Issue 198 | June 2014 · Issue 198 | June 2014. 2 ... several countries’ Ambassadors and hosted the President of Fiji. ... different nationalities represented on camp. I work in

Foreign Correspondents

Operation Bird

Queen’s Birthday Honours

Everyone Serves

Issue 198 | June 2014

2

“THE BUGLE”

The Deployment Newsletter is produced for families and service personnel associated with current overseas deployments.

Deadline

Deadline for Edition 199 is 2 July 2014 at 4.00pm

Bugle contributions are welcome and should be sent to Carol Voyce. Editor: Carol Voyce Layout: Christine Muir Printing: Sharyn Cameron Mere Garton Contributions co-ordinated by Carol Voyce and Janine Burton

Contact Information

Carol Voyce Deployment Services Officer Southern Regional Support Centre Burnham Military Camp Powles Road Burnham 7600 Christchurch Ph: (03) 363 0421 Cell phone: 0274 497 565 Toll free line: 0800 DEPLOY or 0800 337 569 Fax: (03) 363 0024 E-mail: [email protected]

Janine Burton Deployment Services Officer Linton Regional Support Centre 1 (NZ) Brigade Linton Military Camp Palmerston North 4820 Ph: (06) 351 9399 Cell phone: 021 649 903 Toll free line: 0800 OVERSEAS or 0800 683 77 327 Fax: (06) 351 9009 E-mail: [email protected]

Disclaimer Articles and opinions expressed in “The Bugle” are not necessarily those of the New Zealand Defence Force.

Cover Photo:

OPERATION BIRD, Private Kiri Kereru, seen on OP MONITOR, Korea

GUEST EDITORIAL

The Bugle | Issue 198 | June 2014

WGCDR Kerry McKee J1 Personnel, Headquarters Joint Forces New Zealand

A couple of weekends ago I was returning personal effects to a walk in wardrobe

that I had just completed fitting a shelv ing sys tem to and I stumbled across a photo album containing pictures from my operational tour to the former Yugoslavia. Flicking through the a lbum wi th fond memor ies abounding, one picture stood out most, not because of the picture itself (it was merely a picture of me reading a letter — see attached photo), but because of the inscription on the reverse. The picture was given to me by one of my Pakistani mission colleagues and inscribed on the back were the following words.

“It always requires all of your concentration to read letters from your loved ones. May God bless you and your family. Masud (Pakistan)”

How poignant it was. The picture caught me at the one point in time each fortnight that I cherished most on deployment; the receipt of my mail pack from home. Letters, photos, magazines, newsletters and news summaries, and the odd one or two bars of chocolate too. Each enjoyed to the utmost.

But it was not only the contents of the pack that made it so cherished. It was also valued for two not so obvious reasons. Firstly, the knowledge that an entire NZ Defence network (family, friends, unit, Service, and the Defence organisation) was behind what I was doing and was committed and active in ensuring I was safe, in good health, thought of and missed. And secondly, the comfort taken from the knowledge (gleaned from the letters and messages contained therein) that my family was being engaged and supported during my absence

enabling them to better support me (I loved my chocolate packs!).

Some time has passed since that deployment and routine communications have improved immensely since then (tele-communication improvements, internet availability, access to skype facilities, etc). But we cannot underestimate the value of the support network surrounding both our deployed personnel and especially their families who support them. Having just taken up the appointment of J1 Personnel at HQ JFNZ responsible for the management and control of personnel support for operations, I encourage those of you who are supporting our deployed personnel to use the facilities and support networks available (e.g. Deployment Services Officers, Welfare personnel, Unit Points of Contact, etc) to ensure your wellbeing while your loved ones are deployed. This is what they are for. And remember, in looking after your wellbeing, you are also looking after the wellbeing of your deployed loved ones.

FLTLT, now WGCDR Kerry McKee reading letters from home while on deployment

3

NEWS UPDATE

Officer of the New Order of Merit:

Air Vice-Marshal Peter Stockwell (RNZAF) has been named as an Officer of the New Order of Merit

Source: www.nzdf.mil.nz

New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration:

Warrant Officer Richard Henstock (RNZN), Lieutenant Colonel Richard Weston MNZM (NZ Army) and Captain Dominic Wylie (NZ Army) will receive the New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration.

A ll three Services are represented in the four awards made to NZDF personnel in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours List.

2014 ARMY LEAVE CENTRES BALLOTS NOW OPEN FOR LABOUR WEEKEND AND XMAS/NEW YEAR 2014

The 2014 Labour Weekend and Xmas/New Year Ballots are now open for entry.

Please read the recently updated Ballot Period and Rules to ensure you are familiar with the new

rules that apply to the xmas ballot entries in particular. The following closure dates apply for

these 2014 ballot periods:

LABOUR WEEKEND (24-27 Oct) - closes 4.30pm Thursday 11th September, drawn Friday

12th September.

