Aussies look after each other in time of need. Er… Have a look at an email that has been doing the rounds of military personnel all over the country this week as our latest detachment of troops move into a suddenly more dangerous Iraq:

As you would all know, the government has announced an increase in the ADF commitment to Iraq. This was done at short notice, so a number of members of the ADF were forced to cancel leave (particularly around Easter) to enable the preparation for the deployment to go ahead.

Jetstar Airways has refused to refund airfares to those members forced to cancel their leave because of this. This is a time of worry and stress for the families of members, and this sort off treatment from Jetstar is an extra hassle definitely not needed.

Aussies look after each other in time of need, so we need to show Jetstar that this is not acceptable.

Do not fly with Jetstar. Encourage your friends and family to do the same.

Do not support those who do not support you. If asked by a travel or ticket agent as to why you will not accept Jetstar, please tell them why.

Please pass this on to as many people as possible.

Whether it’s true or false, it’s great timing for an Anzac Day tabloid feeding frenzy. Crikey contacted Jetstar’s PR Simon Westaway this morning for a comment on the allegations, but had not heard back at the time of going to press. Jetstar, however, is a subsidiary of Qantas, and on Valentine’s Day in 2000 they signed a sweetheart deal with Defence to provide a comprehensive travel service estimated then to be worth over $250 million a year .

Two hundred and fifty mil? Given that, surely Jetstar can cut defence personnel a little slack. What’s a few discount fares compared to $250 million?