Our People in NSW
Joel Mezzone - Kincumber soldier protects Baghdad Diplomats
Former Kincumber High School student Joel Mezzone is now serving with the Australian Army’s Security Detachment protecting Australian diplomats in the Iraqi capital Baghdad.
Joining the Army in 2007, Trooper Mezzone, 19, is now deployed to Baghdad as a member of the Australian Security Detachment which provides personal protection to the Australian Embassy in Iraq. Trooper Mezzone is a driver for one of the Australian Light Armoured Vehicles which provide armoured mobility for the detachment.
These days Trooper Mezzone, son of Andrew and Sharon Mezzone of Avoca Beach, is normally based in Darwin, Northern Territory, where he serves with the Army’s 2nd Cavalry Regiment.
Trooper Mezzone’s wife Lisa lives in Darwin.
As a member of the Australian Security Detachment in Baghdad, Trooper Mezzone will complete an eight month deployment in the Iraqi capital.
The Security Detachment is deployed as part of Operation KRUGER - the Australian Defence Force’s ongoing contribution to the provision of security and support for the Australian embassy and its staff in Iraq.
Working in support of the Australian Embassy and its staff in Iraq, the ADF provides a tailored security detail in order to facilitate protected mobility to the Head of the diplomatic mission and his staff.
The Australian Security Detachment, known as SECDET, is comprised of about 100 personnel drawn from infantry, cavalry, military police and combat service support units. SECDET currently consists mainly of personnel from the 2nd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (Townsville) and the 2nd Cavalry Regiment (Darwin).