Petty Officer Daryl Ponder joined the Navy in 2004 with aspirations to travel.
Coming from a Defence family, as both of his parents were in the Army, Petty Officer Ponder has been inspired by his connections to both Defence and Legacy Australia.
“My grandfather Reginald Brown served during World War 2 in Vietnam, and Legacy supported my grandmother throughout his passing in 2008,” Petty Officer Ponder said.
“She had a Legatee until her passing in 2014, providing her all the support she needed to get through a difficult time.”
In 2009, Petty Officer Ponder’s father died while still serving in Defence. Though it was a tough time for his family, both Defence and Legacy reached out to provide much-needed support.
“They helped mum, Margaret, with her grieving process, providing a sounding board for her outside of the family,” Petty Officer Ponder said.
“One of my brothers has a disability and they provided assistance to get him on his feet. There was support to the whole family from both Defence and Legacy.”
Having seen the support following her father’s passing, then receiving support herself, Margaret became a Legatee as her way of giving back to the organisation that had helped her through some of her hardest days.
Petty Officer Ponder said for his mother, it was all about knowing how families got through their tough times. She enjoys providing support, and travels from Goulburn to Canberra to visit her beneficiaries.
Margaret was also a torchbearer in the Goulburn leg of the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay, with Petty Officer Ponder as her escort through the event.
“It was really emotional being part of the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay, and so surreal,” Petty Officer Ponder said.
“Knowing first-hand the support they’ve given to families, I’m able to give back through my work and it’s so rewarding.”
Petty Officer Ponder said there was huge support from the community and his colleagues, and it was touching to see how many members of the Defence community had strong ties to Legacy.
“The younger community has been so involved, and it is people of all ages showing support,” Petty Officer Ponder said.
“I’ve encouraged everyone in my local community, and my Defence community, to show up and get behind the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay – go to the events, just get involved.”
Petty Officer Ponder helped raise more than $6000 for Legacy in May, and held working bees to help the Legacy club in Queanbeyan, NSW.
“It’s an amazing organisation that puts others ahead of themselves, still after 100 years providing that vital support,” he said.
“Legacy is always there for families; it’s as much about the little things as it is about the big. It’s invaluable support.”
