Our People in QLD
Ben Harris - Tallebudgera
Tallebudgera’s Ben Harris, 20, used to listen to his grandfather’s Gary’s Army stories, and now he’s going on adventures of his own.
After two months jungle training at Canungra, reservist Private Ben will be deploying to East Timor for eight months. He won’t see his dad, builder Mark, or mum Deborah, who works at Queensland Parks and Wildlife, until early next year.
Ben will be part of the 500-strong Australian-led international force in East Timor. They are there at the invitation of the East Timorese government to help provide stability while local groups sort out their differences in a peaceful and democratic way.
“This will be my second overseas operation,” said Ben. “I was over in the Solomon Islands in 2009.
“They were good times and now I’m looking forward to East Timor. More good times, and new customs to learn.
“I’m an infantryman, so my job will be on the ground, talking with the people and helping first hand.
“But eight months will be a long time so, when I get back, I’ll be going straight home, putting my kit on, picking up the family and girlfriend and heading for Currumbin Surf Club for a massive catch-up!”
“And Anzac Day next year I’ll be able to wear the East Timor clasp on my Australian Service Medal, along with the East Timor solidarity medal which they give us, plus my four year medal for Reserve service.”
Of the 100,000 Australians entitled to wear Army uniform, some 45,000 are Reservists. They are all volunteers and have to volunteer again if they want to deploy overseas. Reservists can also take part in Australia-based border protection and security operations such as the Commonwealth Games. Employers are compensated financially while their reservists are away on duty.