Who is Eamon Hale?

I am a 37 year old veteran, husband, father, volunteer, soldier, and policeman. I’m married to my beautiful wife Celia, and have two children, Elizabeth and George.
I was born in Warrnambool, before growing up in Melbourne.

As a kid, all I ever wanted to be was a soldier, and I joined the Army Reserve and the Royal Australian Armoured Corps in 2004 whilst still in Year 11 of High School and 17 years old.
I finished school in 2005 and in 2006 began full-time Army service.

My postings have included 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry), The School of Armour, 3rd/4th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse Regiment, Capability Acquisition Sustainment Group, and my current unit, Melbourne University Regiment.

I have been a driver, gunner, and commander on ASLAV, M113A1, M113AS4, Bushmaster PMV-M, G-Wagon SRV, and a dismount. I have been a Recruit Instructor, APC Section Commander, dismount section commander, Gunnery Instructor, Troop Sergeant, Motorised Specialist, Liaison Officer, and Officer Cadet Instructor.

I have deployed on operations to Iraq on Operation Catalyst/Kruger, to Afghanistan on Operation Slipper, Operation High Road, and again on Operation High Road. I have undertaken exchanges to Canada, and to the UK as a liaison officer, as well as to Papua New Guinea as an Officer Cadet Instructor.

In 2017 I left the Regular Army and transferred to the Army Reserve. I concurrently joined Victoria Police.

I remain a full-time Police Officer, undertaking duties as a Senior Constable and Instructor at the Victoria Police Academy. I’m still an Army Reservist, and now train the next generation of volunteer Australians who are serving our country.

I’m passionate about the RSL because I recognise it’s immense history and legacy for Australian veterans. The RSL, in my view, remains the best vehicle for advocacy and lobbying on veteran issues. At 37, I know that I have a lot to give to the RSL and am here for the long haul.