Post by flyjoe180 on Feb 6, 2008 9:19:48 GMT 12
New graduate gets straight into the action in Dili
By JARED MORGAN - The Southland Times | Wednesday, 06 February 2008
It has been a baptism of fire for Wyndham army private Blair Timpany.
The 19-year-old graduated from the New Zealand Army Basic recruit course in May 2007 and by November he was in Dili serving with the New Zealand Defence Force.
"This (deployment) was one of the reasons I joined," Private Timpany said of his six-month tour of duty to Timor-Leste as part of a 107-strong company from 2/1 Battallion from Burnham Military Camp that is on deployment in Dili until June.
The NZDF currently has 184 personnel serving in Timor-Leste, with the majority of them based in Dili and making up part of the International Stabilisation Force, formed in May 2006.
The former Menzies College student said the lasting memory from his time in Timor would be scenes from the internally displaced persons camps that he patrols as part of the security role of the NZDF.
"People are living so close in such a difficult environment," he said. "It is so much different from home."
It is estimated that about 30,000 live in refugee camps spread around Dili, and it is part of the New Zealanders jobs to patrol camps to ensure the security of those living there.
Despite the poor conditions, most people were welcoming of the New Zealand deployment, Private Menzies said.
"They are happy to see us and we always get smiles and hellos from them," he said. "Our presence is making them feel a lot safer."
New Zealand has contributed to various peacekeeping efforts in Timor-Leste since 1999.
The commitment to Timor-Leste is the largest one for the New Zealand Defence Force and consists of more than 180 defence personnel, two helicopters serving with the Combined Joint Task Force, two Military Liaison Officers serving with the United Nations Integrated Mission and two advisers to the Timor-Leste Defence Force.
www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/southlandtimes/4388700a6568.html
By JARED MORGAN - The Southland Times | Wednesday, 06 February 2008
It has been a baptism of fire for Wyndham army private Blair Timpany.
The 19-year-old graduated from the New Zealand Army Basic recruit course in May 2007 and by November he was in Dili serving with the New Zealand Defence Force.
"This (deployment) was one of the reasons I joined," Private Timpany said of his six-month tour of duty to Timor-Leste as part of a 107-strong company from 2/1 Battallion from Burnham Military Camp that is on deployment in Dili until June.
The NZDF currently has 184 personnel serving in Timor-Leste, with the majority of them based in Dili and making up part of the International Stabilisation Force, formed in May 2006.
The former Menzies College student said the lasting memory from his time in Timor would be scenes from the internally displaced persons camps that he patrols as part of the security role of the NZDF.
"People are living so close in such a difficult environment," he said. "It is so much different from home."
It is estimated that about 30,000 live in refugee camps spread around Dili, and it is part of the New Zealanders jobs to patrol camps to ensure the security of those living there.
Despite the poor conditions, most people were welcoming of the New Zealand deployment, Private Menzies said.
"They are happy to see us and we always get smiles and hellos from them," he said. "Our presence is making them feel a lot safer."
New Zealand has contributed to various peacekeeping efforts in Timor-Leste since 1999.
The commitment to Timor-Leste is the largest one for the New Zealand Defence Force and consists of more than 180 defence personnel, two helicopters serving with the Combined Joint Task Force, two Military Liaison Officers serving with the United Nations Integrated Mission and two advisers to the Timor-Leste Defence Force.
www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/southlandtimes/4388700a6568.html