Australian Embassy hosts American Wounded Warriors -Oct. 16, 2015

From Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman

Long live the great friendship between Australia and the United States! That friendship was celebrated again, when the military staff of the Australian Embassy in Washington organized a Friday night buffet dinner and entertainment for wounded US service members, most of whom came in a special bus from Walter Reed Military Medical Center.
The host of the dinner was the popular Ambassador (and military historian) Kim Beazley who spoke movingly about the spirit of volunteerism and sacrifice that have characterized both our militaries who have served together in so many international missions over the past century. Lt. Colonel Phillip Hills organized the logistics again this year and Embassy staff volunteered to wait on tables, tend bar, and escort guests. This event was supported by The Aleethia Foundation. Its executive director, Hal Koster, was present as was one of their major donors, former U.S. official Paul Wolfowitz. Aleethia's motto is "supporting those who serve" and the foundation hosts dinners around Washington DC nearly every Friday for wounded warriors and their families. This night there were 36 recovering warriors and family members.
Entertainment included Cameron McCarthy, a diplomat who appeared in loincloth and Aboriginal body paint. He performed on didgeridoo and recruited audience members to try the instrument. Then Australian singer, Rick Price brought tears and cheers with his rendition of "Waltzing Matilda" and "He was only 19." Price now lives in Nashville and has recently produced a new CD entitled "Tennessee Sky."
The remarkable evening was a prime example of one Australian motto that, "when you are with your mates, you never stand alone." We were privileged to be invited as guests again this year and look forward to volunteering for adaptive snowsports for our warriors again this winter.