Raymond Arriola, a resident of Kewarra Aged Care Centre in Cairns, Queensland, decided to join the armed forces at the tender age of 16.
On ANZAC Day, he reflected on how that decision has reverberated throughout his life.
When he signed up, “it was the thing to do,” Raymond told Newsport.
The opportunity to earn money meant he could help out at home.
“It was a good job with a steady income, so I sent money back to my mum who was looking after dad,” he said.
Raymond was sent to Vietnam with the Navy as a Training Officer Leading Seaman.
“All the boys were mates, we used to have a lot of fun when we went to port,” he told Newsport.
“But those lads saved me, they dragged me out of the mud after I got a bullet to the head.”
Raymond suffered not only physical injuries, he also developed PTSD, which affected him throughout his life.
But Raymond isn’t one to complain. “What happens at sea, stays at sea,” he said.
Kewarra Aged Care Centre is operated by For Profit provider Tingari Group, which also operates retirement villages.
