Our People in VIC
Michael Sheehan - Supply line vital for Heathcote soldier in East Timor
Heathcote soldier Michael Sheehan views his current job as like running a shop.
As a storeman with the Timor-Leste (East Timor) Battle Group, which is part of the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Dili, he’s become even more aware of the value of the supply line within any organisation.
“To make my job easier, I run a ‘shop’. I place orders through a bigger ‘shop’ and keep my store full of required items for the soldiers on patrol, on exercise or in training,” Michael said. “If I don’t have it, they can’t do it!”
The ISF is assisting the Government of East Timor and the UN to maintain stability and security in the country and it’s Michael’s first deployment.
“No one point has stood out, so I see the experience in its entirety as a highlight,” Michael said.
Michael has particularly enjoyed the opportunity to push himself while in East Timor.
“My basic responsibilities on deployment are the same, but with time and dedication I have learnt about more aspects of my job. The Army in general is always pushing its members to step up and take initiative, so roles are always changing.”
Michael has been encouraging his fiancée to start planning their wedding for when he returns; and aside from catching up with friends and family, he’s also a keen golfer.
“I think the golf club will have a few visits from me and my father-in-law.”