Our People in SA
Dan Hockey - Afghanistan For Dan and Matt
Mt Gambier’s Karen Hockey will be thinking about both her sons even more that usual over the next eight months.
Dan and Matt are both deploying to Afghanistan, two of the 1550 Australian soldiers helping to train Afghan soldiers and restore peace to troubled Uruzgan province.
“I joined in 2005, straight after Mt Gambier High School,” said spokesman Dan, 24.
“First I was a combat engineer, then I transferred to the cavalry and now Matt are I are both in the 2nd/14th Light Horse.
“Our ASLAV armoured vehicles are eight-wheel drives, very agile over the ground and with a long range 25mm cannon. There’s a crew of three and we all work very closely together.
“Not many people can say they drive what I get to drive!
“It’s our first overseas deployment so we’re excited. My girlfriend Zoe Chapman is happy that I’m happy – but sad I’ll be away so long.
“But halfway through the deployment I’ll make it up to her– I’m planning to take her to Rome for a holiday.
“When I’m back home I’ll be using the money to work on my next career as a commercial driver.
“But not before that first beer at the Gambier Hotel.”