The 69-year-old has been recognised as part of this year's Australia Day Honours for his efforts in the military and his career in the justice system, particularly his work with juvenile offenders.

"When I found out, I was left a bit speechless; the secretary to the Governor-General sends you out a letter and when I opened it, I could hardly believe it," Mr Carroll said.

"For me, this sort of thing is something that I've never thought about, I can't see why I'm more deserving than any number of other people out there."

While Mr Carroll is now being acknowledged for his efforts, his career and volunteering work have supplied their own rewards, albeit with some challenges along the way.

"When I left school, I joined the air force. I was a member for nine years before I got married and then I moved into the Army Reserve for about 15 years as an instructor looking after things like officer training and recruitment.

"I was getting a little old for the reserve, so I thought about a career change. I was always interested in law, so I went to University of Wollongong and came away with a bachelor of psychology and my masters - at the time I was the oldest matriculating student at the uni.

"I'd always been interested in juvenile justice and I enjoyed working with young people, so I started working as a drug and alcohol counsellor as well as a centre psychologist at juvenile facilities like Reiby and Keelong.

"It's obviously work that can be very challenging but helping to rehabilitate a young person is a great thing as well."

Mr Carroll has also helped a number of young people in a more positive environment thanks to his extensive work with army and air force cadets.

"I helped found the army cadets in Wollongong and after that, I went to help with the air force cadets - it was good to be working with young people on the positive side of things.

"The cadets isn't about training people to join the military, it's about showing young people the options out there, teaching them some things and doing it in an exciting environment."

Now retired and living in Shell Cove with his wife, Pushpa, Mr Carroll is still involved with the army cadets and volunteers with the rural fire service.

"In a country like ours, I think it's very important that people do volunteer ... and I think that's key to keeping the country going."