Major David Czerkies has been a member of the Australian Army for more than forty years, many of which he has resided in Cumberland City. He entered full-time service in 1976 as a medic and has been working his way up the ranks ever since. In 1999 Major Czerkies was posted to East Timor where he was stationed as a medic under testing conditions.

“As part of my role, I was also training up medics in hospital tents, with very little equipment and language barriers. I’ll never forget the young East Timorese trainee who I trained in first aid, with no English. The next day a car bomb exploded, and he performed everything he had learnt. It was more than just weapons and military, it was about saving lives,” Major Czerkies said.

This Anzac Day Major Czerkies said he will be catching up with friends and coming together to celebrate, commemorate and reminisce on how far they have come and pay tribute to the fallen.

“We’re not celebrating war, we’re celebrating our past members who served this nation and continue to serve. Without our services, you and I wouldn’t have the same freedoms to grow up in this society and feel safe”. Major Czerkies continues to serve in the Australian Defence Force today and lives in Pemulwuy.

Cumberland City Council thanks you for your service Major Czerkies.

To take part in the local Anzac Day service on Sunday 25 April you can stream it live from the Merrylands RSL Facebook page.