Our People in NSW
Mark Arathoon - NEUTRAL BAY SOLDIER PLAYS PART IN TIMOR PEACE
These days Mark, a former student of Guildford Grammar, is a Private with the Townsville-based 1 st Royal Australian Regiment Transport section. However, he is currently providing his transport services to the ANZAC Battle Group as part of the International Stabilisation Force in Timor-Leste.
Mark, who joined the Army in 2002 is on his second tour of duty and is enjoying his role.
"I am one of the transport drivers here, so get to drive a variety of vehicles and the nature of the tasks provides me the opportunity to travel around Timor quite a bit.
"I love getting around the country and seeing the different scenery and meeting and interacting with the local Timorese," Mark said.
Having joined the Army for new challenges, fitness and the opportunity of overseas travel, Mark is lapping up his second Timorese deployment.
" Timor has opened up my eyes. The lifestyle is so different to home and it makes me appreciate Australia even more.
"During any down time over here I try to hit the running track. I have managed to achieve my quickest run time for 2.4km, so I am really happy with that also," Mark said.
With still two months to go until he returns to Australia , Mark is looking forward to getting home and having a beer.
"Catching up with friends and family over a few beers is going to be awesome," Mark said.
Mark is one of about 1100 Australian Defence Force personnel currently serving in East Timor 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.