Giving Back: How one Assyrian refugee found purpose in the Australian Air Force

Simon Shahin spoke with SBS Assyrian about his journey to joining the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). He shared that his motivation stemmed from a desire to serve and give back to Australia — a country that welcomed him and his family after they fled the war and devastation in Syria. Arriving with his Assyrian family a decade ago, Mr. Shahin faced many challenges, including trauma, a language barrier, and adjusting to a new homeland. Despite these obstacles, he persevered, studied diligently, earned a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, and ultimately fulfilled his goal of joining the RAAF.