Our People in NSW
DUTY FIRST FOR 'CITIZEN SOLDIER'
When millions of Australians nationwide popped champagne corks to welcome the New Year, Corporal Cunningham, 22, and other Reservists from the Holsworthy-based 5 th Brigade celebrated in Darwin with a humble cup of tea.
"Fortunately, my family understands I had to answer the 'call of duty' during the festive season because of the importance of serving one's country," he said.
Since December Ian has been in the 'Top End' deployed with Reservists of the 5 th Brigade who are serving as the Transit Security Element (TSE) in Operation Resolute.
Operation Resolute, commanded by Border Protection Command, is the Australian Defence Force's (ADF) contribution to the whole-of-government effort to safeguard Australia's Exclusive Economic Zone and other offshore areas.
Border Protection Command brings together the resources and expertise of Customs and Defence and works closely with other agencies to provide maritime surveillance, planning and response activities to protect Australia's offshore maritime environment.
Operation Resolute is Ian's first deployment since he joined the Reserve in 2002 in search of a new challenge.
The Corporal is continually challenged as the quartermaster to equip and supply the Reservists who serve as the TSE on Navy ships and patrol boats and may be required to conduct boardings of foreign fishing vessels.
Ian and the other Reservists' dedication to duty has not gone unnoticed by the Army and they were visited by a two star general on 10 January 2007.
Major General Ian Flawith, Commander 2 nd Division, visited the Reservists to tell them that they "should be proud of their role in homeland security and border protection."
The general said that it is important that the Army Reserve contributes real capability to ADF operations at a time the Army is operating at such a high operational tempo, with several thousand regular soldiers currently deployed on operations in such far away places as Iraq, Afghanistan, Timor Leste, and the Solomons.
Ian said he is looking forward to returning home in February and catching up with his family.
"I am looking forward to seeing my family who live at Kings Langley, near Blacktown, and possibly resurrecting my career with the local soccer team," he said.
Ian said he really appreciates the support of his family and members of the local community, who often remind him how proud they are of Army Reservists willing to make small, personal sacrifices for their country.