The South African Army Supports "Reach for a Dream" Foundation, 21 September 2009, Denel Land System in Centurion

Article and photos by Lieutenant J. Mokou, South African Army Corporate Communication

A vehicle from Reach for a Dream Foundation

Another Child from the Reach For A Dream Foundation has witnessed his lifetime dream. Reach For A Dream Foundation is an organisation that deals with children with life threatening illnesses and little Aidan Loubser is one of them. He suffers from Langerhan’s-Cell Histiocytosis, and was given more than he wished for at the event that took place at Denel Land System in Centurion on Monday 21 September 2009.

Aidan Loubser being spoiled with presents from Denel Land System Group, South African Army Corporate Communication and South African Army Armour Formation

The six year old child who was accompanied by his parents and siblings, together with members from the foundation, was ushered with the warmest welcome one could ever dream of. During his welcoming and opening address, the Senior Manager Marketing at Denel Land System, Mr Piet Eksteen promised the little one that he is going to have the most memorable day of his lifetime. After showing him the different types of weapons on the over head projector, it was time to reveal what was in the boxes all the time. Besides a stack of the memorabelia that was prepared from the South African Army Corporate Communication and South African Army Armour Formation, I must say that Aidan was spoiled for choices, as the Denel Land System group also prepared enough presents for him.

Senior Manager Marketing at Denel Land System, Mr Piet Eksteen orientation the little one through different models of weapons

Aidan Loubser father putting a Denel Land System cap on his son

Just after a brief presentation of weapons and a well prepared tea, it was time for a Rooikat ride. Photographers could not get enough of him as we moved from one demonstration to the other. A brief lecture of the Rooikat was given to him before the ride though; so that he can tell his friends how he rode in a vehicle of his dream.

Aidan Loubser on a Rooikat

Aidan Loubser on a Rooikat

The lecture did not take long as the aim was not to make the best Rooikat driver of the month, but merely to give the Aidan a ride of his dream; he was all smiles and could not stop hugging his daddy as a token of “thanks for the efforts”. The Rooikat drove around the premises of Denel quite a number of times and the little man was overwhelmed by the experience.

Aidan Loubser saying his goodbyes to Lieutenant Colonel M.C. Klopper and Major D. Nel, both from South African Army Armour Formation