Kerry James Phelan (born 14 May 1946) grew up on a wheat and sheep farm at Miling, Western Australia. Called up for National Service in 1966, he trained at Puckapunyal the School of Military Engineering Cunungra before serving in Vietnam with 17 Construction Squadron, 1 ALSG, from 1967–68. As a transport driver, he supported operations around Vung Tau and Nui Dat during a demanding and formative period of the war. Returning home with little ceremony, he resumed civilian life, in agriculture, tourism. His Vietnam service shaped his life profoundly, Kerry reflects on his life with gratitude and no regrets.