Our People in NSW
Douglas Bloomer - First Big Deployment for Doug
Nana Glen couple Belinda and Patrick Ryan will be thinking about Afghanistan more that usual over the next eight months.
Private Douglas Bloomer, Belinda’s son by her first marriage, will soon be heading there for an eight-month deployment.
He will be one of 1550 Australian soldiers in Afghanistan who will be helping to train Afghan soldiers and assisting in restoring peace to troubled Uruzgan province.
“I joined the Army in 2008 and my mum and step-dad were a big influence,” said Doug. “They recommended the job security and job satisfaction.”
Doug holds the rank of Private and he has specialised as an operator supply – a soldier who makes sure everyone has what they need to do a good job.
“So far I’ve been to New Caledonia on exercise, but now it’s the big one.”
“It’s my first operation and I’m feeling ready,” he said. “There’s been lots of training for me and my mates, including working from mock-ups of real bases.
“In eight months time I’ll be back on my dirt bike, and I’ll have a new medal to wear for Anzac Day. There’ll be a big family catch-up, and I’m already looking forward to that first beer with them at home.”
“After that, I’m planning to buy a house – it will be a life-changing moment.”