Demoya Barkle

I am the oldest child, niece and grandchild on both sides of my family. I’m one of the first to finish Year 12, the first to go to university, and the first to join the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). I did these things to encourage and prove to my younger siblings that they can do whatever they want to do. Joining the RAAF is one of the best decisions I have ever made. It has made me stronger, more resilient and more appreciative of the time that I do get to spend with my family. Being away from my family is the hardest thing I do every day but when I reflect on how much I have achieved in the short time I’ve been a part of the RAAF, it makes the hard decisions worth it.