Leading Aircraftsman will arrive in Mackay for Anzac Day

LEIGH Keioskie is back from Afghanistan, on leave and in Mackay to mark Anzac Day in his hometown.

Leading Aircraftsman Leigh Keioskie on duty. He will march with his father in Mackay’s Anzac Day parade. . Picture: Contributed

LEIGH Keioskie is back from Afghanistan, on leave and in Mackay to mark Anzac Day in his hometown.

It was important for the 24-year-old, based in Sydney, to march in Mackay, his father Peter Keioskie said.

What makes this Thursday even more special is that it will be the first time the father and son march side by side on Anzac Day.

While his son didn't have clearance to speak to the Mercury, Mr Keioskie said it had been wonderful to see him again when he arrived home a couple of weeks ago following a four-month stint in Afghanistan.

He admitted he had been worried for him while he was away but also proud.

"I'm very proud of him, especially because he was so passionate to come home and march in his home town," Mr Keioskie said.

Mr Keioskie, who served in the army in the regulars and the reserves, said Anzac Day was an important day for their family. Mr Keioskie's uncle also served in the navy during the Second World War.

"I actually believe the (Anzac Day) crowds are getting stronger every year," Mr Keioskie said. "I think it is important to keep remembering and keep the aspect alive and remember those who helped protect this great nation."

As a Leading Aircraftsman in the Australian Air Force, Leigh Keioskie doesn't get to spend a great deal of time with his family.

And while his duties have kept him away on special occasions, Mr Keioskie said modern technology such as Skype had made it easy to keep in touch. On Christmas day a large family group gathered around a television screen, which had been connected to Skype, to wish Leigh a Merry Christmas in Afghanistan.

Of his son's time in Afghanistan, Mr Keioskie said he had made a lot of good friends, who he would travel with later in the year, and had tried to take the good with the bad.

"He mentioned to me it was a very pretty country, with snow on the mountains, but he's also seen the ugly side as well," he said.

AUSTRALIAN SPIRIT

CELEBRATE the Australian spirit with the Daily Mercury this week.

Readers are being given the opportunity to purchase their Daily Mercury and an Australian car flag for just $3 until Thursday.

The offer is available at selected newsagents in Mackay and the Whitsundays, with the deal expected to be popular with proud Aussies wanting to honour the Anzac legend.

Also, if you're concerned you won't be able to pick up a copy of your Daily Mercury, complete with our popular weekly TV guide, on Anzac Day, be sure to order a copy at your nearest newsagency for pick-up on Friday.

Originally published as Leading Aircraftsman will arrive in Mackay for Anzac Day