Some of those extreme conditions for Corporal Nelson include cooking in 120 degrees farenheit in the shade.

She cooked from a fold-up trailer kitchen, which combined a deep fryer, hot plate and double steamer.

“We often live in tents and on some exercises the kitchen runs 24 hours a day,” Mrs Nelson said.

“I have cooked up to 1000 per meal, three meals a day for 14 days straight.”

A memorable time was when Australia, England, New Zealand and America joined forces for the Kangaroo Exercise, held at Derby at the top end of Australia, when 20,000 people had to be catered for.

“Much more happens behind the lines than people are aware of.”

“No army can go forward without their support battalion.”

“There has to be cooks and drivers to transport equipment.”

Mrs Nelson has received the Australian Soldiers’ Medal and Australian Defence Force medals for 15-years service and long service along with a 20 and 25-year clasps to the medal.

A highlight for Mrs Nelson was being part of Operation Gold at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.

“It was fantastic, I was working in security helping the NSW police,” she said.

For this assignment she received the Operation Gold Medallion.

During her civilian life Mrs Nelson has studied at TAFE and worked as a bar person besides being employed as an armed guard/security officer.

This woman, who puts everything into what she does, would not stand much more than five feet but can take it up to the men.

“I think woman are more determined,” she said.

“You have to put yourself out there.”

In 1997, this courageous woman was the only female from her company to absail down the Port Pirie silos.

“It was pretty scary, I screamed all the way down and did a bit of swearing too,” she said.

Then while absailing at Rawnsley Park she did a loop the loop in the process, which she said, was not the original plan.

There was a time in her life when she almost left the Reserves but was encouraged to stay by Major Adrian Flynn and other Port Pirie Reserve members.

It was after the sudden tragic death of her son, 30-year-old Travis Smith.

“He was an organ donor, and that some how made a positive out of a negative,” said Mrs Nelson.

To relax the Nelsons spend time at the family retreat, a delightful little week-ender at Stone Hut, which they have owned for 15 years.

Their other joy and delight is baby-sitting their grandchildren.

This amazing woman doesn’t let

anything beat her and said her years in the Army Reserves has built her

confidence and given her self-

discipline.

“It is wonderful and women should never be afraid to give it a go,” she said.

“It is very challenging, you hit the ground running or have to wait around for hours.”

“I would advise anyone who is not sure what to do with their lives to join the defence forces.”

“No one will ask more than what

you can give and you don’t expect

more from others than what they can give.”

Mrs Nelson is the longest serving and only female left in Port Pirie and one

of the longest serving in the her

battalion.

“It is a very small group in Pirie and we are looking for more members,” she said.

“The only criteria are physical and medical requirements.”

“It is a wonderful opportunity to learn skills and if I can do it anyone can.”

“But be prepared to make a lot of sacrifices.”

Asked what keeps the passion she said, “the challenge and the friendships.”

“To be honest, it is also the money.”

“Also, you never let your mates down, so I will be there for them for a while yet.”