Our People in the ACT
CPL Andrew Cameron - HELPING OUT IN SOUTHERN IRAQ
Andrew, 25, is one of more than 500 Diggers based at Tallil in the province of Dhi Qar. From this base they support the Iraqi security forces in neighbouring Al Muthanna province where the Iraqi Government, through its army and police, is now responsible for security - the first province to achieve this milestone.
The Australians' mission is to continue to train and mentor the Iraqi Government's security forces and to provide assistance should it be requested. The Australians will also be taking on the same role in Dhi Qar province from November 2006.
Promoted to Corporal, Andrew is a crew commander in an Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV) and frequently patrols the deserts and towns of the area. The Australians are instantly recognisable thanks to the bright red kangaroos painted on their vehicles and worn as patches on their camouflage uniforms.
"Back in Australia I'm normally based in Brisbane with the 2 nd /14 th Light Horse Regiment," said Andrew.
"This is my third deployment overseas, and my second tour of Iraq. In 2001 I was peacekeeping with the United Nations in Timor Leste. Last year, I was in Baghdad in the security detachment that guards our diplomats.
"It's great to represent Australia in our important role in Iraq," Andrew said. "It's also great to uphold the traditions of the Australian Light Horse, in the part of the world where the light horse made history with the historic charge of Beersheba."
Andrew is one of the 1400 Australian Defence personnel now deployed to the Middle East to help post-Saddam Iraq get back on its feet.
As well as supporting Iraqi security forces, the Australian battle group is conducting many reconstruction projects. More than 20 Australian projects have been completed, with more under way. These include water and irrigation projects, rural projects to enhance crop and animal production, health clinics, power supply initiatives and new permanent bridge across the Euphrates linking both sides of the CBD in the provincial capital As Samawah, to help boost the local economy.