Having already served 25 years in the Air Force and with deployments across the globe, Wing Commander Ivan Benitez-Aguirre isn't keen on putting the landing gear down just yet.
"I wish to continue serving Australia in the ADF until I retire," he said when asked about how long he would like to serve.
Mr Benitez-Aguirre was born in Ecuador before he and his family migrated to Australia in 1988.
He then joined the Air Force in 1996 following a short career as a high school science teacher in Sydney.
Recently posted to the Air Force Centenary team as deputy director of strategic communication, he said he had been privileged to have postings to units and roles across Australia.
"Including training, air traffic control, military administration, senior staff jobs and command of an Air Force squadron," he said.
"I have had multiple operational deployments to the Middle East, Afghanistan and peace keeping operations in Timor Leste."
Being in a career he loves has its challenges, with Mr Mr Benitez-Aguirre saying "one of the greatest challenges I have faced during my time in defence has been separation from my family during deployments".
"I am lucky my wife is an amazing Defence wife and mother," he said.
"Defence members could not do the job we do without the support of our partners and families.
"When you are away from home for six to eight months or longer, and home emergencies happen when you are on the other side of the world, it is challenging, to say the least.
"We are very grateful for the support we have received from our Defence family."
Asked about his highlights, he said there "were so many" but milestones included command of Number 22 (City of Sydney) Squadron, supporting the first-ever East Timorese-conducted elections, contributing to the rebuilding of Afghanistan and helping Australian communities during difficult times.
"I believe that to serve our nation is the greatest honour a person can have," he said.
"Australia became my country 34 years ago. It welcomed my family and gave us the opportunity to grow and achieve the dreams that we brought with us from afar."
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Mr Benitez-Aguirre said he and his family had now truly embarked in a family Anzac tradition with his eldest son about to graduate from the Royal Military College.
With COVID restrictions easing again and Anzac Day set to have more than 7000 attendees, Mr Benitez-Aguirre said the pandemic was a chance to find new ways to hold ceremonies and events.
"My family will gather at dawn and observe a driveway vigil as we did last year," he said.
"This type of vigil is another example of how our Australian community have turned the COVID challenge into a new opportunity to share this commemoration with our neighbours."
