By Lieutenant Colonel Stanley Papastamatis, CO 3 HSB 8th October 2009
Few men can have had as many rich, varied and ultimately satisfying lives as Raffaele. Physician, teacher, mentor, scholar and finally Officer in the Australian Defence Force within the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps. Raffaele Scicchitano was commissioned as a Major on the 28th October 2004 and posted to the 3rd Health Support Battalion. He had come to the point in his life where he needed a fulfilling professional challenge and the Australian
Army filled that void.
In his short career Major Scicchitano deployed 5 times, including OP PAKISTAN ASSIST 2006-2006. His
compassion for his patients under the most trying of conditions, the cold and bleak highlands of Pakistan was a trademark of Raffaele’s style. Buoyed by the challenges of Army life he deployed again in 2006 he deployed, not once, but twice to OP CATALYST. His fourth deployment was 4 months on OP SLIPPER and his final deployment in June of this year was in support of OP RESOLUTE.
What was most impressive about Raffaele, was his inquisitive nature, infectious smile and his phenomenal
capacity for work. Raffaele’s involvement in the medical preparation of nearly 250 South Australian reservists
demonstrated his remarkable willingness to help, caveated only by the need for real coffee not, as he put
it that “strained through socks stuff”. Rafaele had a great affinity, love and respect for military life.
He was sincere and humble man. He was always professional, loyal and dedicated and remarkable in his willingness to work as a humble RMO – a great contrast to his Professorial position within the Royal Adelaide Hospital as a thoracic physician. Loving, caring, compassionate and so very close to his wife and family, Raffaele was a remarkable man. His example is an inspiration to us all.
May you rest in Peace.
Paulatim
