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Thanks for the ping.

Last Christmas, Beccy went to Iraq to entertain Australian and allied troops.

Images courtesy of the Australian Department of Defence.

Beccy Cole and the Royal Australian Navy Band in concert at the Australian Security Detachment, Baghdad.

Angry Anderson, Beccy Cole and the Royal Australian Navy Band in concert at the Australian Security Detachment, Baghdad.

Australian country and western singer Beccy Cole entertains troops in Iraq.

Australian country and western singer Beccy Cole with backing vocalists and musicians from the Royal Australian Navy Band.

Country and western singer Beccy Cole entertains Australian troops in Baghdad

The line-up on stage at the end of a concert for Australian troops in Baghdad: Hayley Jensen, Angry Anderson, Little Pattie, Beccy Cole, master of ceremonies Geoff Barker, Bessie Bardot and Lehmo, with the Royal Australian Navy Band.

Angry Anderson and Beccy Cole with members of the Royal Australian Navy Band at the end of a concert for Australian troops in Baghdad.

I think it is worth pointing out that Australia ultimately decorated the Australian entertainers who went to Vietnam to entertain our troops - they were awarded the Vietnam Logistics and Support Medal. These people make a real contribution and it must be honoured and respected. The same medal was also awarded to some people who went to Vietnam to provide canteens for troops, QANTAS air and cabin crew who ensured our travelling troops travelled as comfortably as possible, civilian doctors and nurses.

I think it's important for civilians to know that they can make a real contribution to the defence of civilisation. There's lots of ways to do it.