After leaving the Air Force, Nichole Hood didn’t consider herself a veteran.
“For a very long time, I didn’t see myself as a veteran,” she said.
“As far as I was concerned, a veteran is someone who served overseas, and I never served overseas.
“When I was in, women weren’t allowed in frontline positions.
“It wasn’t until I was talking to someone, and they said ‘yes, you are a veteran.’”
Over the past three years, Nichole has become an active and respected member of RSL Mackay.
She is adored by her fellow veterans for her hard work, her positive attitude, and her love of a challenge.
Inspiring The Next Generation
Caption 2: Nichole on Graduation Day from recruit training. Photo: supplied
Nichole Hood grew up in Tully, “the wettest place in Australia,” she laughed.
After completing high school in Tully, Nichole embarked on a career in administration in the sugar mills before deciding to join the Air Force.
It was not long after ANZAC Day in 1989 that Nichole joined the air force in Townsville, and she flew to Adelaide that afternoon.
She saw it as an opportunity to leave Tully, an opportunity for adventure.
“It looked interesting, you know, a different way of life,” she said.
After three months of basic training in Adelaide, Nichole went to Wagga Wagga to complete her administration training before being posted in Canberra for six years.
Throughout her six years of service, Nichole looked after many administrative duties such as documents, leave, mail, travel, and accommodation for airmen and airwomen, officers, and active reserve squadrons.
After six years of service and reaching the position of Corporal, Nichole decided to leave the Air Force while she was still young enough to travel.
Over the next couple of years, Nichole travelled America and Canada solo and made lifelong friends.
“It was good just to go by myself,” she said.
“I just did my own thing and loved it.”
Nichole settled down in Mackay after her travels, halfway between Brisbane, where her parents lived, and home, and worked as a swim instructor.
She became involved in the RSL three years ago when members who were selling memorabilia invited her to a meeting.
She says it took her a long time to recognise herself as a veteran.
“That’s the mindset we’ve got to change,” she said.
“These young veterans that may have not served overseas, yes they are a veteran.”
The RSL is a place where Nichole can relate to people and chat to people about their experiences and stories.
In the role of secretary, Nichole looks after membership and communications with members.
“Yes, we do stir each other,” she laughed, “but that’s just the camaraderie.”
“You’re there for your mates, no matter what,”
On ANZAC Day, Nichole will be quietly reflecting.
“For me, it’s just a chance to reflect and say a silent thank you to our forefathers and foremothers that sacrificed so much just so that we can live this life that we’re living now,” she said.
“It’s probably the public’s way of saying thank you to us, too.”
“I didn’t sign up for the recognition, I signed up because that’s what I wanted to do with my life, I wanted to challenge myself.”
Nichole’s daughter is considering a career in the air force as well.
“She’s got the opportunities that I didn’t have when I joined.”
Nichole Hood is RSL Mackay’s secretary. Photo: Sam Gillespie
Nichole on Graduation Day from recruit training. Photo: supplied
