A decision made in a small moment led to big things for Laurie.
After graduating from high school, seventeen-year-old Laurie was unsure what he wanted to do with his life. On a whim, he went with a friend to an ADF recruitment day and joined the Royal Australian Navy.
“I enlisted in a trade and became a communications technician for the next few years,” said Laurie.
“After a while, I decided to do an engineering degree at RMIT in Melbourne. The navy funded my studies and I’m grateful they had options to support me. I came back as an officer.”
After a 25-year-long career serving on shipssuch as HMAS Parramatta, Stuart, Ballarat and Anzac, Laurie decided it was time to move on from the Navy.
“My life at sea was incredible but it eventually took a toll on me. I also had a young family and I wanted to be home more often,” shared Laurie.
Throughout the years, two constant things stayed with him: the shared comradery with his fellow Navy shipmates and helping others.
Laurie reminisced, “My defence force friends were my second family and we did everything together when we were away from home port.
“I knew in the next chapter of my career I wanted to do something in the defence industry that would help the Navy and BAE Systems was a good fit for me.”
Laurie has worked for the company in maritime engineering support and asset management for nearly six years.
“It’s been a good place to work and being surrounded by so many ex-military people has helped me transition back to civilian life easier,” said Laurie.
“When I joined BAE Systems, I worked at the Williamstown dockyard and it was great to see some old faces from my Navy days.”
Already involved in a lot of fundraising for the charity, Laurie said he is excited to carry the torch in Melbourne for the Legacy centenary relay.
“I was moved by Legacy’s story: an ANZAC soldier made a promise to a dying mate to look after his family when he was gone.
“Some veterans and their families have nothing and charities like Legacy are important because they help those in need. This even hits a nerve for the staff who haven’t served. They have the same passionate feelings as those who have and just want to make a difference.
“I’m stoked to carry the torch and represent current and past ADF personnel. And that I work for a company that is a partner and supports Legacy is amazing.”