They put their lives on the line in a faraway land every day and have seen mates die in action. From a dusty, fortified army base on the frontline in Tarin Kot, three Geelong soldiers speak to JOHN VAN KLAVEREN about fighting the good fight in Afghanistan.
Disarming explosive devices, avoiding snipers and watching for enemy infiltrators is part of the day-to-day existence for three Geelong soldiers based in Tarin Kot, Afghanistan.
Living with the tension imposed by ever-present danger can change a person, even those on their second deployment.
Sergeant Nick Barrand, Lance Corporal Daniel Taylor and Corporal Tom Reynolds speak in short, clipped sentences, getting to the heart of the matter without fumbling around the edges.
They are polite, even sharing the odd laugh, but it’s clear they have time or space for little other than the task at hand.
It’s a 24/7 job but the three are united in their message to family and friends throughout Geelong: “We are here to do a job and we will get the job done”.
John Van Klaveren helps Nick, Daniel and Tom families also get to speak out about what it’s like to be so far from the soldiers they love. Flick to page 18 of GC’s autumn edition to read more.
