Defence Sporting Apparel has recently started a new blog series where we feature some of our best customers who keep the spirit alive by supporting our patriot shirts, military clothing, camo hats, tactical backpacks and many more products that give pride and honour to our defence force community.
This week, we introduce Konrad Von Dorfen— a Defence Sporting Apparel proud and loyal customer. Let us find out how Defence Sporting Apparel has impacted Konrad’s everyday life as a true blue Aussie.
TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF
Hi, my name is Konrad and I'm a 51-year-old proud Australian bloke who loves my beautiful country and has total respect for our Defence Force for keeping us safe and being there in cases of emergency, our Police Force, our Firefighters and other essential workers.
I have always had a great admiration for our Royal Australian Navy and my first memory was going to the 75th Anniversary of The Royal Australian Navy on Sydney Harbour in 1986 which was amazing to be there and was truly amazing to have been able to go onboard on some of our Great Australian Navy Ships and see them up close and to have my total admiration to the sailors on board and being the 75th Anniversary there were Navy ships from other countries that I was able to have a tour of as well.
Then on January 26 1988, Australia Day, I was on Sydney Harbour to help celebrate our 200-year Centenary and watch the tall ships that had recreated the journey from the United Kingdom to Australia in 1788 come into Sydney Harbour amongst the thousands of people that were there to help celebrate our 200 Centenary. The day was such an amazing experience to be part of and made me brimming with so much pride for this beautiful country of Australia. Then a few months later when the tall ships went around Australia, I was able to see them and go onboard at Sanctuary Cove on the Gold Coast.
I've had various jobs over the years from being a butler at The Sheraton Wentworth Hotel in Sydney, working on Lord Howe Island, Management for Target Australia, and even working at Blockbuster Video.
Then in the year 2000 was my first overseas trip with countries visited were The United Kingdom, Germany, The Netherlands and Austria where I ended up getting a job at a Youth Hostel in Salzburg and promoting The Sound of Music which was filmed there and was also the birthplace of Mozart, and everywhere I went I had an Australian t-shirt or jumper on to promote the beautiful country and whilst overseas I applied to be a volunteer at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. Once I was accepted as a volunteer I came back to Australia to volunteer at the games and that was truly an amazing experience.
Then in 2004, I decided to apply to be a Steward in The Submarine Branch of The Royal Australian Navy and after the testing, I was accepted then whilst I was waiting on my first day at HMAS Cerberus I was offered a position for CBS News at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and I accepted the position but my biggest regret is that it stopped my going into the Australian Navy which I'm sure I would still be in now.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN USING DEFENCE SPORTING APPAREL PRODUCTS?
I've been using Defence Sporting Apparel products for under a year and love the products so much.
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO PURCHASE FROM DEFENCE SPORTING APPAREL?
When I first saw the Defence Sporting Apparel products I fell in love with the beautifully designed shirts and the knowledge that the shirts were celebrating our Defence Force and also Keeping The Australian Spirit Alive!!! Was also glad to see that Defence Sporting Apparel donates to worthy charities.
HOW DO YOU FEEL WHENEVER YOU'RE WEARING A DEFENCE SPORTING APPAREL PRODUCT?
Whenever I wear my Defence Sporting Apparel products I feel so much pride for our beautiful Australian country and also our amazing Defence Force.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT IN LIFE?
My greatest achievement in my life was being a Volunteer at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games where I was in spectator Service where I promoted our beautiful country to the world that came to visit Sydney from September 2000, then, of course, being part of the Athens 2004 Olympics and seeing where the first Olympic Games were held in Athens in 1896.
HOW DOES DEFENCE SPORTING APPAREL IMPACT YOU AND/OR YOUR FAMILY'S LIFE?
Defence Sporting Apparel impacts me by knowing I'm supporting a great Australian business that has amazing products which make me feel so proud to wear to support our Defence Force and that helps out great charities.
I've purchased 2 of your shirts for my Dad who is 79yr old and he loves them and also my friend’s father who has been part of The Ipswich Bagpipes Thistle Band which he has been part of since Australia Day in 1957 and he has played at nearly every dawn service on Anzac Day for the last 64 years.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE DEFENCE SPORTING APPAREL PRODUCT?
My favourite Defence Sporting Apparel Product..now that's a hard one to choose as I love all 13 short sleeve polo shirts and 1 long Sleeve Polo shirt and 1 Hoodie that I own and also 1 Baseball Cap but I would have to say the True Blue Polo is my favourite especially how it's got The Sydney Olympic Cauldron on it...would love to see that released as a singlet.
IN YOUR OWN WORDS, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE DEFENCE SPORTING APPAREL?
Defence Sporting Apparel or Defence Sporting Apparel is in great recognition of our Defence Force, Firefighters, Essential Workers, and also our Australian Pride. I am very proud to wear the great products everywhere to promote Defence Sporting Apparel and also honouring the various personal and also The Fallen Soldiers and Current Members and retired members of our various Defence Force who I have so much respect for everyday.
Defence Sporting Apparel is so generous to donate to amazing charities which makes me want to support your great company, even more, knowing I'm helping donate to those great charities.
Defence Sporting Apparel is a very prideful Australian company of who I admire the creator of the company for bringing Defence Sporting Apparel to Australia and the world.
