Leading Aircraftwoman Kerry Paszyn has received an update to her collection of Blue and Gold this year, with a brand new 2016 Dyldam Parramatta Eels jersey.
Currently deployed as a procurement clerk to the Middle East with the Combat Support Unit (CSU), LACW Paszyn sent a message of support to the Eels ahead of their Anzac Day match, and in return the club was keen to say thank you for making the effort to cheer on the team.
LACW Paszyn was presented with a new jersey and cap by the unit's Commanding Officer during a surprise ceremony at Australia's main air operating base.
"It was great to be rewarded by the Eels for my support; even though I didn't expect it at all," said LACW Paszyn.
"I've been a long time supporter of the club and when I was given the opportunity to say a brief message of support over Anzac Day, I didn't hesitate to give them a quick shout-out.
"I didn't know it would be picked up and broadcast over the Anzac Day weekend, and let alone that the Eels management would take the time to contact Defence and send me a jersey."
Leading Aircraftwoman Paszyn said that she still manages to catch all of the Eels matches while she's deployed to the Middle East region, even if she sometimes has to watch a delayed telecast.
"We have really good welfare facilities over here, and there are plenty of options to watch Australian sports and for me to keep following my team," said Leading Aircraftwoman Paszyn.
"There are quite a few league supporters deployed at the same base as me, and about three or four Eels supporters as far as I know - there's a lot of friendly banter.”
"A lot of league supporters came out of the woodwork for the recent State of Origin game, and I wore my Blues jersey for that one - the Eels jersey had to wait for the following weekend.”
"My whole family are Eels supporters, including my kids who regularly go to the games back home - they didn't get much of a choice in who they were going to support."
The message of support was recorded as part a collection of Anzac Day messages by Australian Defence Force members deployed with, and in support of, the Australian Air Task Group in the Middle East region. The messages were broadcast on national television in Australia over the Anzac Day long weekend, as well as at the grounds of various Anzac Day sporting matches.
