ANZAC Kokoda Trek - 2015
Thank you for sharing you "backyard" with us. For inspiring us to dig deeper and sharing your passion and knowledge of Kokoda. I will be returning with my son one day...
"Aidan
Thank you for sharing you "backyard" with us. For inspiring us to dig deeper and sharing your passion and knowledge of Kokoda. I will be returning with my son one day...
Vanessa"
ANZAC Kokoda Trek - 2015
"You have believed in me every step of the way through Kokoda and Shaggy Ridge, and I am very thankful for that!! You have inspired me so much by sharing your passion and story with me"
"Aidan
Thank you so much for everything you have done for me! You have believed in me every step of the way through Kokoda and Shaggy Ridge, and I am very thankful for that!! You have inspired me so much by sharing your passion and story with me. I will never forget the times that we have had together. I know that we will meet up again and hike around PNG or even around the world together. I can't wait to see you again for our next big hike. Overall, thank you for believing in me and inspiring me. See you soon. Thank you.
Zoe Bishop"
ANZAC Kokoda Trek - 2015
"Thanks for this wonderful adventure. Your leadership and friendship was second to none"
"Aidan,
Thanks for this wonderful adventure. Your leadership and friendship was second to none.
All the Best,
Bob Mey"
ANZAC Kokoda Trek - 2015
"Every time you take a group on the track you are being brave and inspiring people to do things which are fantastsic and unbelievable"
"Dear Aidan,
You probably didn't believe that a pair of Blundstones would get this dwarf 96kms. Quite possibly (judging from my blisters) I could have used an updated pair of shoes. But they did get me all the way due to your leadership, courage and bravery.
I stand by the words I said when I was so fortunate to be able to hand over the Bravery Medal to Talara. An individual act can be brave but a person that can give courage to others to do the same act and fo beyond what they thought they were capable of is also brave.
Every time you take a group on the track you are being brave and inspiring people to do things which are fantastsic and unbelievable.
Thank you for the experience and more importantly thank you for the lessons. They have ensured that "I will never forget"
Thank you,
Kristina O'Hagan."
ANZAC Kokoda Trek - 2015
"...I've had an absolute ball. There have been challenges, but I really enjoyed your knowledge and passion about the Kokoda campaign"
"Hi Aidan,
Well, what a trip! Part of this challenge is to be able to read my handwriting, however I've had an absolute ball. There have been challenges but I really enjoyed your knowledge and passion about the Kokoda campaign. It was great to cross the gate with Simon and Tangles, but I'm glad you won't come walking up behind me whistling away and pushing me over. I wish you and your family well.
All the best
D.K.
Darren Kelly"
ANZAC Kokoda Trek - 2015
"I can not describe the amazing experience that I have been priveledged to be a part of over the last 10 days"
"Aidan,
I can not describe the amazing experience that I have been priveledged to be a part of over the last 10 days. Your knowledge, passion and enthusiasm for the history and integrity of the Kokoda campaign is simply astonishing.
The last 10 days will go down as one of the most memorable experiences of my life and you are mostly responsible for that.
Receiving the Kingsbury VC to carry was the most humbling experience I have ever had. I was so proud and it was such an honour.
You have kept the Kokoda history alive and I have no doubt Stan Bisett would be very proud!
Thanks agin!
Mitch Thompson"
Black Cat Trail - Sept. 08
The trek has sparked a deeper interest in the whole picture of the campains in PNG especially the 2/7th commando's
"I can't tell how much it meant to me to do the Blackcat and what a privilage it was to trek with you and the legends, thankyou all for the experience and friendship. The trek has sparked a deeper interest in the whole picture of the campains in PNG especially the 2/7th commando's. They were at Mubo, Wau, Bena Bena, Ramu Valley, Nadzab, Kaiapit, Bulolo, Kesaway, Dove Bay, Shaggy Ridge, Dumpu, Wewak. Even if I was fit enough I couldn't cover that amount of territory in the time I have left on the planet. I am going to the 2/7th reunion at Port Maquarie in November I will be taking the video footage I took on our trek and photos to speak about my experience."
