Our People in the ACT
James Hunter - CANBERRA SOLDIER DOING HIS BIT FOR TIMOR LESTE
These days James, is a major with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, which is based at Lavarack Barracks in Townsville.
The 31 year old is the Officer Commanding A Company and is now serving with the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in the fledgling new nation.
This is his third deployment to Timor Leste since joining the Army in 1995 and he’s currently based in Baucau, east of the capital city, Dili.
“I’ve enjoyed seeing the positive effects of the operations conducted by the company on the local population. They’re calmer and more confident in the growing government of Timor Leste,” said James.
“What’s been memorable has been the consistent capacity for soldiers to make a difference to the children in developing country.
‘These young men are professional soldiers yet they have such character and charisma that allows them to create an instant rapport, particularly with the children who love to be around them and kick a soccer ball with them,” he said.
James comes from a proud military family. His great grandfather was a Brigadier and served in World War One. His grandfathers were both in World War Two, one was a Air Force pilot in the pacific, while the other was an infantry officer in the pacific with the Army.
One of his grandmothers was an Army nurse during World War Two in Darwin. His father couldn’t escape the allure of the military either, he and was a Colonel in the Artillery and served in Vietnam.
“I joined the Army because I grew up with a strong military influence in my family and dad was always looked like he had a great job,” said James.
“When I get home I’m really looking forward to spending time with my wife Alisson and nine year old son, Blaik,” he said.
James is one of about 780 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.
“To the partners, family and friends of the men of this company, thank you for your continued support of the men. The soldiers are doing an excellent job in some trying conditions, you can be very proud of them,” said James.
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 for all East Timorese.