XMAS 14/NEW YEAR 15 - 4 weeks (26 Dec 14 - 23 Jan 15) - closes 4.30pm Thursday 18th September, drawn

Friday 19th September.

XMAS WEEK 1 - Arrive Fri 26 Dec 14 , Depart Fri 2 Jan 15

XMAS WEEK 2 - Arrive Fri 2 Jan 15, Depart Fri 9 Jan 15



Please only enter the ballot if you are committed to staying at the Leave Centre if your ballot entry is successful. This

ensures fairness to all our Leave Centre customers.

2014 ARMY LEAVE CENTRES BALLOTS

The citations for these awards can be viewed in full on the NZDF website www.nzdf.mil.nz.

June 2014 | Issue 198 | The Bugle

FOREIGN CORRESPONDENTS

and parties while they are toughing it out in the desert heat, spitting out flies—but that is far from the truth (not that I would swap in a heart beat). The truth is there are many briefings, meetings about meetings, travel itineraries to plan and execute, border crossings to arrange, parades to attend, VIP visits to host and yes, a fair few social events to attend as well.

Already in my three weeks in the job I have attended three Change of Command Parades, five medals parades, observed U.S. Memorial

Day, attended an event hosted by the South Sinai Governor for several countries’ Ambassadors and hosted the President of Fiji. (See photos on next page).

The Force Commander loves to get out and visit the MFO soldiers at the various outposts when he is not busy meeting with our Egyptian and Israeli hosts. A perk to the role is definitely the opportunity to get out and about and thoroughly explore the Area of Responsibility.

On the welfare and home front, mail is slow but email, Skype and phone comms with home are good and frequent. It is very different from the earlier NZBATT deployments where we relied on the post to keep in touch with our loved ones in theatre.

Meanwhile, on the home front...(back in Rotorua) - When the cats away the mice wil l play.. Playstation, guitar hero, eating pizza, camping out in the lounge you name it! In fact, they are having such a great time, I don’t think they’ve noticed Mum’s gone away at all!

Having lived through four lots of goodbyes and welcome homes as

NEVER A DULL MOMENT

Captain Aimee Davis Aide de Camp to the FC MFO

Three weeks into Op FARAD, handover is complete and training wheels are off. Scary but exciting none the less.

As Aide de Camp to the Force Commander of the Multi National Force and Observers there is never a dull moment. I have ascertained the trick to getting this right is keeping ahead of the curve but dealing with the inevitable last minute changes like a pro. ‘No plan survives H-hour’ is a very true adage in this place.

To the Loggies and the Mums out there, this job has many similarities to both running a household and Army Logistics. Right thing, right place, right time. Instead of kids to sports and events, or bullets and beans to soldiers, this role is about ensuring the General is where he is supposed to be, in the right dress, the team briefed and prepared for whatever is next on the very full calendar.

I am certain the rest of NZCON have a vision of the ADC floating in between C12 VIP transport flights

News from Op FARAD, Sinai — Never a Dull Moment Page 4

News from Op FARAD, Sinai — The Early Days of My Deployment Experience

Page 6

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

NEWS FROM SINAI

The Bugle | Issue 198 | June 2014 4

FOREIGN CORRESPONDENTS CONT’D...

June 2014 | Issue 198 | The Bugle 5


Those five weeks flew by, and before I knew it I was anxiously making my way to the Army base in Trentham to begin my pre-deployment training. The three weeks of training I received were both a challenging and beneficial experience. It varied between battle first aid practices, border crossing mock-ups, death by power point and learning close quarter combat and a whole day at the 300m range. We were given huge amounts of information and training so that Joint Forces NZ could be confident that we would be fully prepared for the environment in which we would be deployed into. The most valuable part of the training was the day at the range. The staff took the time to guide me through correct shooting techniques including body positioning, breathing and the use of sand bags.

The trip into Cairo through Singapore and Dubai took almost 24 hours in actual flight time. I spent a night in both Singapore and Cairo so my jet lag was not too bad by the time we finally made it into camp. Upon arrival into North Camp, my new home for the next seven months, I received the standard issue of 101 flies and 12 hours of scorching sunlight.

Working with the Multinational Force and Observers, I am lucky enough to have a position where I get to meet people from all the different nationalities represented on camp. I work in the Liaison Branch and we are the ‘go to’ guys for any communication or coordination required between the MFO and the Egyptian and Israeli Militaries. The Liaison branch is a key part of the MFO Team and is vital to ensure the success of the MFO mission of ‘Observe, Verify and Report’.

In the month that I have been here,

I have already met some wonderful people both in and out of work. I enjoy their company; whether it is bonfire night with the Canadians, having a formal dinner with the Norwegians on their national day or pizza night with each of the different nations.

