Lettrell Uta
Saibai Koedal (Crocodile Clan) Torres Strait
Private
Charlie Company SARPEYE
51st Battalion, Far North Queensland Regiment
Regional Force Surveillance Group
Australian Army Reserve
Medals and Awards:
Certificate of Appreciation in Acknowledgement of the Support of ‘Lest We Forget: An Anzac Day Tribute’ 25 April 2024
I was born on Thursday Island but grew up on my father’s Country, Saibai Island, where I lived until I went back to Thursday Island for high school. When I completed high school, I went down to Cairns and worked for three years as a landscaper but then moved back to Thursday Island as city life wasn’t for me. I am now a Wardsman at Thursday Island Hospital, which I have done for the past five years. I have two older brothers who work on the mainland, while my older sister works here on Thursday Island. Back in high school, I remember seeing the advertisements on the television about the Army; a little voice in my head said, ‘You should join’ and I listened. However, I was mainly influenced by hearing about the experiences of my Grandfather, Uncles and brothers who were in the Army. They told me I would make a good role model in green and that being an Australian soldier can inspire other young ones to serve the country. They also said how much they enjoyed the training down in Townsville, and it motivated me to want to join and have those same amazing experiences – which I definitely have had and am still having. So, in 2016, I enlisted in 51 Far North Queensland Charlie Company SARPEYE. I have been on two operations so far, and I am looking forward to being part of more operations, but one annual highlight is always being a part of the SARPEYE Ball, where we celebrate our achievements and make future plans – and hopefully get a promotion.
On ANZAC day in 2024, I was privileged to be a part of the official ceremonies in Sydney, representing 51 Far North Queensland Regiment Charlie Company and honouring our two veterans from the Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion, the late Awati Mau and the late Mebai Warusam. For each ANZAC Day on Thursday Island, Jerry Dau and I perform the traditional Warrior Dance, to remind everyone that we, as Torres Strait Islanders, have been defending our Country for many thousands of years. By having this as part of our role in the Army, the whole of Army expresses to the world their respect for our forefathers and the contribution they have made, while also acknowledging the ongoing contribution that Torres Strait Islanders are making to our nation every day.
