Our People in VIC
Adam Boyd - MANNINGHAM SOLDIER PLAYS PART IN TIMOR PEACE
These days Adam, a former student of Ivanhoe Grammar School, is a Corporal in the Army. He has specialised as a military policeman, and is normally based locally at Simpson Barracks. But now he is part of the military police section of the International Stabilisation Force in Timor Leste.
Adam joined the Army in 1996 and has already served in Malaysia, but this is his first tour of duty in Timor Leste.
“My role is to provide military police service to the ISF and to provide security support to the government of Timor Leste. We are also here to help maintain a stable environment for the people of Timor Leste,” Adam said.
Being able to deploy on operations has been a significant event in Adam’s life and a major goal of his military career.
“I have always wanted to be a part of the ANZAC tradition and this deployment has given me that opportunity. I am very proud to be serving my country on this operation.
“Putting into practice all the skills and training that we learnt in Australia is also important. Being in Timor Leste has really given me a great sense of achievement.
“Helping to provide stability and knowing that I am making a real difference in people’s lives is very satisfying,” Adam said. “Meeting and interacting with the local people has been unforgettable.
“A very special moment for me has been visiting the regional town of Gleno. We attended a local church and handed out whistles and balloons to the children who were there.
“It was great to see the local children so happy to see us, and to also see the smiles from the parents.”.
Adam joined the Army for new experiences and challenges, and he certainly got what he bargained for. He’s also continuing a long family tradition of military service.
“My father was in the National Service and my great-uncles all served in World War Two. I had one great-uncle who was a prisoner of war in Changi,” Adam said.
With several months still left of his deployment, Adam is also looking forward to returning home to relax and see all his family and friends. “My girlfriend, Melanie, and my family back home in melbourne have all been very supportive and proud that I am serving here.
“It’s important to me that I make the most of this opportunity,” Adam said.
Adam 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.