Although I have only been here for just over a month, I have already had the privilege for going on a tour to the holy land of Israel due to some tour vacancies. Firstly, I visited the fortress of Masada where the Jews held out against

an Army Wife and Mum, the last time hubby walked through the arrivals hall at Christchurch Airport looking all buffed and tanned from six months in Timor-Leste, my welcome home words were, “Damn it fulla, the next medal is mine!”

I was adamant he was going to experience life as OC home command for a spell. Unfortunately for me he is taking it in his stride.

So what that there are a few too many trips to Domino’s and late nights – they are happy, right?

When I left, my one request was that he got the kids into a good routine. Unfortunately for my neighbours, to him that meant morning and night routine. Now I have a gun pit in my front lawn and the kids are doing sentry. The pitfalls of marrying an Infantryman.

Maybe the kids will need the medal when I get back.

Proud of you fulla!

THE EARLY DAYS OF MY DEPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE

LDWTR Maria Joseph Chief Liaison Admin Assistant

I was on my way to Antarctica on board HMNZS OTAGO when I got the news that I had been nominated for OP Farad. I was ecstatic that I had finally been selected. I was especially looking forward to working in the tri-service environment again.

Things went a bit crazy from there; I had to try and organise my kit, required courses, Med, Dent and AWQ through emails before everyone left for the Christmas holidays. Due to being posted to an operational ship I would only be back in NZ five weeks before pre-deployment training would start.

LDWTR Maria Joseph visiting Masada

At the top of Masada



the Romans for three years. A swim in the Dead Sea was next on the list. It is a peculiar experience just floating upright, almost like you are weightless and it reminded me of bobbing apples. The next day was spent visiting Yad Vashem (Holocaust Museum), walking the Way of the Cross around the old

city of Jerusalem, placing a wish in the Wailing Wall and visiting the Holy Sepulchre church.

The Latrum Armoured Museum was our last visit before crossing the border back into Egypt and making our way to camp.

LDWTR Maria Joseph visiting the Wailing Wall, Jerusalem

Due to the security situation in Egypt, most tourist-type activities for MFO personnel are restricted. However, I have my fingers crossed that the restrictions will be lifted and I will get to visit the Sphinx and the greatest of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Pyramids of Giza.

At the Latrum Armoured Museum

OVERSEAS OPERATIONS New Zealand has a history of contributing to international efforts to resolve conflict. The NZ Defence Force (NZDF) is a valued international coalition partner committed to peace and security, and regularly works alongside international partners on operations and exercises throughout the world.

The NZ Defence Force supports a number of major operations around the world. There are currently 161 NZDF personnel deployed on 8 operations and UN missions across 8 countries, including:

Afghanistan (31 personnel) Antarctica (0 personnel during winter season) South Korea (3 personnel) Middle East (8 personnel) Sinai (28 personnel) Combined Maritime Force (CMF) (1 person) South Sudan (3 personnel)

There are 59 Defence Force personnel on other overseas deployments and exercises.

Source: www.nzdf.mil.nz


OPERATION BIRD

Our very own Private Kiri Kereru on deployment — Op MONITOR, Korea


BATTLE OF MONTE CASSINO

70th Anniversary of the Battles of Monte Cassino

19 May 2014

Thirty-eight Second World War veterans supported by the NZDF personnel have commemorated New Zealand's involvement in the Battles of Monte Cassino in Italy.

The New Zealand commemorative service at the Commonwealth War Grave Cemetery was attended by LTGEN The Right Honourable Sir Jerry Mateparae and HRH Prince Harry.

FIELDS OF REMEMBRANCE

White Crosses

This year is the anniversary of WW1 and RNZRSA is looking at creating a Field of Remembrance for the end of WW1, of which 18200 New Zealanders were killed.

The plan is to have all the WW1 crosses of those killed (18200) sent to Wellington for the centenary of the closing of WW1.

If however you had a relative serve in the Armed Forces during WW1 and any other conflict up to present day and who are now deceased you may also wish to purchase a cross for them. (please be aware that these crosses will not be included in the 18200 killed in WW1).

With this in mind your local RSA’s will have a stock of white crosses over the next few years for sale for a cost of $5-00 (subject to change).

Dimensions 60cm x 40cm.

Info for the decals to be printed:

Regimental number,

Rank, Initials, Name,

Awards (i.e. VC, DMC, MM etc).

Please identify if they were killed in action and the conflict i.e. KIA WW1, served Korea etc.

For more information, please contact SGT Brendan Muir:

[email protected]


CHRISTCHURCH STUDENT'S ARTWORK WINS NZDF ART COMPETITION

27 May 2014

A painting showing a family visiting grave sites has won 11 year old Laura Cain, of Christchurch, first prize in the Operation Anzac Spirit art

competition run by the New Zealand Defence Force.

Laura’s winning poster was chosen from 200 entries to the competition for Year 7 and 8 students, which asked them to submit a poster showing how they commemorate Anzac Day.

