If you have the drive and the passion, it's never too late to reinvent yourself.
Look no further for proof than Leading Aircraftwoman Louise Baldry.
Joining the ADF at 38 to kick off her "career after kids", Leading Aircraftwoman Baldry has embraced her new calling as a medical technician with 2 Expeditionary Health Squadron.
The former Ipswich local had been an accounts payable clerk at a high school and a customer service representative at Centrelink while raising four kids and supporting her husband through his own career in the ADF.
Meanwhile, her dream of wanting a career in health to help people in need never waned.
"It's my driving factor, my purpose, giving back and being able to help people in need," Leading Aircraftwoman Baldry said.
"I never really saw myself working in Defence but it gives you the pathway to work in humanitarian and disaster relief, so when my husband got posted and I had to move from my job, at the time I thought, 'There's no time like the present'."
'Humanitarian aid is the primary reason I joined Defence.'
While undertaking basic training when the majority of your classmates are 20 years your junior was a daunting thought, Leading Aircraftwoman Baldry said her life experience put her in good stead to get through the tough times.
She also had support from a fellow member who was very close to her.
"I actually joined with my daughter," Leading Aircraftwoman Baldry said.
"It was really great having her there. It's a very interesting environment to have that kind of relationship in, but I think it brought us closer together.
"I had my breaking points but I think the age demographic is a big thing. You have more to draw on in yourself and you push through it and get through it."
Completing her initial entry training in 2022, Leading Aircraftwoman Baldry said she was amazed by the experiences she has been afforded in such a short period of time, including being part of the first military-assisted departure flight out of Tel Aviv as part of Operation Beech 2025.
"It was such a surreal experience," she said.
"Humanitarian aid is the primary reason I joined Defence. Being able to help people in a volatile environment, making sure their health is taken care of, providing that reassurance to them and getting them back to safety was a humbling and rewarding experience."
'I am so grateful to have been able to participate in something so important and meaningful to so many people.'
While taking care of the passengers' physical health was the medical team's main purpose during the flight, Leading Aircraftwoman Baldry said ensuring their mental wellbeing was just as important.
"Something I'll always keep in my mind and always remember was just listening to their stories and trying to understand what they had gone through and giving them that reassurance that they were now out of danger and on their way to safety," Leading Aircraftwoman Baldry said.
"It always helps to have someone to talk to, and they were so grateful and appreciative of us being there and helping them.
"Having that experience has definitely reignited my passion. I am so grateful to have been able to participate in something so important and meaningful to so many people."
