SHANNON French’s plans to marry the love of his life have to be put on hold for now.
The Army Reserve lance corporal from Keilor is on an eight-month deployment in East Timor as a member of the International Stabilisation Force, which is helping Timorese security forces maintain a stable environment.
The 35-year-old joined the Army Reserve in 1995 and says it was a big change from his regular job as manager of his family-owned water drum-manufacturing business.
And while other soldiers had relaxation at the top of their list during a two-week break for the soldiers last month, French had something different in mind.
“During my break I decided that after being with my girlfriend for 10 years it was time to propose, so when I arrived back in Melbourne that’s what I did.”
In less than a week it was back to East Timor, where French is in charge of eight men.
It’s his second deployment in East Timor following an eight-month stint in 2000.
“It’s the polar opposite of what I remember,” he says. “I basically saw Dili for a few hours last time and then we were straight down to the border.
“It’s good to see that the locals are not as scared and can go shopping without feeling intimidated.”
French says he thrives on the chance to help the Timorese people and speak their native language.
“When you go out from here and you want to speak to someone you need to know basic Tetum,” he says.
“I’ve enjoyed speaking to the locals and hearing their opinions on how the country was back in those days . . . they think the future is good. The confidence that our troops have given them over the past 12 years has been fantastic.”
Closer to home, French helped out during the Black Saturday bushfires and Victorian floods.
“I saw a lot of haunted people and hearing their stories reminded me of what the Timorese went through [from Indonesian invasions].”
French hopes to be home by Christmas to start planning his wedding.
For details on the Army Reserve, visit defencejobs.gov.au/Reserves