The competition was judged by NZ Defence Force Artist, Captain (CAPT) Matt Gauldie, who said judging the competition was extremely difficult.

"The entries were of such a high standard. I felt Laura's artwork displayed great creativity, painting skills and realism techniques for a person as young as Laura.

"This year's theme 'How I Commemorate Anzac Day' challenged the entrants to re-think traditional Anzac Day themes and place their own personal experiences and individual family stories into their art.

“Like Laura's winning piece, many of the other finalists showed a high level of artistic maturity and awareness. I am pleased to see young people thinking and expressing themselves through art in this smartphone generation,” CAPT Gauldie said.

The top three placegetters were presented with their prizes by Vice Chief of Defence Force, Air Vice-Marshal (AVM) Kevin Short, at a prize-giving ceremony at Freyberg House today.

Laura has chosen to spend a day with the Navy as her prize. Second place winner, 11 year old Yuna Paparoa of Auckland, will spend a day with the Air Force and third place winner, 11 year old Annabelle Connor, of Palmerston North, will spend a day with the Army.

Operation Anzac Spirit 2014 winner, Laura Cain with Vice Chief of Defence Force, Air Vice-Marshal Kevin Short.


Vanessa Austen, 11, of Auckland

RUNNERS UP AS BELOW

Ryneh Timoteo, 12, of Auckland Liam Stevens, 12, of Christchurch

Sam Medlicat, 13, of Christchurch

2nd Place: Yuna Paparoa, 11, of Auckland

3rd Place: Annabelle Connor, 11, of Palmerston North


DSO’S CORNER

Carol Voyce Deployment Services Officer Southern Regional Support Centre Editor “The Bugle”

I ’m busy packing and by the time you get this edition of “The Bugle” I will be in Berlin.

Amazing thought! This nine week trip abroad has been in the planning stage for a long time now and it is hard to believe that it is nearly coming to fruition. A few days to unwind in Singapore enroute to Amsterdam, should set the scene for a great trip. While I have been to Europe before, this trip sees us moving off the usual beaten track and heading for Slovakia, Slovenia, Czech Republic and Romania for much of the time. After that we will be going to Italy to a wedding and then having almost two weeks in Portugal before hitting Harrods and beginning the long journey home. I hope that I can send you some snippets from abroad for “The Bugle”.

These past couple of weeks have been busy with “Bugle” writing. I have tried to help those out who are covering in my absence, by making their job a little easier and having some of the work done! My writing also extends to other publications, so I feel a little over load in the writing stakes! Still, I appreciate that others will carry the

load in my absence – particularly Janine.

There are a number of deployments where personnel are currently rotating in and out of their locations. For some, this means the joys of homecomings and for others the beginning of the deployment journey. Both these happenings are accompanied by much emotion as adjustments are made to the absence of loved ones or the re-integration of others back into family and community life. Both situations can present some challenges for all and we understand the efforts needed to keep routines and to cope with the differences these situations suddenly bring. Please remember that we are only a phone call away and are happy to help you in any way we can.

Many of you will be familiar with the resources that are available for families facing deployments. Many were given out at predeployment briefings and some mailed to those unable to attend. If you need anything, please ask. My absolute favourite for small children is a DVD called “Talk, Listen, Connect” which features the Sesame Street family and is designed to help little ones (3 – 7) manage the absence of a parent or caregiver. Every phase of a deployment has an impact on the family and in particular on younger ones who find it hard to understand. The DVD is a fun way to help children along the way. The bright colours, familiar characters and jingles are very entertaining and infectious! I say infectious because one Mum tells me that when they first got their copy she had to endure it seven times in one day!

Take care, keep warm and I look forward to catching up with you all on my return.

Janine Burton Deployment Services Officer 1 (NZ) Brigade

B ugle writing tasks come around very quickly which means time is passing.

I hope that for those of you who have loved ones away on deployment that you are also finding time passing quickly enough; no matter where you are at in your deployment journey, saying they will be home soon (even if it isn’t for six months) is an adequate description with the way the year is moving. The cold snap last month was a sharp introduction to the winter months – yet another indication that time is passing. As our missions rotate at different times, we are always seeing personnel departing to start their deployment experience and returning to NZ when their time away is complete. We are meeting new family members almost on a monthly basis as different missions are preparing to depart.

If this is your first “Bugle”, I hope you will enjoy receiving this publication over the coming months. Our “Bugle” goes out in hard copy and electronically. If you would like to change the way your “Bugle” arrives at your place, please drop me a line – email, text or you could phone me – and we


DSO’S CORNER CONT’D.. can update our records to meet your needs. We are also aware that many families share their “Bugle” with others. If you would like us to send a copy to any other family members or friends who would enjoy receiving their own copies, again please get in touch.

