When Flying Officer Jason Enchong arrived at Headquarters Middle East (HQME) for his first deployment in 2012, he was excited to see his father, a communication electronics technician who was also deployed.
Unbeknownst to him, a more complete family reunion would occur.
His sister was waiting with his father, Warrant Officer Mick Enchong, as his aircraft arrived. They spent a few days together before their paths once again diverged.
"It was really cool to have that little family reunion in [HQME] for a couple of days before I went into country," Flying Officer Enchong said.
His sister, Corporal Tara Enchong, is an air-intelligence analyst and was deployed with the Heron detachment. She said it was a highlight of her time overseas.
"It was one of those pinch-me moments. To be able to share that with both of them was really special," Corporal Enchong said.
Though he was happy to see his family together, the now retired Warrant Officer Enchong also had some mixed feelings.
"As a serviceman I was so happy for Tara and Jason to be deployed, because that's what you do all the exercises and training for," Warrant Officer Enchong said.
"But as a father it was the best and worst feeling: best because they were on their operation but worst because of the same reason."
The Enchongs are believed to be the first father, son and daughter to deploy into an area of operations together with the ADF.
'It was one of those pinch-me moments. To be able to share that with both of them was really special.'
Their roles were entwined during the deployment, with intelligence gathered by Corporal Enchong sent over Warrant Officer Enchong's communication systems used to plan missions carried out by Flying Officer Enchong - then an Army cavalryman.
"Providing overwatch for Jason, seeing his vehicles on the ground live, was that heart-in-mouth moment," Corporal Enchong said.
"Being able to see him and know that dad's making sure all the comms between everyone was working was amazing."
Warrant Officer Enchong joined Air Force in 1986, inspired by his own father's (John Bunji Enchong) service in Army. He said he was happy his children also signed up.
"I think my kids got industrial deafness from me saying 'Join Defence! Join Defence!'," Warrant Officer Enchong said.
Not wanting to walk in his father's shadow, Flying Officer Enchong joined Army in 2008, as he thought the roles were more exciting, and wanted to achieve on his own terms.
"I wasn't going to let the reputation of the name get me to places," he said.
A few months later, Corporal Enchong joined Air Force.
One of Warrant Officer Enchong's proudest moments with his children was leading the march in his hometown of Bowen for the Anzac Day Centenary in 2015.
While in Bowen, the Enchongs visited Girudala Community Cooperative who provide services supporting the local Indigenous community.
"Grandad helped to establish this network back in the 80s and Dad helped to build and paint it," Corporal Enchong said.
"It was a privilege to see this organisation still running strong decades later, supporting mob and knowing that my dad and grandad contributed to that legacy."
'He always says that we stand on the shoulders of giants and I think he downplays himself and doesn't realise that he is one of those giants.'
The family has Torres Strait Islander and Maori heritage, and has been involved with Defence Indigenous programs throughout their careers.
All three marched together in the 2017 National Anzac Day parade in Canberra - the first time Indigenous veterans had led the parade.
After fourteen-and-a-half years in Army, Flying Officer Enchong transferred to Air Force and is now the Indigenous Liaison Officer at RAAF Base Edinburgh, a move he always knew would come.
He said his dad had always been at the key moments in his life growing up and he wanted the same for his own children.
Corporal Enchong said she frequently runs into people who knew her father, and was proud of how many lives he touched during his time in uniform.
"After nearly 35 years in Air Force, it's inspiring seeing how well-respected Dad is as a Warrant Officer and how revered he is as 'Uncle Mick' by so many of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members," she said.
"It's really cool to be able to share my dad with people in that way.
"He always says that we stand on the shoulders of giants and I think he downplays himself and doesn't realise that he is one of those giants."
