Our People in SA

Fulham’s Trent Day, 43, has just had a long break from his job as a plumber and gasfitter. He’ll soon be home from a four-month deployment as a reserve soldier in the Solomons.

The Lance Corporal is part of the 15-nation Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI for short).

Trent joined the Army Reserve in 2006 and it’s the second Solomon Islands deployment for this member of the 10th/27th Battalion, Royal South Australia Regiment.

Trent said the increase in stability since he was last there is very noticeable.

“On our first deployment local people came out and hugged us,” he said. “Now the place is more stable. While they are happy to see us, they no longer get as excited.

“I’m enjoying this second rotation because with my experience I can help out the younger blokes.”

Trent is a linguist, a fluent Pidgin speaker, which allows him to get involved with the local communities.

“We’ve been conducting security patrols in the jungle, on water and in urban areas in support of the Participating Police Force and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.

“Commanding a small team of soldiers on a reconnaissance patrol to the limits of our area of operations has been a highlight for me.”

When Trent gets home he wants to spend time with his wife Kersty and children William and Hannah, and catch up on all the birthdays and celebrations that he’s missed.

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