Our People in VIC
Nathan Bell - SEAFORD SOLDIER DOING HIS BIT FOR TIMOR LESTE
These days Nathan, a former student of McKinnon Secondary College, is a private with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, which is based at Lavarack Barracks in Townsville.
The 28 year old is a rifleman serving with the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in the fledgling new nation of Timor Leste.
“I’m here to help the country find it’s feet so it can prosper. We patrol through the streets and in our downtime we keep fit,” said Nathan.
This is his first deployment overseas since joining Army last year.
“The children here are so friendly, they all wave to us and shout ‘Australia Good’. They have also taught me a lot about the language,” he said.
“My most memorable moment in Timor Leste so far has been travelling to a village with the United Nations where a meeting was to be held. We entertained the local children and had them running up and down the street with us shouting and laughing,” he said.
Nathan has an army of his own, with four children and another about to be born.
“I’m really looking forward to coming home because I have another son on the way, so going back will be even more special this year,” he said.
Nathan comes from a proud military family. His grandfather flew spitfires in World War Two against the Japanese and his godfather was a major in the Army Reserve.
“I’ve always wanted to join the military. I have intense pride in being able to serve my country and follow in the ANZAC legacy,” said Nathan.
When he’s not trying to improve the lives of Australia’s overseas neighbours, he enjoys astronomy, building models, soccer, motorbike riding but most of all family time at the water park.
Nathan’s 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.
“I consider myself thoroughly fortunate to be given the opportunity to help the people of Timor Leste. My family and wife Jodi have been a huge support to me and I will never forget it,” he said.
The Australians, as part of the International Stabilisation Force, are assisting the Government of Timor Leste and the United Nations Police to provide a secure environment for all East Timorese.