THE rugged terrain of Afghanistan is a world away from the serenity of the Macedon Ranges, and a Newham resident who has spent the past eight months in the war-torn nation is well aware of the stark differences.
Leigh Germaine, 26, has returned home after an eight-month deployment with the Australian Army in Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan.
It was the third overseas posting for Corporal Germaine, who worked as a vehicle commander in the army leading vehicle convoys and doing resupplies in the battle-scarred country.
His proud parents Barbara and Doug know the reality of seeing their son leave for a tour of duty in the war and the joy of seeing him back home safely.
They organised a welcome-home party last month at the Newham Mechanics Institute, which was attended by Corporal Germaine's extended family and friends, including his sister who flew in from Perth.
Mrs Germaine said it did not get any easier to say goodbye to her son.
"It was his third tour, but I think it gets harder. I don't think you realise how much stress you are under, but when you see him it's an amazing feeling to have him back in the country.
"You cannot wait to see them and know they are back on Australian soil. I could have done cartwheels."
She said while it was hard knowing her son was at war, she had to accept that it was his job.
"You hear something about Afghanistan on TV and you just dive onto that straightaway. He told me when a little boy that he would be a soldier and that's what he did.
"I'm used to him being away, but it is so good to have him back. He's 26 years old and we can't tell him what to do. He has a job and that's his job. I don't want him to go anywhere, but I can't tie him to a chair. He's doing what he believes in."
Mrs Germaine said the family was very proud of Corporal Germaine. "I can't imagine doing that, putting yourself up to do that [in the line of fire]. It's scary stuff when you put yourself over that line, you are a target. It's not just for Australia, it's trying to make it a safer place for the local people and make their lives better.
"We're just so happy to have him home. We are so proud of the job that he and all of them over there are doing. It doesn't get publicised enough, but it's amazing what they are doing."
Corporal Germaine said it was great to be home in the Macedon Ranges.
"It's always good to be back in Australia and back with family and friends."
He has previously been on a tour to Baghdad and twice to Afghanistan.
"I think it does get easier because you get more experienced and you know the area and the enemy a bit better," he said.
"They try to prepare you for it it, but it's a bit of a culture shock going to that sort of country."
Corporal Germaine said the best part of being a soldier was putting his training to use and feeling "you were making a difference".
"There's a massive improvement in security there. It's good to see the Afghan Army and police actually improving," he said.
"It's a great experience being over there as well as being part of a country that not many people get to see. Being in that sort of poverty makes Australia look like one of best places in the world."
Although well aware of the risks involved in his job, Corporal Germaine said he tried not think about it too much.
"Otherwise you will drive yourself crazy. You put your mind on the job and get the job done."
Corporal Germaine, who has been in the army for eight years, hopes to reach 10 years of service but is also considering a career change to the police force or fire brigade.
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