issue 223 | july 2016

Issue 223 | July 2016

Queen’s Birthday Honours

Foreign Correspondence

Mail Prices Increase

Join Us For Dinner

The Bugle | Issue 223 | July 2016 2

“THE BUGLE”

The Deployment Newsletter is

produced for families and service

personnel associated with current

overseas deployments.

Deadline

The deadline for Edition 224 is

3 August 2016

Bugle contributions are welcome and

should be sent to Carol Voyce.

Editor: Carol Voyce

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

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


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]

Disclaimer

Articles and opinions expressed in “The

Bugle” are not necessarily those of the

New Zealand Defence Force.

Cover Photo:

LtCol Mel Childs, NZDF Senior National Officer in South Sudan, with women at the protection of civilian site in Malakal

QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS

NZDF Personnel Named in The Queen’s Birthday Honours

List 2016

6 June 2016

Five current and former New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel

have been named in the Queen’s Birthday 2016 Honours List today.

The recipients are as follows:

Appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM):

Air Vice-Marshal Michael Yardley DSD RNZAF (Rtd)

For services to the New Zealand Defence Force, lately as Chief of Air

Force.

Appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM):

Dr Ralph Marrett

For services to the Defence Technology Agency.

The New Zealand Order of Merit recognises those who, in any field of

endeavour, have rendered meritorious service to the Crown and the nation

or who have become distinguished by their eminence, talents, contributions

or other merits.

Three recipients are to receive the New Zealand Distinguished Service

Decoration (DSD). Two of these are for service in Iraq and their

names cannot be made public. The recipients are:

Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Clinton Childs RNZIR

For services with the headquarters of the Multi-National Force and

Observers and as commander of the New Zealand Contingent in the

Sinai.

“Serviceman J” and “Serviceman C”, both of whom demonstrated

distinguished service while on deployment in Iraq in 2015, making

significant contributions towards the success of multi-national

operations.

The New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration (DSD) recognises

distinguished military service by regular, territorial and reserve members of

the New Zealand Defence Force, including command and leadership and

service in an operational environment, or in support of operations.

Source: www.nzdf.mil.nz

July 2016 | Issue 223 | The Bugle 3

Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM)

QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS CITATIONS

APPOINTED AN OFFICER OF THE NEW ZEALAND ORDER OF MERIT (ONZM)

Air Vice-Marshal Michael Edward (Mike) YARDLEY DSD RNZAF (Rtd)

For services to the New Zealand Defence Force

Air Vice-Marshal Mike Yardley completed his term as Chief of Air Force in early 2016, having been appointed to the role in May 2014.

As Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Yardley has led the successful introduction into service of enhanced military air capabilities for the New Zealand Defence Force, including the Seasprite, A109 and NH90 helicopters and upgrades to the Orion and Hercules fleets. He also led the significant improvement in the safety of Defence Force air operations, and was recently instrumental in ensuring the early deployment of Orion aircraft to the Middle East in support of New Zealand’s interests in the region. He has held a number of roles and risen through the ranks of the Royal New Zealand Air Force since his enlistment in 1981 as a General Duties Navigator. In the 2000s he was the Project Manager for the P-3 Orion Systems Upgrade Project, for which he was recognised with the award of the Distinguished Service Decoration in 2007. Prior to his appointment as Chief of Air Force Air Vice-Marshal Yardley held the role of Chief of Staff, Headquarters New Zealand Defence Force, and assumed the role of Air Component Commander in 2013.

TO BE MADE A MEMBER OF THE NEW ZEALAND ORDER OF MERIT (MNZM)

Dr Ralph MARRETT


Dr Ralph Marrett has held a range of appointments at all levels within the Defence Technology Agency (DTA), beginning in 1968 as a scientist at the Naval Research Laboratory.

Dr Marrett has played a key role in representing New Zealand in multi-lateral defence science relationships and served for several years as the New Zealand Principal in the Technical Cooperation programme (TTCP), which involves more than 1200 scientists across five nations. As Executive Chair of the TTCP Maritime Division he established award-winning research and development in the area of net-centric warfare studies and experimentation. He has received awards for leadership and his work on anti-submarine warfare, as well as a distinguished service award for his outstanding lifetime contribution to international defence science. During the period 1985 to 2008 when aspects of New Zealand’s defence relationship with the United States were struggling he played a significant role in ensuring defence science managed to continue relatively unimpaired. In particular, when the United States was unwilling to release information that was vital to protection of the Exclusive Economic Zone, he played a central role in gaining access to that information. Dr Marrett’s foresight ensured DTA and NZDF were well placed to take advantage of positive changes in diplomatic and military relationships with the United States.

Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM)


Distinguished Service Decoration (DSD)

QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS CITATIONS CONTD

TO RECEIVE THE NEW ZEALAND DISTINGUISHED SERVICE DECORATION (DSD)

Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Clinton CHILDS


Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Childs has been commander of the New Zealand contingent at the headquarters of the Multi-National Force and Observers (MFO) in the Sinai Peninsula.

The environment Lieutenant Colonel Childs has had to manage as the Senior National Officer and Head of Plans in the Operations Branch has been drastically different from what was expected pre-deployment, particularly the changing threat levels, and he has been adaptive in his leadership to enhance the operational skills of New Zealand personnel in theatre to keep pace with and mitigate the heightened security situation. He implemented training and force protection measures for the New Zealand contingent, which have been extended throughout the MFO, ensuring that the MFO as a whole was better able to respond appropriately to the changing situation in the Sinai. He has been a key planner in formulating options for the future shape of the MFO in response to the new operating environment. All of this has been undertaken while maintaining relationships with, and the support of eleven other national contingents and a large civilian staff. Senior staff at MFO have expressed that Lieutenant Colonel Childs has made an invaluable contribution during a period of intense activity and dramatic change as one of the highest performing staff officers within the MFO headquarters.

Serviceman J


Serviceman J demonstrated distinguished service while on deployment in Iraq in 2015, making significant contributions towards the success of multi-national operations. Serviceman J's distinguished service was in keeping with the finest traditions of New Zealand's military record.

Serviceman C


Serviceman C demonstrated distinguished service while on deployment in Iraq in 2015, making significant contributions towards the success of multi-national operations. Serviceman C's distinguished service was in keeping with the finest traditions of New Zealand's military record.

Need advice, support or information to manage the deployment journey? Contact Carol Voyce, DSO Burnham 0800 337 569

or Janine Burton, DSO Linton 0800 683 77 327

We are here for you!


Iraqi Troops Trained by Anzac Group Now Number 7,000

9 June 2016

Around 300 Iraqi soldiers have just completed a six-week training course at

Camp Taji bringing the total number of Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) trained by

the combined Australian-New Zealand training force to nearly 7,000.

“Our personnel make every effort to provide high-quality training in a challenging environment. The Building Partner

Capacity Mission helps the ISF build the combat power necessary to sustain operations against Daesh,” said Major

General Tim Gall, Commander Joint Forces

New Zealand.

“It has been encouraging to see that our

training efforts are paying off. Early this year,

some of the Iraqi soldiers we trained were

involved in the successful counter-offensive

operation in Ramadi.”

The newly graduated non-commissioned

officers comprise the fourth group of ISF who

have completed the Junior Leaders Course.

Captain Mahmood Mohammed of the Iraqi

Army Junior Leaders School said the soldiers

were keen to apply what they learnt from

their New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF)

trainers.

“The soldiers will pass on their skills when

they return to their units and lead their men in

the battle against Daesh,” he said.

Captain Mohammed said the trainees practised fighting in squads and trained in urban warfare. They also learned

fire control as a way of maintaining a disciplined approach as they fight.

A number of the Iraqi soldiers said they were raring to join the assault against Daesh now they have completed their

training.

“The New Zealand soldiers are good people; they are happy to help Iraq,” said Corporal Abbas, who was named

one of the best trainees in this particular intake.

“Now that we have finished the course, we all want to go to Fallujah to help the people there in the fight against

Daesh,” he said.

Around 100 NZDF personnel and some 300 Australian Defence Force troops have formed an ANZAC training force

based at Iraq’s Camp Taji. The New Zealand and Australian troops are among several thousand trainers from

across the international coalition who support training programmes focused on individual soldier skills, weapons

handling, combat first aid, live-fire and close quarters marksmanship, obstacle breaching techniques, counter-IED

(Improvised Explosive Device), tactics and techniques for squad through to company-level operations, map reading,

and team leadership.

All ISF soldiers are also taught the fundamentals of international human rights legislation and the Law of Armed

Conflict.


NZDF NEWS

Around 300 Iraqi soldiers have just completed a six-week training course run by the Building Partner Capacity Mission at Camp Taji.


