Our People in NSW
Thomas Brown - NAROOMA SOLDIER PLAYS PART IN TIMOR PEACE
These days Thomas, a former student of Narooma High School, is a Craftsman in the Army with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australia Regiment Workshops, and is normally based in Townsville. But now he is working as a specialist vehicle mechanic with the International Stabilisation Force in Timor Leste.
Thomas joined the Army in 2003, and this is his first tour of duty in Timor Leste.
“I’m here to repair and maintain vehicles and cars. Vehicles can mean anything from Armoured Personnel Carriers to four-wheel drives to forklifts.
“The work is fairly busy and can be made a little challenging by the heat and dust. We get a lot of job satisfaction from keeping the vehicles going so the task force can do its job though.
“Getting the chance to work in another country, experience a new culture and talk to new people is always good. I joined the Army for the adventure, to get a trade, have a secure job and to see the world, so I guess I’m now living that expectation!
“It’s also great to deploy with workmates you know and that you can have a laugh with during our spare time. Although there’s always some work to do and never really any idle moments.
“Working in this environment has also shown me though that I can do the job and do it well in any conditions and at any time of day or night,” Thomas said.
When he is at home Thomas leads an active life with football, motor cross, cars and fishing being just a few of his hobbies. “When I arrive back in Australia I am looking forward to spending time with my girlfriend, Jessica. I also know that I’ll enjoy a cold beer and some good times with my family and mates.”
Thomas is one of about 850 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.
As part of the International Stabilisation Force the Australians are assisting the Government of Timor Leste and the United Nations Police to provide a secure environment for all East Timorese.