Our People in TAS
Raylene Garwood - BRIDGENORTH AIR FORCE OFFICER PLAYS PART IN TIMOR PEACE
These days Raylene, a former student of Exeter High School, is a Squadron Leader in the Air Force with the Aerospace Systems Division, and is normally based in Canberra. But now she is managing contracts for the International Stabilisation Force in Dili.
Raylene joined the RAAF in 1997, is now on her second tour of duty to Timor Leste.
“My first operational tour of Timor was in 1999. I also deployed to the Middle East in 2003.
“My role during this tour is to manage the support contract that covers all of the logistics support required in theatre. I am also the Officer in Charge of the Contract Management Cell at Camp Phoenix here in Dili.
“It’s a challenge because it involves a broad scope of responsibilities such as health support, catering, aviation, engineering and vehicle maintenance.
“I really enjoyed a road trip to Gleno where we gave out balloons and whistles to the local kids. It was great to see the smiles and happiness on their faces.”
Raylene’s deployment continues a family tradition of military service that is linked to the original ANZAC forces. “My great-great uncle was in the infantry and died at the Gallipoli landings on ANZAC Day 1915.
When she is at home Raylene enjoys horse riding, skiing and bushwalking. “When I come home I’ll enjoy being reunited with my pet Border Collie and my eight horses. It’ll be great to go for a ride,” Raylene said.
Raylene is 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.
As part of the International Stabilisation Force the Australians are assisting the Government of Timor Leste and the United Nations Police to provide a secure environment for all East Timorese.