Our People in NT
Aaron Minerds - Aero-medic Aaron from Darwin to Timor
Responding to emergencies has taken Darwin soldier Aaron Minerds around the world but being able to do his job in East Timor has been a career highlight.
Aaron (25) originally joined the army as an infantry soldier, but transferred to become an emergency responder in 2007.
“It has been a highlight having the opportunity to serve my country on operations as an emergency response operator,” he said.
Aaron now specialises in aero medical evacuation and air crash rescue and is serving in East Timor with the Timor-Leste Aviation Group 11, which is part of the International Stabilisation Force assisting the East Timor and UN police maintain stability and security in the country.
He’s previously participated in five military operations, including assisting with the Victorian bushfires earlier this year.
Aaron says he has enjoyed seeing the standards of living improve for the local population.
“The life people share here is better than it was years ago, and it is good to see the East Timorese people developing their country,” he said.
He is in East Timor for four months, and is looking forward to catching up with his family and friends when he returns to Australia.
“I plan to conduct my ‘rest and relaxation drills’,” he said.
Aaron is one of 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 East Timorese to allow them to resolve their differences democratically and peacefully.