Our People in the ACT
SGT Lyn Moerman - JERRABOMBERRA AIRWOMAN PLAYS PART IN TIMOR PEACE
These days Lyn is a Sergeant in the RAAF, and normally works as the Personal Assistant to the Deputy Chief of the Air Force in Canberra . However, she is currently working as the chief clerk supporting the Australian Task Force Headquarters in Dili. The Australian Task Force is in Timor Leste as part of the Australian Government response to the Timorese Government request for assistance in restoring peace to their country.
Lyn, who joined the RAAF in 1991, is thoroughly enjoying her first operational deployment and the opportunity to do her job in a deployed environment.
"I have often heard about others' deployments and how much they have loved the experiences.
"It's really great to be able to be a part of that now and experience it for myself," Lyn said.
With constant operational demands for the ADF and regular rotational patterns for deployments, Lyn was thrilled to learn that her boss in Russell Offices had released her for this opportunity.
"I think a lot of commanders and bosses understand how important it is for ADF members to be given the opportunity to deploy overseas.
"The value that members get out of going away, being a part of something real and bringing home that experience cannot be understated.
"I know for me, my time in Timor Leste has, to date, been incredibly valuable both personally and professionally. It tends to test your boundaries," Lyn said.
A trip down the bustling streets of Dili has been a highlight for Lyn, who said it was occasions such as those where you can really start to see and appreciate the work you do.
"Timor Leste is a developing country so there is poverty around and the environment is impoverished. Some of it has been a bit confronting, but it makes it very clear that we can help the Timorese to make their lifestyle better.
'Chatting with the locals has been great and their response towards me has been very positive. I think they can appreciate that we are here to try and help them," Lyn said.
Due to arrive home later this year, Lyn looks forward to seeing her husband Mark, and children Rachel, Rebecca and Steven.
"A hot shower will be the first thing and then there will be hugs and kisses all round," Lyn said.
Lyn is one of about 1100 Australian Defence Force personnel currently serving in Timor Leste as part of Operation Astute, the Australian Government response to the Timorese Government request for assistance in restoring peace to their country.
The Australians, as part of the International Stabilisation Force, are assisting the Government of Timor Leste and the United Nations Police to provide a secure environment in which the country can conduct its first independent presidential and parliamentary elections since independence.