Trip of a lifetime for Jabiru army cadet

Jabiru’s very own Corben Mudjandi was one of five Army Cadets to travel to France with the Australian Defence Force Cadets Contingent to commemorate the centenary of the Battle of Amiens in August this year.
Corben’s grandfather served in the Norforce (North-West Mobile Force) in 1967, which may contribute to his interest in war history.
He said that the trip, besides making a ‘cracking good story’ has made him a more ‘worldly bloke’.
“Ever since I was eight years old I was interested in history, like the Great War and I always wanted to travel somewhere around the world,” Corben said, “So when I heard that the army was picking five cadets to go to France to see where the Battle of Amiens happened I had to try to get there.”
“Fortunately for me, some officers visited my unit in army cadets and I started a conversation with one of the officers who was interested in hearing about what I do for a living and my knowledge of history.”
“A year later, when cadets were being nominated for the trip to France, that officer put in a good word for me and I was picked.”
“When I told my family I was going to France, the only thing they said is, we’ll be praying for you when you go.”
“The experience was amazing for an Aboriginal kid that’s never left his state and his land before.”
“Experiencing a culture that was so different to my own, as well as the history of France from the medieval to the Victorian age and then the industrial revolution is something that I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
Recently promoted to Corporal, Corben also won Jabiru’s Young Citizen of the Year award in 2016 and worked with Member for Arafura, Francis Xavier Kurrupuwuin 2015.
Corben also recently completed his year 12 studies to officially graduate in 2018.
“I really strive to be a positive role model to others in my community,” Corben said,  “It makes me feel like I’m doing something positive in my life.”
“I want to travel around the world next, then join the army and after that I may want to become a politician to help my local government improve on things around the Northern Territory.”
This story was provided by Boarding Australia.