By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
WHILE three of Geelong’s defence force sons are home safe and sound from Afghanistan, another local family will face an empty place at the Christmas lunch table this year.
Geelong digger Kieren Dawson will spend Christmas on deployment at Al Minhad Air Base, in the United Arab Emirates, where his skills as a diesel mechanic are in demand.
Corporal Dawson admitted he was bracing for Christmas away from Bendigo-based wife Rebecca and parents Paul and Lyn at Grovedale.
Cpl Dawson said he knew he was doing an important job for the Australian military in support of the mission in Afghanistan.
“My job involves repairing all manner of road transport vehicles and trailers. I also conduct regular servicing and manage maintenance workshops providing training for younger trade personnel.”
The 26-year-old is on his second deployment with the Australian military to the Middle East. In 2010 he was in Tarin Kot, in Afghanistan, helping restore regional stability.
“It’s been a real privilege for me to witness the positive changes regarding our contribution in Afghanistan, especially the development of the Afghan National Security Forces.
“The Australian Defence Force has made a large contribution to Afghanistan and I could see that from the moment I stepped foot on the ground for my second trip, three years after my first,” he said.
Mrs Dawson said this Christmas would be the first apart for the couple.
“It goes with the territory. We’ve already missed birthdays and important dates, so you kind of get used to it.
“But you still worry.”
