Terry was born in Sydney, in 1959. He left school in grade 10 and after a number of years of trying to find his niche in life Terry decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a career soldier. He enlisted into the Army in 1978 joining the Medical Corps with the aim to focus his military career on assisting and training others in preference over inflicting harm.

Terry’s military service spanned nearly 20years and his postings and tours where numerous and his awards significant. Within his career Terry was based in SA, NSW and Qld as well as on a number of overseas postings.

Upon completion of his medical orderly course his postings included; 1st Australian Field Hospital Inglburn, Proof and Experimental Establishment Port Wakefield SA (Artillery), School Of Army Health Healesville, Headquarters 1st Military District Brisbane, 1st Military Hospital Yeronga Qld, 8th/9th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, School Of Artillery Manly NSW, 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment Enoggera Qld (armoured corps).

Overseas postings and tours include, Australian Rifle Company Butterworth, Malaysia, Riffle Company Brunei, and on Operations in 1995 to Rwanda as part of the United Nations Assistance Mission Rwanda (UNIMIR), where he was a witness to the Kibeho Massacre that occurred in April 1995.

Terry was promoted to Staff Sergeant in December 1995. He was diagnosed with Severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in 1997 as a result of the events he was witness to in Rwanda and was medically discharged in July 1997 nine months short of his 20 years service.

Terry’s awards include,

• Military Skills Award 1988 for excellence in first aid instructing DFSM 1993,

• 15 years service,

• ASM Clasp Rwanda 1995,

• UN Medal with UNIMIR Ribbon 1995,

• ANZAC Peace Prize 1995 as a member of the Australian contingent to Rwanda,

• Land Commander Commendation 1996 for outstanding service in Kibeho,

• C.F. Marks Award 1996 for outstanding service with Medical Corps,

• ASM Clasp S E Asia 1998 for service in Malaysia in 1988,

• AASM clasp Rwanda 2006 updating the ASM clasp Rwanda.

Terry’s married to Nicole and lives in Brisbane. He has three daughters Bella Rose, Kelsey and Alanna.