Our People in SA
SPR Ian Andrews - GERALDTON SOLDIER PLAYS PART IN TIMOR PEACE
These days Ian, a former student of Geraldton Senior High, is a Sapper in the Army, normally based in Townsville with the 3 rd Combat Engineer Regiment. However, he is currently undertaking a variety of reconstruction projects in Timor Leste as part of the ANZAC Battle Group.
Ian, who joined the Army in 2005, is enjoying his first tour of duty to Timor Leste, and helping with the reconstruction of the country.
“Building things for the Timorese people has been a great experience. They have such a beautiful country and hopefully we can help them make it even more beautiful.
“It’s very much about hearts and minds and mixing with the locals,” Ian said.
Having joined the Army for new experiences and job security, Ian has followed in the footsteps of his father who served in Vietnam , and says being overseas on deployment with the Army has been very rewarding and memorable.
“The Army has definitely helped me form some very sound friendships and it’s just great to go away with mates and get involved with new things, such as what we are doing here in Timor Leste.
“We built a dining facility for a local Muslim orphanage. The kids really loved having us around and it was an interesting working environment.
“It was a real cross-cultural experience and felt like we were helping to bridge the gap between Muslims and Christians. I found it to be quite a great moment,” Ian said.
With still two months of work to do before heading home to Australia , Ian is already looking forward to seeing his wife Jessica and having an ice cold beer.
“Definitely looking forward to seeing Jessica and giving her a big hug and kiss. Then I’ll be keen for a beer,” Ian said.
Ian is one of about 1100 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.
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 in which the country can conduct its first independent presidential and parliamentary elections since independence.