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All smiles at homecoming |
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The soldiers, mostly from 25/49RQR and 9RQR, created history in January when they deployed on Op Anode, the first Reserve sub unit to deploy independently since World War II. “There’s nothing better. It’s just absolutely awesome,” Pte Paul Robinson said. A driver with 25/49RQR, this was the first time Pte Robinson had deployed on operations after 30 years’ combined ARA and Reserve service. “I’ve been there, I’ve done my duty and I’ve served my country.” He said he loved the experience, the people of the Solomon Islands, and working with “a great bunch of lads”. Seven section 2IC LCpl Andrew Magann said the Solomon Islands was not a high-risk operation, but more about building a rapport with the locals. “We got a really good response from the people we engaged with,” LCpl Magann said. His section dismounted from their vehicles at night and patrolled on foot around Burns Creek, one of Honiara’s hotspots. “It’s all well and good driving past them, but I found that if you want to get to know these people you really need to get out there and start a conversation with them,” he said. Arriving home on April 10, LCpl Magann said he couldn’t wait to see his eight year old daughter. “Getting home and seeing your family’s great,” he said. The former 6RAR reconnaissance soldier said he is looking forward to returning to his civilian job as an award-winning fashion designer with Chevallea. “I really enjoy doing what I do and find the Army somehow balances out what I do with the fashion industry.” Returning CO of CTF 635 Lt-Col Rowan Martin said the successful rotation was a culmination of more than 12 months of hard work and preparation. “We were called upon and we were able to step up to the plate,” Lt-Col Martin said. He said the success of the rotation “was more than just doing the job physically on the ground, it was actually growing and demonstrating Reserve capability”. “It demonstrated that with the proper preparation, the proper support from the unit, employer and the family, you can get a Reserve sub unit overseas, to acquit themselves well, and then redeploy and assimilate back into their civilian life well.” In its last few days, the task force assisted with the tsunami relief effort, including the provision of communication links and force protection for the medical teams. “It certainly made for a very busy last ten days of our deployment,” Lt-Col Martin said, who also applauded the New Zealand troops for doing “a great job” in supporting the relief effort. Lt-Col Martin said his soldiers represented themselves and their units well during the operation. “They really appreciated the opportunity to help the people of the Solomon Islands. It was a success.” |
