145 Signal Squadron signaller deploys to Aceh

"I wanted to make a special effort for Kia, because she was only ten days old when I last deployed to the Solomon Islands," he said.

By Major Allan Croft - filed 12 January 2005

Some special family time was set aside by Australian Army signaller Corporal David Chatterton from 145 Signal Squadron, when he found out he was going to help tsunami-affected people on Operation Sumatra Assist.

Corporal Chatterton and wife Joanne were preparing for their youngest daughter's second birthday on January 14th.

On realising he would not be around for the event, Corporal Chatterton said he organised an earlier party and took the family to a restaurant in Campbelltown.

"I wanted to make a special effort for Kia, because she was only ten days old when I last deployed to the Solomon Islands," he said.

"It's a good thing that we are going to help, they are our neighbours after all."