Rob L'Estrange, NSW
Kokoda Police Trek 2012
To think what our soldiers endured is unbelievable you are so right, the knowledge and history of the track needs to be spread far and wide throughout Australia…
Dear Aidan
Well first of all thank you so much!!! This track has been something ive wanted to do for sometime and all the refferals from specialist paramedic,,, Mick Mair about you have never been more accurate. Sure at times I thought this is bullshit! But your encouragement and passion would get anyone across that track!!! Your knowledge of the Australian history is absolutely outstanding, and to think a mad Irishman is preaching what we should already know is embarrassing, thank you. Our group was a great bunch of people. Dave and I didn’t know anyone and we have met some wonderful ,good fun , good spirited people. The Legatees, well what can I say, beautiful people and they are a credit to those who have raised and nurtured them. So often along the track when we came to a difficult spot, that black hand would appear and hold mine to make it easier. The people along the track were a pleasure to come across. Certain people in my life doubted my ability to do this and to achieve it is something I will never forget thanks to you, Owen, Simmo, Dave Walker. To think what our soldiers endured is unbelievable you are so right, the knowledge and history of the track needs to be spread far and wide throughout Australia…. It should be at school. Thanks so much once again.
Debby 24/4/2012
Kokoda Police Trek 2012
A journey I will never forget... “stand tall and never give up”
Aidan,
Certainly a journey I will never forget nor wish to…….. so much to learn about the efforts of those that fought for us
“stand tall and never give up”
David Walker 24/4/2012
Kokoda Police Trek 2012
I want to say that your passion and love for the kokoda track is the biggest inspiration and I really appreciate that.
Dear Aidan,
I just want to thank you for this opportunity that for me I will never forget. I want to say that your passion and love for the kokoda track is the biggest inspiration and I really appreciate that. I know my dad will be watching over me and is proud as you said….. so thank you very , very much
Ashleigh Monk 24/4/2012
Kokoda Police Trek 2012
I really appreciate all the encouragement you gave us... I found you very inspiring and I admire your passion for Australia and its war history, it definitely shows in your talks.
Dear Aidan,
Thank you so much for everything. Doing the kokoda track with you was a wonderful experience I wont ever forget and I’m sure i will continue to learn from for years to come. I found you very inspiring and I admire your passion for Australia and its war history, it definitely shows in your talks. I really appreciate all the encouragement you gave us throughout the journey and I truly appreciate all the efforts you and the legends put in. once again thanks for everything.
Eliza 24/4/2012
Kokoda Police Trek 2012
difficulties I encountered, Knowing that the “machine” even had trouble!!! Your passion for the history of kokoda and your knowledge in everything related has encouraged me to be more than I am. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, it will not be forgotten
G’day!!
Aidan, you have been a true inspiration throughout the track. At times I saw you struggle, become dehydrated and that helped me overcome the difficulties I encountered, Knowing that the “machine” even had trouble!!! Your passion for the history of kokoda and your knowledge in everything related has encouraged me to be more than I am. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, it will not be forgotten. I hope to do the track with you again in the not too distant future.. your mate,
Matty Woods 24/4/2012
Kokoda Police Trek 2012
with your guidance, passion, knowledge and inspiration I feel that Australian spirit inside me and FINALLY understand what our great country is all about.
Dear Aidan,
Thank you so much for an amazing experience. I have always seen myself as a passionate Australian, and now with your guidance, passion, knowledge and inspiration I feel that Australian spirit inside me and FINALLY understand what our great country is all about. You are an amazing person and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you have done and do not only for teaching Australians about the kokoda campaign but also for the great things you do for the PNG people. You are a modern day hero, you have an aura about you that nothing will ever destroy. I admire you and am inspired to learn more about the kokoda campaign to really know my country’s history and pass it on to others. I would love to get a smaller group together and do the kokoda track again to experience more challenging and achieve more from this great place. This has been the hardest thing I have ever done and I thank you ,, Owen and Simmo for your help to get me through it, stay amazing!!
Tim Keary 24/4/2012
Kokoda Police Trek 2012
It was everything I expected and more... an incredible adventure for me, emotionally and physically
Hi Aidan,
This was an incredible adventure for me, emotionally and physically. It was everything I expected and more. As Tyron said, your spirit is strong and your legacy is the legend that is kokoda. I will spread the story of kokoda because that is what you want and that is what all Australians need to know. We will meet again in the future im sure, until then…..
