22 July 2010
As a journalist I'm often privileged to talk to impressive people. Some are familiar names and some not so. Often it's the not so well known people that are truly impressive. Speaking to passionate people is something that goes with a journalist's territory. But every now and then you get to speak to someone who is quite extraordinary.
That happened this week when I spoke with Corporal Mark Donaldson VC. Someone who has become very well known but never asked for it.
A soldier honoured for his gallantry, after he deliberately put himself under Taliban fire so other wounded soldiers could make it to safety. A soldier who then ran 80 metres across open ground and under fire, to rescue an Afghan interpreter. A soldier who says he was just doing his job.
I've been lucky enough to speak with Mark Donaldson on three occasions now. Last Australia Day, he was a guest on First Edition when he was named Young Australian of the Year. Then on Anzac Day he showed that nothing phased him during an interview, when it bucketed down on our broadcast in Martin Place. He didn't flinch as rained poured off an umbrella and down our backs. And then he went off, without a complaint, to lead the Sydney march.
This week, I went to see him. To sit down and talk about his future. There's been a lot written about Mark Donaldson since he was awarded his Victoria Cross in January 2009. Lots of speculation. It was widely assumed that he would have to give-up his army career once he was given the highest military honour in the land. A Senate Estimates Committee even discussed his role and whether he had become the "poster boy" for Defence.
Nothing could have been further from the truth. Little did the politicians know but Mark Donaldson had already been back to Afghanistan since receiving his VC.
"Obviously I can't talk too much about that due to operational security reasons," he said "But what I can say is that I did see action. It's a war zone and that's what our job is, is to be a soldier, and that's what happens in a soldier's life – you get shot at."
In fact, it was one of the first questions he asked when he was told he'd received the VC. What did it mean to the job he loved so much? The Chief of Defence gave his word to Mark Donaldson that he would still be able to serve his country.
It's remarkable when you think about it. I mean, really think about it. Here's a young man – 30 years old with a beautiful young family. He's awarded the highest military honour and could easily have not had to put his life at risk again. He could have chosen to become the face of Defence. Let's face it, he's a recruitment campaigner's dream.
Instead he asks for guarantees that he can serve with his SAS mates – wherever that may be. "I just saw it as an honour and an award that I'd received, and time to crack on and keep doing the job," he said. "He did point out to me that it's definitely going to change my life. I don't think I understood or could grasp how much it probably would change my life at that time, compared to now." There are no airs and graces about Mark Donaldson. What you see is what you get. He doesn't play up his VC or his actions that day in 2008. Instead he thinks of his mates. "I thank the fact that I was lucky. I didn't get hit. Nearly every other Australian bloke there did," he said. "Some minor, some major. I've got two mates who are still working through their wounds."
"Like I said, it was him on the day and wasn't me. Who knows? Next time I go out, it could be me."
I don't pretend to understand how a soldier thinks. Perhaps no one can, other than a fellow soldier. When I thanked Mark Donaldson for the interview he said "thanks, Celina – cheers..."
Cheers to you Mark Donaldson... cheers to you and all your SAS mates.
Comments are moderated and will not appear until they have been approved.
