Captain Edgar McDermott OAM prefers to go by his middle name, James. The retired Deviot man has dedicated his life to serving in, and for, the defence force. Now he has been recognised for his service to veterans with a Medal of the Order of Australia.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Captain McDermott was a child of World War II. His father and all of his male relatives were in the defence force, so naturally it seemed like the most obvious choice for him too.
"Very early in military life you learn the value of a well-trained, disciplined team," he said.
"You realise the strength of such a group. You build some very strong bonds which I still have today."
IN OTHER NEWS:
However, the Captain was injured several times and had a family he wanted to spend time with, so he left the service to become a civilian.
"Sooner or later you have to join the real world," he said.
The retired serviceman has had a prestigious career in the defence force. He was a member of both the Australian Army and the Royal Australian Navy.
He has served as a state secretary and advocate for the Australian Federation of Totally and Permanently Incapacitated Ex-Servicemen and Women Tasmanian Branch.
Captain McDermott was the past secretary for Returned and Services League of Australia Tasmania Branch, as well as pension and welfare officer.
To add further to the Captain's list of credentials, for the Naval Association of Australia Tasmanian Section he has held positions as president and vice-president.
In the Naval Association of Australia he held the titles of national vice-president, national council member, national welfare and military compensation officer, and past representative of the Ex-Service Organisations Consultative forum.
However, it still came as a surprise to Captain McDermott that he was a recipient of an OAM.
"It means you have actually left a mark somewhere," he said.
"It's a proud moment that someone would be prepared to nominate you."
Captain McDermott was also previously awarded the Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct, has been a Justice of the Peace in Tasmania since 2003. He has also held other positions within the community.