Enlisted in the Australian Army in May 2005. On finishing his basic training at Kapooka and Singleton School of Infantry, Mark was posted to Delta Company 6 RAR at Enoggera.
In September 2006 he was deployed to Timor Leste with Delta Company 6 RAR.
Mark was then again deployed with 6 RAR Delta Coy to Iraq on Operation Catalyst from November 2007 to June 2008.
January 2010 Mark was posted to the School of Infantry to Training support Team Mark was Section Second-in-Command of the Rehabilitation Section within Training Platoon, a role of significant responsibility involving the management of soldiers with various injuries and levels of experience. On the 26th January 2011 Mark was awarded the Australia Day Medallion Military Division. In appreciation for the exemplary service within Training Support Platoon, Rifleman Wing, School of Infantry. PTE Rogers was required to perform the role of Section Second-in-Command of the Rehabilitation Section within Training Platoon, a role of significant responsibility involving the management of soldiers with various injuries and levels of experience. This ensured that soldiers were able to quickly rehabilitate and post into their respective Battalions earlier than expected.
In 2013 Mark was posted to 7 RAR in Adelaide and again was deployed overseas to Oruzgun Province in Afghanistan. Marks role with his unit was as the Combat First aider. October 2014 Mark Was awarded a Bronze Citation for “Bravery under fire and extreme weather conditions in saving the life of five Afghan Nationals after and IED. One of these was the Governor of Gihad.
Today Mark has retired from Full Time Service but is still active within the Caboolture Reserve Unit. He is currently Studying at the Sunshine coast University in Paramedic Science and is also active in the Caboolture wood Workers Club.
Mark is passionate about Military Personnel and their families
I
Our New Friend of AFOM: Cleon Walters 
Cleon’s background is Ex-Army 21years and currently an Australian Public Servant in Defence – Canberra.
She has been a Director for the Australian Women in Sport Association Canberra and for PRASAD Australia, and am currently the Secretary of the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial Project Committee and a Steering Committee member of a meditation group in Canberra. The Secretary and Steering Committee work is often very busy. Cleon retires in July 2018 and the Peacekeeping Memorial Stage 1 is dedicated 14 Sep 17 – though they are not sure what further efforts will be required of the committee, but they do know there maybe residual support and management required until the memorial is completed.
We have just had our AGM – and very productive one at that.
We have some committee members retire and new ones were able to step up to the challenge.
Positions now are:
Executive Director Gail MacDonell
Deputy Executive Director John Bettley
Secretary Ann Bettley
Treasurer Emma Pickering
Registrar of Members Emma Pickering
Company Secretary: Gail MacDonell
Public Officer Ruth Rogers
Directors: Shaun McGill
Di McArtney
Vicki Dodds
Jan Wallent
Michel Harbourd
Graham Walker
June Roe
We also have some wonderful people on our subcommittees for Fundraising and Events and special projects volunteering their time to help the work of AFOM. Thank you to Belinda Woods, Lindsay Muddle and Gerry Bailey.
More on some of the upcoming venture next News letter.
However, please SAVE THE DATE: OCTOBER 21 2017.
This is our Invisible Wounds Black Tie event
More on this later, but please put it in your diary now.
We will be rolling out the RED CARPET FOR YOU!
Our new Deputy Executive Officer is John Bettley and our new Secretary is his lovely wife Ann.
My name is John Bettley. I am the youngest of 7 children born to George and Jean Bettley. I grew up in Stockton, NSW. During this time I participated in competition soccer and Navy cadets.
I joined the Royal Australian Air Force on 19th July 1990. I was enlisted as a cook. After completing training, I was posted to Pearce, WA. I have also been posted to Richmond, NSW and Williamtown, NSW.
I was deployed to East Timor 4th October, 1999. Spending most of my time in Dili. I returned to Australia 20th January 2000.
I was medically discharged 27th September 2002.
I would like to be part of AFOM to help younger veterans and their families. To raise funds and awareness of health issues suffered by many veterans.
