ANZAC Day has always been special for Dubbo-born Steven Trudgett but April 25, 2016, had extra significance.
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For the final time, the Second class Warrant Officer in the Australian Army was marching as a serving officer. He has been medically discharged after serving for 23 years.
Warrant Officer Trudgett said after putting his country above his family for so long, he was looking forward to concentrating on them, but on Monday he savoured the feeling of carrying the army's flag in front of a proud and respectful crowd.
"This is my last Anzac Day in the defence force. I wanted Dubbo to be my final parade so that's why I'm here. It was absolutely awesome," he said.
"It was a fantastic turnout and to have the three services on parade with the other colours was excellent."
Growing up at Dubbo, Warrant Officer Trudgett said he always wanted to join the defence force.
His deployments included Timor in 2003, Kuwait and Iraq in 2006, Afghanistan in 2009 and a final deployment in East Timor in 2012.
"I am very proud of what I achieved in my career but it has been very hard on my family," he said.
"I always put the Australian Defence Force before my family and before anything else. Australia came first and my family came second so now its time for them to come first."