We have just rotated the mission in Sinai. For those of you who have completed your mission and are reuniting with family and friends, welcome home. The contributions your team made to our “Bugle” over the last six/seven months were outstanding. Thank you, to you all. The new team have a lot to live up to so we will be watching closely to see what they send through to us. I’m sure they will be fabulous – entertaining and informative.

It has been quite a long time since my husband was away on deployment. I remember saying goodbye to him at departure; I remember that he was away and

that it was just me and our two boys for months. What I also remember was the turmoil of reintegrating him back into our home and our routines. It is a lingering memory for me that this was the time I found the most difficult of the whole deployment journey. If I knew then what I know now! Of the whole process, this was the time that I hadn’t considered would be an issue, but was actually the most challenging time of all. The article in last month’s “Bugle” - “Thinking About Reintegration” has triggered the memories for me. Please be aware that this is also part of the deployment experience, both for those who go away and for those left at home. From one of our resources (“Everyone Serves”) I have found the following anecdotes which I can certainly relate to as I’m sure many who have been through this process before have experienced:

“For months at a time, everything is my responsibility. And then he returns and wants to help. But I have a hard time letting him since I have been doing it on my own for so long.”

“The hardest part about home-coming is relationship stress! After the last deployment I told my husband to act as a guest until told otherwise. This eliminated me expecting him to do things and it kept him from jumping in and taking over until he got a feel for our routine.”

Everyone reintegrates differently; whatever works for you within your family dynamics is just right. Just don’t put too much pressure on yourself – time is on your side.

Wherever you are in your deploy-ment journey, we are thinking of you.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS FORM

If your address or contact details have changed, or are changing, could you please complete this form and return it to the DSO in Burnham.

Service Person’s Name: …………………………...…….............................................................................

Deployment Location: ..............................................................................................................................

Name: .........................................................................................................................................................

Old Address: ............................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................................................

New Address: …………………………………………………………………………………….........................

.....................................................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................... Postcode: .........................

Phone Number: .................................................... Email address: ..........................................................


A number of people on “The Bugle” mailing list are parents of deployed service personnel. While they may no longer be the Primary Next of

Kin, they are still the Mum or/and Dad that have waved their loved one off to a foreign land. Us parents have this inbuilt ability to “worry and wonder” even if our son or daughter is fully grown and independent! Much of the literature available through NZDF for families of deploying personnel, focuses on the partner/wife/husband and children. There is nothing formally documented to support parents. Our team of Psychologists are looking at this and it is proposed that a booklet full of great information will be available in the near future. Meanwhile, we have to rely on our experiences to share information with you all. When your son or daughter deploys you may experience many conflicting feelings. These may include pride, fear, worry, love and frustration. The degree in which you experience this separation differs widely amongst individuals. The key though is to remain positive, upbeat and supportive. Our aim is to give you all peace of mind. We do this by keeping you informed. “The Bugle” is our main way of communicating with you and contains information on deployment locations and the happenings we can report on, as well as helpful hints and ideas to lessen the burden you may feel. Sometimes that may feel a little “piecemeal”, but we are always here to help you along the way and all it takes is a phone call. I recall some years ago getting a call from a concerned Mum whose young son was on his first deployment to Timor-Leste and had been gone for five months. “Do you think he is alright?” she asked. Jo had simply forgotten to call home. He had enjoyed the many care packages his Mum had sent but hadn’t once taken the time or effort to call home and say hello or thank you. It never occurred to him that his Mum might be worried about him. He had however made calls to his girlfriend! The concern was easily solved – a quick email from me to his Platoon Commander with a tactful suggestion and Jo and Mum had a great catch up and she was

“EVERYONE SERVES”

14

reassured. I often use this example in predeployment welfare briefs to service personnel and their families. Of course they all laugh loudly but it clearly illustrates that although us parents may not be the first to get a call, we appreciate it when we do more than they can imagine. In some situations, partners and children are obviously going to get regular calls, skype or email. As parents in this family chain, we often lose out in the order of priority. None the less we appreciate, where and when possible, first hand news rather than second hand! Predeployment discussions can help clarify the expectations of all. In some deployment locations, calling home is not as easy as we would think. Deployed service personnel are often busy with tasks, communication channels can be poor and the time difference frustrating! But, be assured, you are loved and thought of often and your support and strength from afar is always appreciated. Everyone Serves!

