Glen Gainab Tomsana
Wakaidal and Arguningal Clans, Torres Strait Islander
Lance Corporal
51st Battalion, Far North Queensland Regiment
Alpha Company
Regional Force Surveillance Group
Australian Army Reserve
Medals
Australian Operational Service Medal – Border Protection
Defence Long Service Medal (15years)
Australian Defence Medal
I had two grandfathers who served in the Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion in WW2; they were twin brothers, Naziel and Gainab Tomsana. Like many descendants of the original members of the Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion, we have a long family tradition of serving in this battalion. We were very close to our grandfathers. I have a twin brother, too. I am in Alpha Company, and he, Naziel Tomsana Junior, is in Charlie Company – we enlisted at the same time. Since we were kids playing with toy guns, we have always wanted to join the Army – it was a career aspiration for us both. Even when we did “show and tell” at kindergarten, it was all about being in the Army. We grew up knowing about border protection as illegal fishing and migration were happening around us. Since joining in 2005, I have protected our borders by serving in Operation Resolute, which has taken me across the sea and land of the Northern Territory and Torres Strait regions. From a community perspective, it’s great to see our local Australian Defence Force men and women stand up and be role models for other men and women in the community – to inspire them to have a sense of purpose and also to believe in themselves.