This young fella is an Army Cadet! He has appeared in the Australian Army Monthly Magazine distributed to former and serving personnel:
Cdt Austin Appelbee with his father and brother after receiving his Australian Army Cadet Gold Commendation.
' His ability to overcome fear and fatigue and focus on his singular objective – to save his family – was, to say the least, exceptional.
– Cmdr Australian Army Cadets Brig David McCammon
A FOUR-KILOMETRE open-water swim followed by a two-kilometre run is a monumental undertaking for most human beings, but when the lives of your family are on your shoulders it adds a whole new dimension.
Cdt Austin Appelbee made international headlines when he swam through rough seas and then ran to raise help for his mother and siblings after they were blown out to sea in a rented kayak on January 30.
Overcoming fear, fatigue and adrenaline, the 13-year-old, who parades with 50 Army Cadet Unit (Midlands) in Western Australia, contacted emergency services when he made it to shore.
His efforts led to the successful rescue of his mother and siblings, who had drifted more than 14km out to sea.
In recognition of his extraordinary act of bravery, Cdt Appelbee was awarded the Australian Army Cadets Gold Commendation.
Cmdr Australian Army Cadets Brig David McCammon said the efforts of Cdt Appelbee were astonishing and he joined the nation in acknowledging his monumental feat.
“Austin displayed the determination and courage we expect of individuals far older than his years,” Brig McCammon said.
“His ability to overcome fear and fatigue and focus on his singular objective – to save his family – was, to say the least, exceptional.
“I know I speak for every member of the Cadets and probably the Australian Army and greater Defence force, when I say you and your actions exemplify the values which we hold dear, and commend you for your aweinspiring act – outstanding.”
Young cadet recognised for bravery
Cdt Austin Appelbee with his father and brother after receiving his Australian Army Cadet Gold Commendation.
' His ability to overcome fear and fatigue and focus on his singular objective – to save his family – was, to say the least, exceptional.
– Cmdr Australian Army Cadets Brig David McCammon
A FOUR-KILOMETRE open-water swim followed by a two-kilometre run is a monumental undertaking for most human beings, but when the lives of your family are on your shoulders it adds a whole new dimension.
Cdt Austin Appelbee made international headlines when he swam through rough seas and then ran to raise help for his mother and siblings after they were blown out to sea in a rented kayak on January 30.
Overcoming fear, fatigue and adrenaline, the 13-year-old, who parades with 50 Army Cadet Unit (Midlands) in Western Australia, contacted emergency services when he made it to shore.
His efforts led to the successful rescue of his mother and siblings, who had drifted more than 14km out to sea.
In recognition of his extraordinary act of bravery, Cdt Appelbee was awarded the Australian Army Cadets Gold Commendation.
Cmdr Australian Army Cadets Brig David McCammon said the efforts of Cdt Appelbee were astonishing and he joined the nation in acknowledging his monumental feat.
“Austin displayed the determination and courage we expect of individuals far older than his years,” Brig McCammon said.
“His ability to overcome fear and fatigue and focus on his singular objective – to save his family – was, to say the least, exceptional.
“I know I speak for every member of the Cadets and probably the Australian Army and greater Defence force, when I say you and your actions exemplify the values which we hold dear, and commend you for your aweinspiring act – outstanding.”
