Deployment 1 Afghanistan, Nov 2009. Photos: Supplied
BORN on 23 Feb 1974 in Finley, NSW, in the ‘Riverina’ area. Anthony is one of nine children in a blended family (1 of 4 to Mum and Dad). He grew up on a farm with his siblings, attending school ‘locally’ by travelling 22kms on a bus each way.
“Although we had the farm to run, Dad was also the owner of a large prime mover and needing a regular income, was often away working,” Anthony said.
“I was inspired by my uncle to play Australian Rules Football (AFL) at an early age and played for Jerilderie earlier on, My uncle drove 20kms each way to pick me up, to take me to training and to games each week, which was amazing.
“Our farm revolved around breeding sheep and cattle, growing wheat, rice and cutting hay, and we carted a lot of hay around the area at that time. Dad often sold it to other farmers for the family to survive, and he was also paid to transport hay using his truck. The family was all involved in the hay carting process and I began driving the trucks and tractors as soon as I could reach the pedals. “We lost the farm after the relentless Riverina droughts and then plagues. Later, in 1989, the family moved to Melbourne so Dad could find work.
“In 2011 the family moved to Cobram (VIC), where I completed my Year 11 and 12 studies whilst aspiring to break into the AFL draft. Upon realising that my ambitions were unlikely to be achieved, I joined the Australian Army at 19-years-old in 1993 and went to ‘Kapooka’ at Wagga Wagga for initial training.”
Anthony was allocated to the ‘Royal Australian Army Corps of Transport ‘RACT’ as an Air Dispatcher. He was one of the first two soldiers that were directly posted to 176 Air Dispatch Squadron, located upon RAAF Base Richmond, after the Unit had moved from Penrith in 1994.
Air Dispatch is a unique, specialist Army trade, involving the preparation of Military cargo and equipment for transport by aeroplanes and helicopters. Soldiers prepare cargo for airdrop out of planes and slinging operations by military helicopters.
Anthony would become an Army Paratrooper in 1995 and deeply enjoyed this aspect of his career, continuing to parachute for over 20 years and becoming an experienced Parachute Jump Master.
He spent the majority of his career residing in the Penrith and Cranebrook area, travelling extensively across Australia and the world.
He supported Operations in East Timor, had Operational Service in Afghanistan and within the United Arab Emirates, in support of the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO). Anthony served in a variety of Army and RAAF Units through all of the enlisted Army ranks, from Private Soldier to Warrant Officer Class One.
He was appointed as the Air Dispatch Trade Adviser in 2018 and would serve in that role until 2024. The Units in which he served include 176 Air Dispatch Squadron – Richmond; The 3rd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (3 RAR) – Holsworthy; the 1st Recruit Training Battalion (1 RTB) – Kapooka Wagga Wagga; Air Mobility Training and Development Unit (AMTDU) – Richmond; Headquarters 9th Force Support Battalion (9 FSB) – Ipswich QLD; Headquarters 17 Sustainment Brigade – Randwick, NSW.
Anthony sustained a variety of mental health and physical injuries during his service in Afghanistan and during Army training over 30 years. He was medically discharged from the Army in February 2024 and receives a Military medical pension, as he is now no longer able to work. His family resides in their own home in Cranebrook, and the whole family are proud Panthers supporters and Hawthorn fans.
Since departing from the Army, Anthony quickly became more involved within the Veteran community, seeking support initially but also offering support to others. He moved his weekly routine to the City of Penrith RSL sub-Branch as a Volunteer in Feb 2024, and also helped form the Yarramundi Veterans Shed. Anthony is a staunch advocate of Veteran welfare support and he is inspired to improve local services where possible. As the President of the Penrith RSL sub-Branch, Anthony is focused upon re-establishing the really important community relationships that are critical to the Veteran community.
“Without our community partners and supporters, the sub-Branch would find it difficult to support our Veterans in the future,” Anthony said. “The City of Penrith RSL sub-Branch has always supported our Veterans and we aim to always do so. There are way too many Veterans finding it difficult after service life and it is our job to support all of them, when we can.
SERVICE HISTORY: Air Dispatch Association of Australia (ADAA) Member (1998 to 2025), Committee 25 years, Vice President, President, Life Member 2014,
Yarramundi Veterans Shed foundation Committee, Secretary and Treasurer, 2024 – 2025
City of Penrith RSL sub-Branch Member initially began around 1995 (membership lapsed due to posting and life every now and then), Committee 2023-2025, Vice President 2024, President 2025
Totally Permanently Incapacitated Association of Australia, Member – 2025
Participating or attending the Penrith RSL sub-Branch ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day commemorations annually since 1994 (my first time in uniform – marching Troops with 176 Air Dispatch Squadron RAAF Base Richmond.
Medical discharge from Australian Army after 30 years service Feb 2024
Sustained PTSD related injuries after Operational Service in Afghanistan 2009/2010
Enduring medical injuries incurred during Army service, including Army parachuting for over 20 years (feet, ankles, knees, back, shoulders etc)
Unable to work as a direct result of injuries sustained during Military Service, Medically retired, but remains committed to Volunteer time at the sub-Branch in order to support other Veterans locally.
Anthony Eddie was nominated as a Legend of the Nepean by Peter Ward.
If you know a local legend, send us a nomination at nepeannews@aol.com
