Book to tell of peace ops

SUBMISSIONS from Air Force members are sought for a book about life and work on recent peacekeeping operations.

Captain Reuben Bowd, of the 10th Force Support Battalion in Townsville, has been sponsored by the Army History Unit to write a book to record the achievements and experiences of ADF members involved in Operation Anode, the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands, and Operation Bel Isi, the Peace Monitoring Group in Bougainville.

Other operations, including Lagoon, Plumbob and Trek, will also be covered. The book will look at the history behind each deployment, daily routine and lifestyle and more specific functions ranging from medical and logistic support to chaplaincy.

A nominal roll of all participants will be included. CAPT Bowd will draw on people’s contributions as well as his own experience as a logistics plans officer in the final rotation of the Peace Monitoring Group in Bougainville and in command of the Logistic Support Troop during the second rotation of personnel to Operation Anode.

The publication is proposed to be called Doves Over the Pacific: In Pursuit of Peace in Bougainville and the Solomon Islands.

It is expected to be completed by mid- 2005. Inquiries, stories and photos can be sent by email to reuben.bowd@defence.gov.au.

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