A CAREER in the defence force was always on the cards for Nigel McMullen of Wagga.
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The stories from his grandparents inspired him from a young age to give back to a country that has offered him so much.
Mr McMullen said other countries could not compare to Australia in regards to its medical system, infrastructure and more.
He said people often take Australia for granted.
"Ever since I was a young boy I wanted to be in the military, as most soldiers do," he said.
"Hearing the stories from my grandparents inspired me to do my part and give back to the community that has supported me.
"It is a good feeling to give back to a country that gives us a free ride when compared to other countries in the world.
"For me, there was no better way to give back to my community."
Mr McMullen joined the army reserves in Wagga while he was working on his family's farm.
He has taken on many roles during his career and was deployed to Afghanistan for nine months.
Mr McMullen said the one thing that rings true about the defence force was that it was a family.
"They are your family away from home, your brothers and sisters - even the people who I have never served with, as soon as we know we are veterans, they are family," he said.
"We accept each other, watch each other's backs and help each other when in need.
"Even when we leave, the support does not stop.
"Regardless of religion, skin colour, sexuality or gender, when we are all defence, we are all green.
"We fight and bicker like normal families, but I am proud to be a part of it."
Mr McMullen said his career in the defence force presented new opportunities for him to meet different people, visit new places and develop extraordinary skills.
"The skills are not always transferable to everyday living, but these experiences have paved the way to a good lifestyle," he said.
After 16 years serving his country, Mr McMullen was medically discharged.
"I almost made sergeant, but unfortunately I was medically discharged in September, 2017 because of injuries," he said.
"So, I am fresh out in comparison to others."
Mr McMullen said the transition from his military life was "extremely hard" and "emotionally draining" because it was not his decision.
"It was like I was told to move away from my family and I could no longer see them everyday like I use too," he said.
"It was heart-wrenching for me to experience.
"I wanted to be a career soldier and warrant officer one day.
"My career was cut short, but I would not change anything."
Since his discharge, Mr McMullen said he has taken on roles in the city's veteran groups and has helped shape the future generations of recruits based in Wagga.
He said he has been able to share the "ups and downs" of his career with platoons at Kapooka.
"I had a separation issue when I was discharged, but talking to the platoons is extremely helpful," he said.
"I am talking to a group of 40-plus kids who are becoming soldiers. There is a sense of pride and they listen to every word I say.
"I am not their instructor so, when they get normal people who are not in a uniform talking to them, I have the chance to drill the message home."
However, he said the Wagga RSL Sub-Branch has been the "biggest" support during his transition.
"It is good to know you are not on your own," he said.
"They took me under their wing and put me on the committee even though I had not been there for long.
"It is an honour to help shape the future of our club and sit on a committee with people who have been there for up to 30 years."
"There are a lot of veteran groups in the city and it makes it easier for veterans. They have been there and done it and it is great to have a group who helps pave the way for others."
Mr McMullen said he was proud to join the city's RSL sub-branch and be a custodian of Australia's military history.
Along with the sub-branch, he has helped keep the traditions and memories of past soldiers alive.
"It is extremely important that the city stays connected with its rich history of defence, with the World War I Kangaroo March from Wagga to Sydney and the navy, airforce and army services in town," he said.
"We are blessed to have all three services in town to facilitate commemorative days and keep up the spirits for veterans."
However, he said the sub-branch was more than just a fundraising group. He said there was perception that the group was an "old boys club," which he wanted to change.
"There are many veterans out there who are struggling in the shadows and we want to let them know we are here for them," he said.
"I know there are many who have heard the stories about the RSL being an old boys club, but that is just not true.
"I want to ask any veterans out there to come to the RSL. They do not have to join, but it doesn't hurt to come have a chat."
Mr McMullen will join his fellow serviceman in the Anzac Day services today to commemorative the lives of past soldiers.
There will be a dawn service at 5.30am and a sunset service at 5.30pm. During the day, a march has been organised along Baylis Street, which will start at 10.30am.
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There are many veterans out there who are struggling in the shadows and we want to let them know we are here for them.
- Nigel McMullen