Earlier this year Kran-Kay (Kaz) Gropler received a Regional Commander’s Commendation Award for her high commitment and service to the South Australia, Australian Army Cadets.
Adelaide born Captain (AAC) Kaz Gropler has been a Glencoe resident for 11 years and has worked with the Australian Army Cadets for six years. She has come from a long line of family members who have worn a uniform in one form or another.
“Both sides of my family have either been involved in the Army, Air Force, Navy or Police force and all of my family members have either assisted or volunteered their time in the community. This is what I chose to do to assist my community” Says Captain (AAC) Gropler.
The award recognises Captain (AAC) Gropler’s consistent high level of selfless personal and professional commitment to the Australian Army Cadets, more specifically in her performance as Chief Safety Officer during the South Australia, Australian Army Cadets Brigade Promotion Course conducted in January, 2010. Kaz accepted the award with great honour and personal sense of satisfaction.
For two years, Captain (AAC) Gropler was the Officer Administrating Command for the Mt Gambier Cadet Unit. Whilst in this position the number of cadets in this unit tripled in size. Kaz is currently working at SA Australian Army Cadets Headquarters in human resources and recruiting, where she has so far recruited 30% of the current adult cadet staff in SA.
Kaz thoroughly enjoys working within the AAC and says she cannot see herself doing anything else within her professional life at this time. “It’s challenging work, but the cadets and the friends you make is what keeps you inspired to work for this fantastic youth development organisation” says Captain (AAC) Gropler.
Experiencing a cadet’s personal achievement whether it be a physical or emotional, is heartening and another inspiration for Kaz Gropler; “it is incredibly rewarding seeing a cadet get out of their comfort zone and achieve something amazing in their own right” she says.
By Unit Assistant Melissa Duras