Simon
Woolley
Joined the Australian Army on the 8 Nov
1989 and after basic training and trade training I was posted
to 2nd Signal Squadron - Simpson Barracks, Watsonia, Melbourne.
March, 1992
I was deployed to Cambodia as part of UNTAC. I was attached
to 1 Sqn HQ (Pteah Australii) and worked in the Orderly room
with CPL Mick Quinn. Being only 19 in Cambodia was a real eye opener.
I made some very good friends during the deployment and that
12 months changed the way I looked at the world.
On
my return to Australia, in March 1993, I was posted to the School
of Signals in Watsonia, Melbourne. I enjoyed my time at the school
and meet many interesting people, including my wife. From 1995
- 1996 I was posted to the 1st Commando Regiment and was based
in Watsonia with 126 Sig Sqn. I earned my green beret and commando
parachute wings in Jan 1995. I was then posted posted to the
Special Warfare Wing in Queenscliffe which was fantastic.
In 1996, I got married to Kellie and changed
trades in the Army to become a computer "geek". I worked
in Victoria Barracks, Melbourne until 2000 and was then posted
to 103 Sig Sqn in Townsville. Loved every minute of my time in
Townsville. I was the Troop Sergeant of Information System Troop
and had a great bunch of guys and girls working for me - some of
which I still email regularly.
The year 2000, saw me head
over to Bougainville to help out with Operation Bel Isi (means "calm stomach").
I was in charge of the computer operations for the whole island
and loved every minute of my time there. I took over 3,000 photos
which will feature on my soon to be created site - www.opbelisi.com
Had a part time job writing
for the Townsville Bulletin (News Corp.) as a freelance technology
journalist. I wrote for a column called "Switched On" which
informed users on emerging technologies and new gadgets. Over
two years I produced over one hundred articles.
Next
stop was Darwin in 2002. As a Sergeant Instructor
(HDA for WO2), I taught soldiers all over Australia how to use
a software and hardware package the Army was introducing.
Started my photography business - www.digitalinaflash.com.au while
in Darwin and currently have around 2,000 commercial grade images
for sale. I have had my images published in a number of magazines,newspapers,
calendars and even a coffee table book about Koalas.
In
2004, the Army tried to screw me over and I decided to discharge
- not an easy decision after 15 years of service. After being told
what to wear and look like 24/7 I dyed my hair red and grew a goatee.
We moved to Canberra and I am currently employed
as a Team Leader/Manager of an IT Support Centre (computer helpdesk).
Tried out the Army Reserves for a while but found it to be too
different to the regular Army so quit.
In 2006, I spent a lot of time researching how
I could run my own web server from home. Not only would it save
me money but I could put as much stuff as I wanted on the internet
- yes I am a GEEK and I had the number plate to prove it!!
I
now own and manage 15 internet domains including this one, on two
web servers. I have also managed to setup an email server which
makes keeping track of email addresses so much easier. Have a look
at the links page for some of my
sites.
I have finally gone live with my latest business
venture - www.pickapc4me.com -
this business will provide consumers with honest computer buying
advice. No longer will the computer salesman be able to rip you
off because you don't understand computers, with my help you will
get the right computer at the right price -every time. I also
do computer repairs in the Canberra region at very cheap rates.
I have told my story now
why don't you drop me a email and tell me what you have been
up too. I am sure other veterans would love to hear the "unclassified" version
of where you are, what you are doing and mostly what you look
like now.
Simon Woolley
PHOTOS
APC
Magazine 