Our People in QLD
Troy Crook - BUNDABERG SOLDIER PLAYS PART IN TIMOR PEACE
These days Troy, a former student of Kepnock State High, is a Trooper in the 5th Aviation Regiment and is normally based in Townsville. But now he is a crewman loadmaster with the International Stabilisation Force in Timor Leste.
Troy joined the Army in 1995, And this is his first tour of duty to Timor Leste.
“Deploying on operations has me using my training in real situations. We can then see rewards for our hard efforts back in Australia.
“My role primarily involves preparing the loads and passengers on Blackhawk helicopters for takeoff and then managing all those aspects while in the air.
“It’s a great challenge because I have people — and an expensive aircraft — that I am responsible for,” Troy said.
Being able to deploy on operations was an opportunity that Troy was very pleased to accept.
“The money is good. The most important thing to me though is that I love my job. Getting to do it in Timor Leste and helping out the local people is something I won’t forget,” Troy said.
“My most memorable moment so far has been hoisting five members of a ground patrol out of the bush. They had got into difficulties because of the terrain.
“I always enjoy the rescue and medical training. I get a lot of satisfaction when we train doctors and paramedics to help save lives in difficult situations.
Troy is looking forward to playing soccer, spear-fishing and kayaking when he returns home. “I am also looking forward to seeing my partner, Penny, and spending some down time with my family and friends,” Troy said.
Troy 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.