Government Extends Iraq Deployment

20 June 2016

Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee says Cabinet has today agreed to extend

New Zealand’s contribution to the joint New Zealand-Australia mission to train

Iraqi Security Forces until November 2018.

Also agreed was an amendment to the mission’s

mandate to allow small numbers (generally around

six to eight at a time) of our training and force

protection team at Taji to travel for short periods to

Besmaya, a secure training location about 52

kilometres south east of Taji.

“At Besmaya our troops will ensure a smooth hand-

over of the Iraqi soldiers they’ve been training at Taji

to other coalition trainers, who will be teaching them

to use heavy weapons,” Mr Brownlee says.

Finally, Cabinet has also agreed in principle that New

Zealand personnel be authorised to provide training

to stabilisation forces, such as the Iraqi Federal Police, in addition to the Iraqi Army.

“These forces are providing an essential role in securing cities once they have been liberated from Daesh so

rebuilding can occur,” Mr Brownlee says.

“To date this has been a successful mission, and the value we’re providing the Iraqi Security Forces to rid their

country of Daesh is increasing all the time.

“There is no doubt our troops’ service is valued by the Iraqi Government, its military leaders, and the troops we’re

training.

“Our armed forces are extremely good at this sort of work, and this is having a tangible effect on the Iraqi Army’s

ability to take and hold ground from Daesh.

“So it makes sense to continue doing something that adds value to the likelihood of Iraqi peace and security in the

future, and to amend our mission to meet the changing environment in Iraq.”

To date, around 7000 Iraqi Security Force personnel have been trained by the Australia-New Zealand mission at

Taji, including around 975 officers who have graduated from four junior leadership courses.

Mr Brownlee says our deployment in Iraq and work with the Iraqi Army sits alongside our diplomatic, development

and humanitarian commitments.

Today’s decisions will not change the number of troops deployed to Iraq, with up to 143 troops mandated for the

mission. At present around 105 NZDF personnel and some 300 Australian Defence Force troops are deployed to

Iraq’s Camp Taji.

“Cabinet is comfortable that there are appropriate security measures in place at Taji and Besmaya, and for transiting

between the two bases, to protect our personnel from a range of risks.

“These measures are constantly reviewed and updated to reflect the threat environment,” Mr Brownlee says.

Source: www.beehive.govt.nz

NZDF NEWS


NZDF NEWS

NZDF Air Transport Team Gets Down to Work in the

Middle East

22 June 2016

A Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) C-130 Hercules aircraft has completed its first set of sustainment flights to Afghanistan as part of an Australian-led air task group supporting coalition operations in the Middle East.

Squadron Leader Rhys Evans, Commander Task Unit, said a detachment of 34 personnel from the RNZAF has integrated with their Australian Defence Force (ADF) colleagues and “got straight down to work in typical Kiwi fashion”.

“Everyone is excited about doing the job they have trained to do and we are enjoying the operational tempo. It is great to finally get on the ground and in the air, over here.”

Major General (MAJGEN) Tim Gall, the Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, said the RNZAF personnel are working for the next six months as part of an ADF Joint Task Force that has been transporting freight and personnel in support of Australian, New Zealand, and coalition operations in the Middle East.

“New Zealand has had a longstanding commitment in the Middle East. With this deployment, we are doing our fair share towards the air support required for various operations that seek to maintain peace and stability in the region,” MAJGEN Gall said.

“We have seamlessly integrated with our counterparts and we are operating together as part of the Air Mobility Task Group. The first flights into Afghanistan were dynamic. The crew managed to achieve the tasks, displaying the NZDF’s agility and flexibility to adjust to changing situations at short notice,” SQNLDR Evans said.

He said the crew used the flying techniques they learnt and practised during recent training exercises in the United States.

“The training we undertook prior to being deployed on this mission has been invaluable and gave us a good understanding of coalition processes,” SQNLDR Evans said.

“The terrain is interesting and varies from seemingly endless deserts to snow-capped peaks. It’s different from our usual training grounds in New Zealand so it has been a great learning experience for the entire crew.”

The RNZAF Hercules and the detachment of personnel have been deployed to support coalition operations in the

Middle East until December 2016.


The New Zealand Defence Force C-130 Hercules aircraft at the Kabul International Airport


NZDF NEWS

Number of Deployed NZDF Personnel Hits Record High

26 June 2016

About 1100 New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel, or 12 per cent of our military’s Regular Force, are

deployed either on operations or exercises overseas over the next seven weeks, helping provide security in the

world and ensuring New Zealand is ready to respond to any future crisis.