Carol Voyce Editor “The Bugle”

KEEPING EVERYONE INFORMED

DEPLOYMENT

Time to grow

Remember that separation can be an opportunity for

everyone in the family to grow

The Bugle | Issue 198 | June 2014

FOR YOUR INFO

NZ Postal Rates to Rise NZ Post will increase the cost of a sending a standard letter from 1 July 2014. The cost of sending a standard medium sized letter within New Zealand will rise by 10 cents from the current 70 cents. The cost of sending parcels will rise from 10 cents - $1, depending on size and weight. International postcards will rise from 10 – 30 cents depending on location. The New Zealand Defence Force will continue to meet the costs of courier services to all mission areas from the Auckland Mail Centre and DSPC, Trentham, however you will face a small increase in postal costs to either of these locations. Please take note of the date changes come into effect. A cheaper way to send things! Sending regular parcels into Mission areas can become expensive. A recent discussion with our local Burnham Post Shop revealed an interesting scenario. A young man spent $8 on two NZ Post boxes at another post shop and came into Burnham to send his filled boxes on, to two different deployment locations. The packaged boxes weighing under 2kg each were to cost $13 each to send. Add to this the $4 for the boxes – each were to cost $17 to post within New Zealand, before Forces Concession Rate took over for the ongoing NZDF courier service to the deployment locations. Our helpful assistant at the Burnham Postal counter suggested he use the new prepaid bags. These come in a range of sizes, some plain bags and some bubble bags. Prices start at $3 depending on size and include the posting cost. The young man

slipped the boxes into bags and paid $3 per item. A huge saving. For a slightly increased cost you can choose to an upgrade to Tracked delivery, or courier. For more information visit your Post Shop for a brochure “Sending made Simple” or check out www.nzpost.co.nz A Bouquet Sincere thanks to the OP FARAD Contingent who have just returned to New Zealand, for their outstanding contributions to “The Bugle” during their time abroad. We have enjoyed some fantastic articles and great photos. You gave us all a wonderful insight into your time in Sinai and we have appreciated more than you can imagine, your commitment to supporting our deployment newsletter. A tall order for those to follow in your footsteps! DSO Burnham on Leave I will be away from 5th June returning to the office on 11th August. In my absence my phone will be diverted to Janine Burton, DSO Linton. You can call my 0800 number which will transfer you through to Linton (it takes a few seconds to make the divert) or you can call Janine directly on 0800 683 77 327. My phone will not be able to receive and forward any text messages but if you wish to send a text to Janine, her number for messages is 021 649 903. “Bugle” messages may be sent as usual and those mailboxes will be cleared. Deployment Services and support will still be available in my absence and Janine looks forward to hearing from you. I look forward to catching up on my return. Carol.

Deployment Support Services ♦ Need information? ♦ Need support? ♦ Need a listening ear? ♦ Need to send an urgent message to a deployment location?

Deployment Support Services are here for you

The larger missions to Afghanistan, Solomon Islands & Timor-Leste appoint a lead Deployment Services Officer (DSO). All other missions offer support from either the DSO, Unit Point of Contact and local Welfare Support Services. The nominated Primary Next of Kin (PNOK) of families of deployed NZDF personnel should, in the first instance, contact their DSO who has a responsibility for transperency into welfare issues. Added to this there are other very valuable support networks available in your local region. For additional support and services: Army: Deployment Services Officers: Linton—Janine Burton Ph: 0800 683 77 327 Burnham—Carol Voyce Ph: 0800 337 569

Community Services Officers: Waiouru—Carolyn Hyland Ph 06 387 5531 Burnham—Cherie Mansell Ph 03 363 0322 Papakura—John Furey Ph 09 296 5744

Community Services Facilitator: Linton—Lesley Clutterbuck Ph 06 351 9970 Family & Community Services Officer: Trentham—Marie Lotz Ph 04 527 5029

Air Force Welfare Facilitators Air Staff Wellington: Lisa Macdonald Ph: 04 498 6773 Base Auckland: Deana Lye Ph: 09 417 7035 Base Woodbourne: Claudia Baker Ph: 03 577 1177 Base Ohakea: Bridget Williams Ph: 06 3515 739

Naval Community Organization: Ph: 09 445 5534, 0800 NAVYHELP [email protected]

Local Chaplaincy Services Unit Point of Contact

15 June 2014 | Issue 198 | The Bugle

KEEPING THE HOME FIRES BURNING

Hello Dad

T his is Henry here. How are you? I am good. I miss you though. I

have been helping Mum at home. I have a list of jobs that I have to do each week. I get a star on the chart for each one and when I get 10 stars I get a treat. It is a good idea because it helps Mum but gets me lots of good things too.

I wish you could see my collection of cars now. My newest one is a yellow Lamborghini. Wouldn’t it be cool to have a real one? We could go really fast in that but Mum said they cost a lot of money and we mightn’t have enough. That’s a shame. Maybe I could help with my pocket money.

The rascal is still a rascal and has been digging holes in the lawn looking for old bones and then coming inside with very wet and muddy paws and then jumping on the couch. I don’t think you would be pleased about that.

We are being good for Mum and helping when we can. She says that being helpful makes her smile. Thought you might like to know that.

I hope they put this in “The Bugle” so you can see it.

Love from Henry

W hen I look back over the past few weeks, I can’t believe just

how fast the time is passing, it is all a bit of a blur really. The routines of work, school and childcare certainly help the time pass.