Michael Forbes 24/4/2012
Kokoda Police Trek 2012
Your first speech at the Police Legacy Ball was inspirational, which is why I am here…
Aidan,
Thanks for the memories which you have helped create for me over the past 12 days. Thanks for taking me on 5 weeks out from starting the trek. I have learnt a lot from you about the kokoda campaign that I didn’t know beforehand. Your first speech at the Police Legacy Ball was inspirational , which is why I am here… you have a wonderful group surrounding you, which are a credit to you. Owen, you couldn’t ask for a better advocate and strong character and lovely, lovely man. So sweet and kind. Simmo, is a genuine and dedicated supportive fun guy, who cared and helped so many along the way. Thanks for the pills on day 7. The group of people on this trip were a great and fun bunch. So many wonderful and outstanding characters. The Legatees …what a fun and inspirational group of six wonderful youthful people. Their lives having had such a loss that I certainly cannot and don’t wish to yet experience but can certainly sympathise with the me. their strong and happy outlook on life and experiences are an absolute tribute to their upbringing and character. Again thanks for the memories and keep doing what you are doing. Like you say its sad that it takes an Irishman to do it, but having known a wonderful Irishman all my life (father) im happy and grateful that you are :-) take care and best regards
Peta Courtney 24/4/2012
Kokoda Police Trek 2012
When I walked past other groups there was little speech. Everyone in your group knew the meaning of teamwork and fun.
Aidan,
My kokoda Experience was one of mateship, generosity and most importantly Charlie. Thank you for surrounding yourself with amazing people, they had a great impact.. their generosity in particular. When I walked past other groups there was little speech. Everyone in your group knew the meaning of teamwork and fun. Simmo is brilliant and huge thank you to him. Meeting Charlie, sharing his life and stories is why I travel and why I would recommend Kokoda. It is important to learn others way of life in order to make a difference. Thank you for you moving service at Isurava.
Nicole Deabel 24/4/2012
Kokoda Police Trek 2012
The passion, knowledge and determination you have is admirable. I have learnt a lot about myself on this adventure and I now know I can push the limits even further, so I thank you for helping me get to that level.
Aidan,
Wakey, wakey, …. Mate you are an inspiration to all Australians. The passion, knowledge and determination you have is admirable. I know in my heart and mind that I will pass on the knowledge and passion you have displayed over the past 12 days. You run a tight ship and it shows with your 100% success rate, congrats mate. The way you operate is a trait I will take on board myself in business and life. I have learnt a lot about myself on this adventure and I now know I can push the limits even further, so I thank you for helping me get to that level. I know we will stay in contact because I really want to do some photos relating to the PNG campaign. Thanks a million
Matty Veitch 24/4/2012
Kokoda Police Trek 2012
I really felt like I was leaving, listening, hiking with the best. Your knowledge and experience blew me away
Hello Aidan,
Thanks for everything. Walking kokoda with you and your team was an amazing experience. I really felt like I was leaving, listening, hiking with the best. Your knowledge and experience blew me away. The way you talk to people is something you should be proud of. You are one of those people tha when you talk everyone listens…. To be honest I didn’t know much about kokoda before coming into it and now I can say I do. Thanks again for everything I will put everything I have into the DVD.
Charlie Lambert, Assoc Producer Ch 9. 24/4/2012
Kokoda Police Trek 2012
Your passion and drive is truly amazing. Your love for PNG and the track is infectious but the experience I have got is life changing and without doubt one of the best things that has ever happened to me
Aidan,
Mate what can I say…….. Thank you!! Your passion and drive is truly amazing. You have taught me things about myself that I never will have discovered on my own. Your love for PNG and the track is infectious but the experience I have got is life changing and without doubt one of the best things that has ever happened to me. You are an aussie legend and our country and the Anzacs are all better off for having known you. Keep on telling your story, their story as only you can!!! I am proud and fortunate to be able to call you a friend. Thanks mate
Tm McCarthy 24/4/2012
Kokoda Police Trek 2012
You have done more for the diggers and their memories than anyone. Your passion and drive is unmatched at keeping the story alive
Aidan,
Mate, you are a true Aussie legend,. You have done more for the diggers and their memories than anyone. Your passion and drive is unmatched at keeping the story alive. I’m privileged to know you and have certainly discovered things about myself because of the opportunities you have given me. You truly do deserve the Anzac Award. It could not have gone to a better Aussie!!
Chris Simmons, Paramedic , 24/4/2012