Our People in QLD
Andrew Whitrod - Victoria Point
Victoria Point’s Andrew Whitrod has followed 4000 kms in his father’s footsteps — they are now soldiering together in East Timor.
Andrew’s father Wayne rejoined the Army as a Reserve soldier after retiring from the Regular Army years previously.
Andrew is now an Army Reservist too, serving on an eight-month deployment with the Australian-led International Stabilisation Force (ISF).
“My father was a big influence on me joining,” Andrew said. “I walked the Kokoda Track with him in 2003, and a few years later I decided it was time for me to join.
“East Timor has been a great personal-development journey for me, both as a soldier and in my civilian career as a self-employed carpenter.”
Andrew is part of the ISF’s Anzac Infantry Company, a combined force of New Zealand and Australian soldiers who contribute to the young country’s security.
“My job involves a lot of interaction with the local population,” Andrew said. “The people are friendly and happy to see us; the kids always have a smile on their face.
“The best part has been the mateship in our section. We work closely together and we have become the best of mates.”
Andrew’s deployment has also been an opportunity to get to know his dad as a fellow soldier, an experience that not many people ever have.
“It’s been good to work with him, we get along well,” Andrew said. “He helps keep me in line — and it’s good to have his shoulder to lean on!”
“Before you leave home the job can sound easier than what it is,” Andrew said. “However the reality soon kicks in once you get over here.
“It can be tough, but you do have some really good times and those are the times you remember.”
Andrew has only a few months left in-country, and he is looking forward to being united with his wife Lara and their children.
Like Andrew and Wayne, all reservists are volunteers and have to volunteer again to serve overseas. They can also contribute to security at major events within Australia. Their civilian bosses receive a financial contribution to offset their absence on military duty.
If you want to find out more about Australian Peacekeepers or would like to support the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial Project, please visit the following website:
http://www.peacekeepingmemorial.org.au