Our People in VIC
Stephen Bongiorno and George Coltman - Ballarat
Ballarat men Stephen Bongiorno and George Coltman already have a lot of things in common and soon they will have one more.
They are both 21, both completed a Gap Year in the Army, and now they are both Privates in the Army Reserve.
Now both are deferring their studies for 12 months because, early in the New Year they will be heading to East Timor for an eight-month tour of duty.
“It’s the first overseas deployment for both of us,” said Stephen. “We’ll be coming back with the Australian Service Medal and the East Timor Solidarity Medal.”
“We’re both pretty excited,” said Stephen. “We can’t wait to check it out. But first we have to survive the training with city boys!
“I grew up watching the UN’s intervention on the TV news,” said George. “Now we’ll be going ourselves!
Both men will be coming home with lifelong friends and a wealth of knowledge of a new culture, but here their plans start to differ.
Stephen wants to resume his teaching studies after travelling in the USA, while George is planning a big fishing trip to Cape York before he returns to his engineering degree.
They are even undecided about where to have that first beer back home in October. Stephen favours the Weston, while George is holding out for the Mallow.
At least they will have until October to sort it out.
The Australian-led International Stabilisation Force is in-country at the invitation of the East Timorese government while local groups work through their differences in a peaceful and democratic way.
All reservists are volunteers and have to volunteer again to serve overseas. Reserves can also support security within Australia at major events such as the Commonwealth Games or Heads of Government visits.
If you want to know more about Australian peacekeepers or support the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial Project, please visit: http://www.peacekeepingmemorial.org.au/