Our People in NSW
John Estigoy - Local experience a highlight for Fairfield soldier
Fairfield soldier John Estigoy has dreamed of becoming a soldier since he was a nine-year-old boy growing up in the Philippines.
“My uncle was in the Philippine Army. He would visit my family every few months wearing his uniform. I was probably nine years old then, and it became my dream to become a soldier like him,” he said.
Years later, John was working as a machine technician with a colleague who was a part-time combat engineer.
“He was a sergeant, and he told me that they took short people in the Army too,” he laughs.
Normally based in Townsville with 3CER, Sapper Estigoy is working as a combat engineer with the International Stabilisation Force (ISF), assisting the East Timorese and UN to maintain stability and security in the country.
He is particularly looking forward to upcoming building tasks.
“In our role, there is scope for building and re-building infrastructure in support of the East Timorese, and the troops here are really looking forward to that,” he said.
He says the highlight of his trip so far has been the opportunity to interact with the local population.
“I participated in the 10 kilometre First Lady Cup charity run held a couple of months ago, and I enjoyed engaging with the locals, UN and staff from different nations, as well as other members of the military. The atmosphere was great,” he said.
“East Timor is a beautiful place. It is hot, and the people are very friendly. They haven’t got very much but they always manage to smile and wave at you whenever you see them. I’ve made many local friends already.”
A keen martial arts student, John says he’s keen to get back to his sport when he returns to Australia, as well as catching up with family and friends, but in the meantime, he is where he wants to be.
“I have a really exciting and challenging role here. This is a dream job for me,” he said.
John is one some 650 Australian Defence Force personnel now serving in East Timor with Operation Astute.
The operation is part of the Australian Government's response to a request from the Government of East Timor to assist in bringing stability, security and confidence to the Timorese.