John has worked in his community continuously as:
- Northern NSW Referee for soccer from 1998-2010.
- Northern NSW Referees Inspector 2010-2014.
- Soccer coach at Beresfield Junior Soccer Club, Hamilton Olympic Football Club, Beresfield Senior Soccer Club & Thornton Junior Soccer Club 2008-present.
- President of Beresfield Junior Soccer Club 2009.
- Groundsman Beresfield Senior Soccer Club 2012-2013.
- Vice President Beresfield Senior Soccer 2014.
- President Beresfield Senior Soccer 2015-2016.
- Registrar Beresfield Senior Soccer 2014-2016.
- Sponsorship Officer Beresfield Senior Soccer Club 2014-2015.
- Canteen Manager Beresfield Senior Soccer Club 2015-2016.
- Uniform Shop Manager Beresfield Public School 2014-2016.
- Canteen Volunteer Beresfield Public School 2014-2015.
- Red Friday Coffee Mingle Group 2015-Present.
My name is Ann Bettley. I am the second of 4 children born to Paul and Christine McLaughlin. I grew up in Holmesville, NSW. During this time I participated in competition marching girls.
After completing year 12 in high school, I was employed in 1995 by the NSW Ethnic Affairs Commission as a trainee Administrative Assistant.
On completion, I was employed by the NSW Department of Education and Training. I worked as an Administrative Assistant and was also responsible for fleet car management, stationery supply manager and helping co-ordinate the Apprentice of the Year Awards for 3 years.
I went on maternity leave in January 2003, and after 12 months, resigned my position to become my husband’s full-time carer.
I would like to be part of AFOM to help younger veterans and their families. To raise funds and awareness of health issues suffered by many veterans and their partners and children.
Ann has served well as a volunteer in her community
- Soccer coach at Beresfield Junior Soccer Club 2008-2010.
- Treasurer of Beresfield Junior Soccer Club 2009.
- Secretary Beresfield Senior Soccer 2015-2016.
- Assistant Registrar Beresfield Senior Soccer 2014-2016.
- Assistant Sponsorship Officer Beresfield Senior Soccer Club 2014-2015.
- Canteen Manager Beresfield Senior Soccer Club 2015-2016.
- Uniform Shop Manager Beresfield Public School 2014-2016.
- Canteen Volunteer Beresfield Public School 2010-2015.
- Red Friday Coffee Mingle Group 2015-Present.
Many of our Directors honoured Remembrance Day around Australia
It was an honour and a privilege to represent the Royal Australian Air Force and RSL at the Amaroo School Rememberance Day commemorative assembly with my girls laying the wreath — at Amaroo School.
Shaun McGill Director AFOM
We held another Invisible Wounds Day in Sutherland.
It was a wonderful day, with lots of networking and sharing of Information. The guests speakers were wonderful
. Charlotte Pritchard Parramatta VVCS Office Sydney.
Assistance Dogs Australia (Top Dog) - CEO Mr Richard Lord
Police Chaplin David Warner
Carers Association NSW - Monique
Activus Local Community Transport, Engadine, Marie Mayne
Sydney Legacy, Support Services Manager, Dianne Thomas
Sydney Legacy, Community Service Worker, Sharon Mayo
Mental Health Team Sutherland Hospital, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Kim Reid.
Dr Gail MacDonell - Effects of PTSD on families.
Fire Brigade, Peer Support Sutherland Shire, Mr. Rodney Davis.
Some of out Speakers and friends
Keep in mind for next year's AFOM first half of year Events
February (tentative dates) 24, 25 & 26th Men's Reconnaissance Retreat at Martin's Creek
March (tentative date ) 12th Poker /Bike run - Everyone had a great time last year.
April Ladies Retreat (7-9 April) A little bit of Italy in Broke
April (tenative date) 14-17th Easter Family retreat - Flying Fox, Canoing, Easter Egg Hunt, Lots of Fun!
There will be other ladies, mens and family events throughout the year - so stay tuned.
Help us fundraise to keep supporting Military Families
