Our People in QLD
Ben Hopson - Young Shoulders Take the Weight
Bribie’s 21-year old Ben Hopson is an Army Reserve Lance Corporal who is now commanding men 10 or 15 years older than him on the streets of East Timor.
As the second-in command of his section of eight he looks after the administration and the health of his mates and, when the section splits into two “bricks”, Ben commands one of them.
On these occasions Ben will lead a team of four on patrols through outlying towns and villages as part of their support to the local police force.
“We are helping a country that needs our help,” he said, “And I also enjoy it because East Timor is a very beautiful country and the people are always happy to see us.
“There is a lot of poverty though, and it makes you realise how lucky we are at home.”
Ben joined the Reserve while he was still at Bribie Island High School
“I was drawn to the adventure and mateship you can only find in the Army,” he said.
“It has helped me to mature – being a team leader and the youngest member of the team can be a challenge at times, but although the others are older they trust me to make the right decisions.”
“We have all bonded tightly as a family, especially over Christmas,” he said. “A lot of us have made life-long friends.”
Ben’s parents Kathren and Bradley Hopson still live on Bribie Island and own Bribie Island Property Specialists (07 3408 7488).