Our People in VIC
Jack Donaldson - Albury Man in Sumatra Rescue
Humanitarian aid missions require the specialties of many people but they would not be able to work effectively without the skills of troops like Albury’s Jack Donaldson.
These days Jack is an Army signaller with the rank of Lance Corporal. He’s usually based in Darwin but now he’s part of the ADF’s response to the earthquake that struck the city of Padang on the west coast of Sumatra on September 30.
Growing up in Albury, Jack enjoyed playing soccer for the Soldiers, Sailors and Airman Boomers.
After graduating from James Fallon High School, Jack studied information systems at university before deciding to join the Army in February 2005.
Having specialised in information systems and qualifying in operator command support systems, he joined his regiment in 2007. His job involves managing communication and information systems and establishing communication channels. Without it, people lose battles.
Padang is LCPL Donaldson’s first humanitarian assistance mission but not his first overseas deployment. After an eight-month tour of Afghanistan he has a lot of experience to draw on.
“The best part about this job is being able to keep people in touch,” said Jack. “I’m glad we are here to help the people of Padang.”
When Jack returns to Australia he will be getting ready to move down to Sydney to join the 2nd Commando Regiment in the New Year, so he will be at least 3000kms nearer home.
Operation Padang Assist is the ADF response to the earthquake that hit west Sumatra on September 30th.
The ADF is working in conjunction with AusAID and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide appropriate aid where it will help to the people of Padang.