Our People in the NT
Barry Laming - LEANYER SOLDIER DOING HIS BIT FOR TIMOR LESTE
These days Barry, a former student of Casuarina Senior College, is a private with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, which is based at Lavarack Barracks in Townsville.
The 25 year old is a rifleman serving with the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in the fledgling new nation of Timor Leste.
“We go patrolling through the streets and interact with the local community,” said Barry.
This is his first deployment overseas since joining the Army last year.
“I signed up to gain experience that university could not provide while still being able to study next year,” said Barry.
He comes from a proud military family. His grandfather was a warrant officer in the RAAF while his father was a patrol officer in Papua New Guinea.
“My most memorable moment in Timor Leste so far would have to be flying in the choppers around the country,” he said.
When he’s not trying to improve the lives of Australia’s overseas neighbours, he enjoys basketball and kickboxing.
“When I get home I’m really looking forward to being able to put a deposit down on a house and a car, having toilets that flush and drinking beer again!” said Barry.
Barry’s 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.
“I’ve really enjoyed being a part of an effort that will contribute to Timor Leste becoming a stable nation, the people are so warm and friendly,” he said.
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 for all East Timorese.