AIR Force has many Victorian locals among its ranks. One of these Victorian locals is Aircraftman Deng Alier.
Deng has an amazing story, having first arrived in Australian in 2003 as a refugee from Kenya.
“I lived in a refugee camp in Kenya for 10 years and my original dream was to go to America. It was my mother who filled out an Australian refugee humanitarian visa and, after two years of waiting, we were accepted to come to this amazing country. We arrived in Australia on 26 September 2003, and I have been proud to live in this country ever since. My story just shows that whatever plans or dreams we do have, God sometimes has a better way or plan for us’.
Deng decided to apply to join the Royal Australian Air Force for many reasons.
“Most of my childhood was spent around men in uniform, my father being one of them. I was strongly influenced by the qualities they displayed, such as discipline, respect, and leadership. Most importantly though, I wanted to thank Australia as a nation, and I thought I could do this best by serving my new country in the RAAF.”
Deng found that his air force training brought many personal benefits.
“Training was excellent, very well conducted throughout by experienced and well-qualified trainers. I gained confidence, discipline, and knowledge. I believe the training brought out the best in me.”
On Saturday 21 May 2012, Deng Alier received an award for the ‘Most Outstanding Airman’ from the Hellenic sub branch of the RSL. The night commemorated the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Crete, in which Australian forces played a significant role. The singular honour bestowed upon Aircraftman Alier would be a huge accomplishment for anyone, but in his case it is the culmination of a remarkable story.
Receiving the award has been a peak experience of his air force career to date.
“I’m so honoured to have received this award which is one of the most historic in Australian Greek relations, and Australia as a nation. I’m so thankful to my unit, Number 21 Squadron for giving me this great opportunity in life,” he says.
Number 21 (City of Melbourne) Squadron is based at Point Cook and has a number of permanent and reserve members in its team.
Deng looks forward to the future experiences his air force career will bring, and he is proud to be part of the air force team.
“I will say that the most important thing, that I have found to be the highlight for me, is that the RAAF accepts you for who you are, not what you have, or where you came from.
The spectacular Centenary of Military Aviation Air Show at RAAF Williams will be at Point Cook on the first and second of March 2014. More information about the Air Show is at www.airforce.gov.au/airshows.