Timmy’s 7th birthday last month was a great event for him. It fell on a Monday so the Saturday before we arranged to have three of his friends to stay overnight. Thankfully Katie was also able to have a sleepover at one of her friends’ houses so the boys wouldn’t have to include a little girl in their activities. After discussing a number of options, Timmy decided he would like to take his friends swimming at the Lido, then watch videos at home. Yep, I could manage that. So after we dropped Katie off for her sleepover, Timmy and I went to the supermarket to stock up on supplies, then off to the video shop to select some videos – that was a mission! – then to each of Timmy’s friends’ houses to pick up our ‘party’ guests. The noise! And the stories! The imagination of four little boys and the one-upmanship that was going on! Did I mention the noise? A couple of hours at the pool would tire them out I was sure, but it only made them more hyper. Thankfully none of the boys had special food

requirements, so pizza on the way home and I thought the hard work was done. They were really good kids, but so active – running instead of walking, talking loudly (one decibel short of shout), asking endless questions … Timmy had a great time, but thank goodness next year his father will be home; I was exhausted!

Dave and I had gone shopping for birthday gifts for the kids before he deployed; just the best plan! On Timmy’s actual birthday he got to choose what we would have for dinner, we had a small birthday cake and Dave was able to SKYPE to get all the birthday news first hand. I thought he might have been disappointed to not have been home to participate in Timmy’s birthday party on Saturday, but he seemed almost thankful after I had described the day to him – I wonder why?

The rest of the past month has been relatively uneventful. The days are closing in, and a couple of times I have even lit the fire. Winter definitely is on its way.

Denise


Letters and parcels (up to 1kg in weight) may be sent to deployed personnel at the following addresses, at internal NZ Post rates. When mailing your parcels, please retain the receipts given to you by your Post Shop so the item can be traced, if required. A green Customs sticker must be attached to any parcels, clearly stating the contents and value.

A Postal Users guide and Prohibited Items Brochure are available on the NZ Post website by going to their website at www.nzpost.co.nz and typing Postal Users Guide and Prohibited Items Brochure into the search box. These brochures give valuable information, such as what you can and cannot send, and how to best wrap your items.

Strong packaging is essential as these items pass through many hands, may get thrown around and have other items put on top of them. Attempts to send prohibited items may result in entire shipments being delayed as Customs remove suspect items.

Sinai (Op FARAD):

FORCES CONCESSION RATE (please write this at the top of your envelope or parcel) Regimental Number, Rank, Initials and Surname NZ Contingent Multinational Force and Observers El Gorah, Sinai P O Box 99000 Tel Aviv, Israel C/- International Mail Centre Auckland 2022

Other Deployment Locations: (No requirement for “Forces Concession Rate”)

Regimental Number, Rank, Initials and Surname Mission Name (e.g. Op SUDDEN, Op SCORIA) C/- DPSC HQ JFNZ Private Bag 900 or 2 Seddul Bahr Road Upper Hutt 5140 Trentham Upper Hutt 5018

NB: Mail is sent from DPSC to deployment locations every Monday.

DEPLOYMENT MAILING ADDRESSES


A civilian child can read and write in English. A military child can read and write in acronym.

A civilian child gets to kiss mummy and daddy goodnight each night. A

military child sometimes has to kiss a picture of daddy or mummy goodnight.

A civilian child usually dances around or talks during the National

Anthem. A military child stands quietly with his hand over his heart. A civilian child sees race. A military child sees diversity. A civilian child has a best friend in his hometown. A military child has a best friend on almost every

continent. A civilian child sees only the plane flying over. A military child not only can identify the type of plane flying

but knows someone who works on them. A civilian child sees a person in uniform. A military child can tell you what Unit he’s in and what his rank is. A civilian child lives for tomorrow and what it might bring. A military child lives for today because tomorrow,

Daddy might get called away again. A civilian child says “good-bye”. A military child says, “see you later” (don’t we know it, there’s never

GOOD BYE). A civilian child gets to see things other kids would love to see. A military child gets to see things world

leaders would love to see. A civilian child will probably go to the same school his/her entire life. A military child will probably change

schools every two years. A civilian child might rarely leave his hometown for anything other than holidays.

A military child will rarely see his “hometown” for anything other than holidays. A civilian child thinks home is where the heart is. A military child knows home is

where the military sends you. A civilian child talks on the phone for fun. A military child

lives for the 15 minute phone calls once a week. And finally.... A civilian child supports our soldiers.

A military child IS a soldier. The next time you say a prayer for our troops, please say a prayer for their families, especially their children back home that are trying to be strong.

MILITARY CHILDREN — ARE WE DIFFERENT?

