Warmest welcome after job well done
TOWNSVILLE troops were officially welcomed home from overseas deployments with a parade on Wednesday.
Led by the 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment band, about 700 personnel took part in yesterday’s parade at Jezzine Barracks.
More than 1600 Townsville- based personnel deployed to the Middle East region and the Philippines during the 3rd Brigade’s operational cycle from July 1, 2017, with the last of those still overseas expected home later this month.
Commanding Officer of Training Task Unit- 6 and 2nd Cavalry Regiment Lieutenant Colonel Grant Chambers said the parade was an opportunity to recognise the personnel who had returned home.
“This kind of recognition of service overseas I think is a really healthy re- engagement with the community,” Lt- Col Chambers said. Lt- Col Chambers said he was glad to be home.
“It’s really wonderful – I’ve got two young daughters and a wife who are up here in Townsville with me, so it’s wonderful to be here at home and watch my two little girls grow up, to help around the house,” he said.
Lt- Col Chambers said 3rd Brigade had been relieved of its operational responsibilities.
He said it meant 3rd Brigade was no longer in the hightempo “ready” status.
“It allows more time and less demand on the soldiers and officers as well,” Lt- Col Chambers said.
He said personnel deployed to Iraq assisted the Iraqis with their fight against ISIS.
“Part of that work involved training with their veterans who have been in battle with ISIS and had come off the line to work to improve their skills,” he said.
Lance Corporal Roger Ryan of the 3RAR was deployed to Iraq as part of Task Group Taji- 5.
Lance- Cpl Ryan said it was hard to be separated from his family and friends but seeing them again was wonderful.
“I was away two- and- a- half years away on operations … I had just had a baby girl, Mia Ryan, she was three months old and I met her at the airport,” he said.
“It was absolutely fabulous coming home and seeing her at the airport.”
Lance- Cpl Ryan said parades like yesterday helped make personnel feel appreciated.
“This is fantastic. We really need to keep these sort of events happening,” he said.
“We really like to thank our family and friends and all the rest of Australia for making this in a public place and welcoming us back.”