Zero79 Foundation supporting Australian Commandos & families

Hi, my name is Lehmo, and I am raising funds for the Zero79 Foundation, which provides much-needed support to Australian commandos and their families.

Imagine a beautiful clear summer morning in 2008... Where were you? What were you doing? Does the memory bring a smile to your face?

Scott Ryder woke up that morning in the Oruzgan Province, serving as Special Forces Commando in the Australian Army. Under that clear blue sky and on patrol, he recalls his morning like this:

"Just as I reached the top of the creek bed, an almighty explosion went off behind me, and I threw myself to the ground in a ditch. I glanced behind me and saw Australian camouflage material amidst the black smoke and dust… Over the radio, the lead platoon commander gave his report to the company commander. ‘Lead elements have struck an IED, two friendly casualties’. The company commander replied: ‘All call signs secure the casualties; prepare for ambush.’"

This is one story from one commando on one day. There are hundreds of stories like this involving hundreds of commandos, and they, along with their families, are forced to live with the memories of these experiences - if they were lucky enough to survive.

I have been fortunate to travel overseas on 7 occasions to perform for our troops in the Middle East, and I have seen the professionalism, commitment, sacrifice, and bravery of our frontline soldiers. Sadly, they and their families are often forgotten after they arrive home - left to deal with their battle scars alone.

So I am walking the Kokoda track this August to raise money for the Zero79 Foundation. Please donate and support an organization that is supporting brave individuals who are suffering as a result of sacrifices they made for their country.