Source: snopes.com

18 The Bugle | Issue 198 | June 2014

The deadline for contributions and personal messages for “The Bugle” is the first Wednesday of each month (the next edition deadline is 2 July at 4.00pm). Please note: All “Bugle” messages are to be sent to Carol Voyce, DSO Burnham (email: [email protected])

PERSONAL MESSAGES

Hi Timmy What a great birthday you had last month, mum did an amazing job for you! Sorry I wasn’t there to share your birthday with you this year. Mum tells me you are being a great help to her which makes me very happy and proud of you. Keep up the great work. Love you lots, Dad.

To my Katie-girl Hi Sweetie! Missing you lots! Mum tells me you are being very good for her and trying to keep your room tidy and picking up all your toys. What a good girl you are. Love you lots, Dad.

Hi Denise I know we talk lots and share all our news, but I wanted to send you a special message to tell you how much your love and support means to me. I know that at times it must get a bit too much, but I know how you are able to just keep on keeping on. I love you. Won’t be too long before we are planning what we are going to do once I get home. Love you more than you can know. Dave.

Hi Kevin Garrick Happy Birthday for the 19th June. We will celebrate your birthday; sorry we can't send you Pen's chocolate cake....Hopefully a gift or two has arrived. Hope you get the weekend off to enjoy the countryside. Lots of love, The Garrick Clan.

Hi Bills All’s good here. Keeping busy and time is passing quickly! Hope you

are well and enjoying my parcels. Seems winter is rapidly closing in. Plenty of wood though so keeping warm. The garden is weed free but nothing startling to look at for the time of year. Take care. We all miss you. Lots of love, Suz xx.

Happy Birthday to you Have a great day. We will celebrate for you. Love the family xxx.

Hello Grandson We are always thinking of you and hope you are enjoying the experience and the time away. Things are good here. Grandad has been busy in his shed. Not sure what masterpiece is going to be forthcoming this time but he has made some great things for the little ones. Harriet is loving the wee play stove and Andy has all his cars lined up in the garage! Think I will just stick to my knitting! We will look forward to your homecoming. Lots of Love, Nana G x.

Mike B B Miss your smiling face and your silly jokes. Look after yourself. Paddy.

Audrey H Your photos have been great. Really enjoying them and sharing them with the Grandies. It is reassuring for them that you are well and gives them one less thing to worry about. Work and play occupying my time well. Winter sports going well. Keep in touch. Ruth x.

Gilly We love getting “The Bugle” and hope that sometime we might see a picture of you! Knowing how much you love to have your photo taken that’s going to be a tall ask. The family are good. We are all hoping to be together for the long holiday weekend so I am sure there will be

From In-Theatre many stories to share and many laughs to be had. Missing you, so take care over there. I think I am halfway through having to do the rubbish so will gladly hand that task back to you on your return. Hope you get to see the All Blacks games and some of the Commonwealth games too the following month. Love you. Gilly’s Girl xx.

I J A B Just wanted to let you know that I love you and miss you. Everyone is keeping an eye on us and helping us a long the way. Just not the same, but we are proud of our efforts – and yours. Be safe. Love from your family xoxo.

Buster Things are good here. We are busy keeping up the training for the marathon and it seems we are going to be on target with the times we hope to make. Well that’s if there is no wind or rain! – well maybe a tail wind would be ok. Have had lots of very long runs so far. Will be a great achievement, so trying to keep focussed and eat the right foods and not indulge in the drink! Look forward to sending you some photos and the details afterwards. You might be able to follow us online. Think of you often, Josh, Ben, Luke and Tim.

Hi Dad I really miss you, wish you were here doing movie night with us and wish you could be here with me. Happy Birthday! Love Nathan.

My S.M Are you there yet? Missing you like crazy! Cold nights here but all the wood you cut before you left is serving us well – thank you. P4U heaps. Tofu always. Holding you close. So so very proud of you! Don't forget Jos 1.9. Love A.G.

From Home


Need advice, support or information to manage

the deployment journey?

The New Zealand Defence Force Community offers a broad range of services and supports to help Defence

families manage this unique way of life.

The best way to access these support services during a deployment is to contact your

Deployment Services Officer.

Carol Voyce Deployment Services Officer Southern Regional Support Centre Powles Road Burnham Military Camp Burnham 7600 Christchurch Ph: (03) 363 0421 Cell phone: 0274 497 565 Toll free line: 0800 DEPLOY or 0800 337 569 Fax: (03) 363 0024, E-mail: [email protected]

Janine Burton Deployment Services Officer Headquarters 1 (NZ) Brigade Linton Military Camp Palmerston North 4820 Ph: (06) 351 9399 Cell phone: 021 649 903 Toll free line: 0800 OVERSEAS or 0800 683 77 327 Fax: (06) 351 9009 E-mail: [email protected]


Issue 198 | June 2014 · Issue 198 | June 2014. 2 ... several countries’ Ambassadors and hosted the President of Fiji. ... different nationalities represented on camp. I work in

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