Airload duties are not normally the role and responsibility of the Movement Control Detachment Private but Australian Army Private Luke Lockwood rose to the challenge and has been rewarded for his hard work on deployment in Afghanistan.
His outstanding service was recognised by Commander Joint Task Force 633, Major General Craig Orme, AM, in the Middle East on Tuesday 15 October, 2014 when he awarded Private Lockwood a Bronze Commendation.
Private Lockwood was speechless when he was presented his Bronze Commendation.
"It was a very big surprise."
Major General Orme commended Private Lockwood for his tireless efforts and exemplary performance.
"Your outstanding work has ensured a very high quality of movements support within your Area of Operations and enabled lines of communication to remain effective within Afghanistan," Major General Orme said.
Private Lockwood not only organised the movement of personnel and cargo around the Middle East during his six month deployment but branched out into other roles to provide support to Operation SLIPPER.
"Ï conducted Air Load Team duties, as there wasn’t one deployed in our area for the majority of the time," Private Lockwood said.
"It was good, as I was out of the office working airside."
Air Load Team duties included building and netting pallets, preparing cargo manifests, and helping to load and unload cargo from the aircraft.
This was Private Lockwood’s first deployment since joining the Army two and half years ago.
"I really enjoyed my trip, it was a great experience working in Afghanistan," Private Lockwood said.
"The deployment and job had its ups and downs."
"The environment in Kabul was different and the workload was constant."
"I was also lucky to work with a good group of guys."
Despite Private Lockwood’s hard work he didn’t take all the glory, thanking his roommate Private Bryan Hodgson.
"Hodgo also helped me out, especially with preparing pallets, so I can’t take all the credit."
Private Lockwood’s achievements are of the highest order and upheld the finest traditions of the Australian Army.
