Our People in SA
Stephen Marr - SALISBURY EAST SOLDIER DOING HIS BIT FOR TIMOR LESTE
These days Steve, a former student at Tyndale Christian School and Parahills High, is a Lance Corporal with the 2nd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, which is based at Lavarack Barracks in Townsville.
The 26 year old is the second in command of a section of soldiers serving with the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in the fledgling new nation of Timor Leste.
“We’re here to support the local authorities as well as United Nations Police and patrol villages and by doing so, provide peace and security,” said Stephen.
This is Stephen’s third deployment since joining Army in 2002 and the second time he’s been to Timor Leste.
“I’ve enjoyed seeing the local children, getting a whole nights sleep every now and then and making some extra money!” he said.
Stephen comes from a proud military family. His great grandfather was in the Army in World War Two, his grandfather was in the Navy during the Korean War and his father was in the Army as well.
“I’ve always wanted to serve, my relatives have before me and my friends as well,” Stephen said.
“My most memorable moment so far has been patrolling through the small villages and stopping at the schools and seeing smiling faces of the children,” he said.
When he’s not trying to improve the lives of Australia’s overseas neighbours, Stephen’s a keen fan of the Adelaide Crows.
He’s 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.
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 for all East Timorese.