Like many Australians from military families, Berni White chose to follow in his family’s footsteps and join the Australian Defence Force.
His ancestors fought in WWI – including his grandfather who served in World War II beside his brothers. He explains that there was a second motivation to join – a decision that would ultimately shape his career.
“My dad’s from Tasmania, but my mum is from the Philippines. We came back to Australia when I was very young and I felt an urge or a pull to pay back – and say thanks to Australia, for this amazing place we live in,” he explains.
“I’ve loved almost every day of my service – some days have been tough, but of course that’s what you get with any job.”
Berni’s military career is as impressive as the sleuth of medals he wears proudly each ANZAC and Remembrance Day. Having joined the Army just over 30 years ago, Berni joined as a Gunner (or Army soldier) before attending the Royal Military College at Duntroon two years later. He graduated in the Royal Australian Artillery.
Reflecting on his time in service, he says the deployments to East Timor in 1999, Iraq in 2006 and Afghanistan in 2007 were some of the most challenging.
“Long periods away from home… if you have a family, and children, those are difficult times,” he says.
On reflecting upon his time in service, Berni says he began contemplating retirement as he finished a four-year-stint as the Military Attaché and a senior accredited Diplomat to the United States, based in Washington DC. His last full-time role in uniform was as a Military Advisor to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide Taskforce.
With a young family, Berni wanted the next phase of his career to be with an organisation who would value his contribution as well as one which held similar values and morals to his own. He eventually found his feet as a Program Manager with BAE Systems Australia – a role which enables him to continue actively supporting the veteran community.
“I wanted to bring my skill set from defence, while enhancing and utilising my skills,” Berni said.
His first-hand experience as a veteran and understanding the challenges faced in making the leap from service into a new career stage, gives him a powerful perspective.
“In the military, we’re taught to serve in chaos. When the time came to hang up my uniform, my team gathered around me to help me to move forward,” he said.
Organisations like Legacy have a critical role to play in supporting veterans through this transition – as well as support families throughout their careers.
“Having seen firsthand Legacy support families of those I served with, the knowledge that they would be there to help support our family, had I not come home, gave my wife and I great comfort.”
Looking ahead, Berni says he is honoured and excited to participate in the Legacy torch relay – to both celebrate its centenary as well as play a role in supporting its critical work in providing services to veteran families.
