose – to honour those who came before him.

His story is one of military service, family sacrifice and a deeply personal connection to the legacy of the Korean War.

LCpl Lee enlisted in the Australian Army as a mechanic in 2015 using his civilian qualifications, and posted to 6RAR, 3CSSB and 3RAR. But his service began long before, in 1996, when he enlisted in South Korea’s Army as a paratrooper.

“That role required a high level of physical readiness, discipline and the ability to respond to operational requirements at short notice,” LCpl Lee said. “While my current role as a vehicle technician differs from my previous service as a paratrooper, the fundamental purpose remains unchanged – to support the mission and contribute to the team.”

Although the physicality of his current role is a little less demanding, LCpl Lee said keeping 3 Bn’s vehicles ready to deploy was just as challenging.

“Our boys work really hard and you never sit down; there’s always something to fix, especially if I make a brew, then ...‘RAEME!’,” he said with a laugh.

LCpl Lee joined a 3RAR contingent that travelled to South Korea to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Kapyong.

Service does not come without sacrifice. With regional postings from Puckapunyal to Townsville and time away on exercises, LCpl Lee’s wife and daughter moved back to Korea for more family support, visiting when possible over the past decade.

Anzac Day at Seoul War Memorial was the first time LCpl Lee’s family had seen him in his Australian uniform, and it was a proud moment.

“In the 11 years since joining the Australian Army, my family had not previously had the opportunity to see me in uniform in person, so it was a moment of great personal importance,” he said.

“It was a meaningful moment that reflected not only my service, but also the support and sacrifices my family has made over the years.”

A further highlight was visiting the battlefields in Kapyong and participating in the commemorative service at a site of shared history for Australia and Korea.

“Standing there, I did not feel as though I was simply observing history, but rather that I was personally connected to it,” he said.

“Participating in the Kapyong Day ceremony carried a weight beyond words and it is an experience I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

“Without their [the soldiers’] sacrifice there would be no Republic of Korea as it stands today, no home for my family, and no path that led me to serve in the Australian Army.”

Reflecting on his service, and those who came before him from different sides of the globe fighting side by side for a common goal, LCpl Lee felt a responsibility to uphold their legacy.

“I would like to express with all my heart my deepest gratitude and respect to the veterans who, 75 years ago, devoted their youth in a land they had never even seen, in defence of Korea,” he said.

“Now as a proud member of 3RAR, it is a privilege I hold with great pride and I will always remember that I am part of a brotherhood and family for life.”