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Ben Cripps - Former Geraldton Man Winds Up Tour of Afghanistan

Former Geraldton man Private Ben Cripps is approaching the end of his six-month tour of duty in southern Afghanistan with Reconstruction Task Force Three. As an infantryman Ben’s job is to help provide security for Task Force’s Combat Engineers as they work on projects to improve the lives of the local population.

While Private Cripps is fairly new to the Regular Army, joining in May last year, he got his first taste of military service in Geraldton with the Army Reserve’s 16th  Battalion Royal Western Australian Regiment. “I really enjoyed the experience, so I made the switch to the Regular Army and now I’m here,” he said.

Private Cripps previously worked on his family’s farm about 90km out of Geraldton and other farms in the district, but found soldiering is job he’s really suited to. “I haven’t regretted joining for a second, the Afghan tour of duty has been challenging but a great experience,” he said.

Still, home is where the heart is and for Private Cripps it’s Northampton. “I don’t think there’s a person here who doesn’t miss home,” he said, “and my biggest attachment is family, mates and especially my girlfriend – I can’t wait to see them all again.”

Ben said he’d also like to thank all his mates from the area for their best wishes sent during his tour. “It’s been great to hear from the boys on the phone and by email,” he said.

Ben will return home to Australia in April.