Afghan veterans mark 25 years, push back on the narrative
More than 35,000 ADF personnel served in Afghanistan between 2001 and 2021, with 47 deaths and 263 wounded.
On October 7, 2001, Australia's involvement in Afghanistan began. More than 25 years later, veterans are marking the milestone on Sunday at the Australian War Memorial.
The war cost 47 Australian lives and left 263 wounded. Veterans want recognition for positive contributions: infrastructure built, healthcare and education improved in a country where few Australians had served before.
Denna Fryer arrived aged 22 to Tarin Kot and Kabul. David Nicolson drove armoured Bushmaster vehicles through dangerous IED-laden valleys.
Father Mick, son Jason and daughter Tara Enchong were the only trio from one family deployed together. Veterans emphasise that positive work should matter more in Australia's memory of the conflict than focus on how it ended.
- More than 35,000 ADF personnel
- Personnel deployed
- October 7, 2001 to 2021
- War duration
- 47 deaths and 263 wounded
- Casualties
Why it mattersAustralians need to understand what 35,000+ personnel actually achieved in Afghanistan, not just how the conflict ended.
AustraliaThis shapes how Australians remember the longest modern military deployment and honours those still affected by service.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
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