Our People in NSW
Timothy Tulk - Campbelltown Local in Afghanistan
Former Campbelltown boy Timothy Tulk is now earning his living in the dangerous valleys of Afghanistan.
Tim attended Magdalene Catholic High School before joining the Australian Defence Force in 2006.
He decided to specialise as a signaller and completed his initial training at the Defence Force School of Signals in Melbourne.
Tim, 21, he is normally based in Townsville with the 3rd Combat Signals Regiment but these days he is working around Oruzgan Province, managing the tactical IT infrastructure.
“I manage the computer networks needed for the flow of data communications,” said Tim. “This ranges from fixed network to a mobile system capable of moving forward to a position to provide data communications.
“I like the fact that by me enabling data communications for troops on the ground, it helps them achieve their mission,” he said.
“The customs of the Afghan people are very different to what we are used to back home but after a while you get to know that what is strange to you is very normal for them,” said Tim
This is not Tim’s first time overseas with the Army. He was deployed in 2008 and has already spent time in Afghanistan and Iraq.
When Tim gets back home he’s really looking forward to giving his long term girlfriend, Fiona Gallacher, a big kiss and heading down to the beach for a swim.
“I’d like to let Fiona know that I love and miss her very much and can’t wait to see her and my family when I get back,” Tim said.
Tim is part of Operation SLIPPER, Australia's military contribution to international campaigns against terrorism, countering piracy in the Gulf of Aden, and maritime security.
Under this operation our forces contribute to the efforts of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) - led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, which seeks to bring security,stability and prosperity to the country and aims at preventing Afghanistan again becoming a safe haven for international terrorists, and the United States-led International Coalition Against Terrorism (ICAT) efforts in the broader Middle East.