Our People in TAS
TASMANIAN BASED SOLDIERS SERVING TO BRING PEACE AND STABILITY TO EAST TIMOR
There are currently five Tasmanian based soldiers working to bring peace and stability to the people of East Timor . The soldiers are representative of the opportunities that exist within the Army for individuals that are looking for ways to achieve their own goals whilst contributing to a mission of great humanitarian importance.
LTCOL Jan HYDE is a Regular Army Soldier who has served for over 20 years, when asked she said "I have been looking forward to settling in Tasmania since I first arrived three years ago, but when the opportunity came up to come to East Timor and participate in the development of this beautiful nation I just had to put my retirement plans on hold"
LTCOL Mike HOWARTH normally works as a Corporate Solicitor for HYDRO Tasmania in Hobart . LTCOL HOWARTH also works part time in the Army Reserve as the Chief Legal Officer for the Tasmanian region. LTCOL HOWARTH volunteered to spend four months working in East Timor to "Enable the East Timorese people to become the masters of their own destiny through fair and democratic elections".
MAJ Keith PARKER is an Army Reservist who retired from the regular army to run a hobby farm just outside Sheffield in the states north west, MAJ PARKER is the Officer Commanding of Davenport based 44 Transport Squadron. MAJ Parker said "The Army has given me some wonderful experiences and opportunities over many years; I can't believe how lucky I am to be able to travel to East Timor and share some of those experiences with this young nation".
Captain Andy McSHANE is usually found policing the streets of Hobart as part of the Tasmania Police Force's Public Safety Group. When asked why he volunteered to serve in East Timor Captain McSHANE said "My Police work means that I help everyday people overcome everyday problems, in East Timor we are doing the very same thing in a very different environment and I am gaining some wonderful experiences that I will be able to bring home and share with other Police Officers".
Warrant Officer Nigel BELLETTE is a Regular Army Soldier who was born and bred in Tasmania . Warrant Officer BELLETTE works at Derwent Barracks in Glenorchy as a Training Adviser at the Second Force Support Battalion. Warrant Officer BELLETTE spoke passionately when asked how he saw his contribution to the Australian East Timorese effort. "Every Australian has a responsibility to make the world a better place, I am immensely proud to be involved in a mission that will give every Timorese person a real chance at a better life".
There are many more Tasmanians doing a wonderful job serving with either the Townsville based 1 st Battalion or 171 Reconnaissance Squadron all over East Timor at the moment.
Tasmanian Service Men and Women are also well represented in Iraq , Afghanistan , the Solomon Islands and many overseas locations around the world.