Our People in NSW
Brent Ryan - Heading to Afghanistan
The next few months will be an anxious time on the farm for Bruce and Karen Ryan. Their son Trooper Brent Ryan will soon be heading for eight months in Afghanistan.
Soon the local soldier will be one of 1550 diggers who will be helping to train Afghan soldiers and to restore peace and stability in troubled Uruzgan province.
“After Oberon High School I played league with St Pat’s and learned a trade as a plumber,” said Brent. “I also did a lot of roo-shooting on the farm!’’
“Then I decided it was time to go out and explore, so I joined the Army in 2006 and became an infantryman.
“After two trips to East Timor I transferred to the Armoured Corps in 2009, and I’ve already been to Afghanistan once. I’m expecting a lot to have changed. Finding so many weapons caches will have reduced their chance to doing harm.
“But the countryside is very different from home. Very hilly and rocky!
“I’ve been with my partner Telina Bloomfield three years now and she’s having our first child in February just after I get back.
“Half way into Afghanistan I get some leave and I’ll be coming back to check she’s OK.
“When I’m finally home I’ll be buying baby clothes and spoiling the family. I’ll be bringing everyone back to Oberon, and the plan is to send Mum and Dad on holiday – they work so hard, so it will finally be a chance for them to get away from the farm.”