During his day job, Orange’s Frank Ware makes sure patients get the help they need at Orange Health Service.
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As senior nurse manager he helps keep the hospital running overnight managing beds, nurses and patients.
“There’s a lot of night and afternoon shifts, a hospital can’t just close for the night,” he said.
In his other job with the Australian Army Reserve, 1/19th Royal NSW Regiment, Major Ware swaps beds and nurses for soldiers and equipment.
However, without the support of his employer, Orange Health Service, service in the reserves would be much harder.
He’s one four reservists working at the hospital.
It’s that support which was recognised by the Defence Reserve Support Council.
Major Ware has returned from a secondment as officer commanding combat support service for Operation Sovereign Borders, a joint operation between the Australian Army and Royal Australian Navy.
“I am where I am because of the people who support me. The support of my employer has helped me with my Army Reserve career,” Major Ware said.
“I’ll head off in three weeks for another training course, I’ve only just come back from a six month deployment,” he said.
Warrant Officer Barry Parsons said 40 per cent of the army’s soldiers deployed overseas were reservists.
“The Defence Reserve Support Council looks after reservists but also the employers of reservists,” he said.
Warrant Officer said Parsons said there would be no reservists without the support of families and employers.
“Deployments can be six to eight months, that support is vital. It’s a partnership between the army and employers,” he said.
“Reservists can be highly skilled and that makes them very employable, not only in the military but also as civilians.”