The record high number includes the 420 NZDF personnel who will be taking part in the biennial Rim of the Pacific

(RIMPAC) exercise, which kicks off in late June in the waters off Hawaii.

Another 270 Defence Force personnel are participating in two major multi-national exercises organised by the

Australian Defence Force – Hamel and Pitch Black – while about 60 others will be engaged in a multi-national

humanitarian activity in Tonga.

Some 300 personnel are deployed on the NZDF’s 13 missions overseas, including Afghanistan, Iraq, the Sinai

Peninsula and South Korea.

“We send our people to participate in exercises with our defence partners so they can be tested and are always

ready for potential future deployments from humanitarian assistance missions through to high-tempo operations,”

said Major General (MAJGEN) Tim Gall, the Commander Joint Forces New Zealand.

“These engagements also help strengthen our defence partnerships and enhance our ability to work alongside other

militaries, enabling us to work together more effectively when we go on actual operations,” MAJGEN Gall said.

Those military personnel who remain in New Zealand back up those who are deployed by providing a wide range of

essential support functions such as intelligence, logistics, communications, health risks assessments and planning,

family support and flight facilitation, as the NZDF continues to perform routine duties within New Zealand and to

meet scheduled training and kit maintenance programmes, amongst other tasks.

The NZDF is deploying the Royal New Zealand Navy frigate HMNZS Te Kaha and two Royal New Zealand Air

Force P-3K2 Orion surveillance aircraft to RIMPAC, the world’s largest international maritime exercise. This year’s

drills, from 29 June to 4 August, involve around 60 ships, 12 submarines, over 200 aircraft and 32,000 personnel

from 23 countries.

Exercise Hamel is a major Australian Army exercise that is being held in South Australia from 18 June to 18 July.

Over 8000 military personnel from the Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)

along with personnel from the United States Marine Corps, the United States Army (Pacific Command) and the New

Zealand Army are participating.

Hosted by the RAAF, Exercise Pitch Black is a biennial air defence exercise that will be conducted in the Northern

Territory from 29 July to 19 August. It features day and night flying and involves 13 other countries including France,

Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

In Tonga, NZDF personnel, including about 30 engineers and tradespersons from the New Zealand Army’s 2nd

Engineer Regiment, will be working alongside 13 military engineers from the People’s Liberation Army and the US

Army to improve water storage and sanitation in Tonga as part of a month-long humanitarian activity focused on

disaster relief operations that starts tomorrow.



NZDF NEWS

NZDF Personnel Join Humanitarian Visit to Timor-Leste

28 June 2016

Nine New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel took part in a number of community engagements during a

recent two-week humanitarian visit to Timor-Leste as part of the annual Pacific Partnership.

Wing Commander (WGCDR) Michelle White,

Senior National Officer of the NZDF contingent

and Chief of Staff of this year’s Pacific

Partnership mission, said members of the New

Zealand contingent worked with counterparts

from partner-nations, Timor-Leste’s

government, military and civilian agencies, and

non-governmental organisations to conduct

community health exchanges and medical

conferences.

“In addition to helping provide direct medical

care ‘shoulder to shoulder’ with local

providers, our NZDF members also shared

their knowledge and skills on preventative

medicine, oral health, nursing, and

humanitarian assistance and disaster relief

planning, including a focus on gender

considerations in disasters,” WGCDR White

said.

Corporal (CPL) Alex Taylor, a senior medic from the Royal New Zealand Air Force, took part in community health

engagements in Gleno village, which is 30 kilometres to the southwest of the capital Dili.

“Gleno was a great place to work; there was always an abundance of locals seeking health care. I helped the

doctors in assessing patients, and assisted in delivering the Basic First Responders Course for members of the

Timorese Army and local firefighters,” she said.

Army CPL Anatoliy Derepa, a dental assistant, helped deliver oral hygiene classes to around 2,000 primary and

secondary school students in the village.

“We provided all the children with oral hygiene kits, and taught them how to take care of their teeth. I really enjoyed

dealing with the local children and enjoyed my time in Timor-Leste,” CPL Derepa said.

With counterparts from the US, Australia, and Singapore, Army Lance Corporal Leeann Leadbetter, an environment

health technician, delivered presentations on preventative medicine including food safety, personal hygiene, and

pest control. Army nurse Lieutenant Gemma MacPherson spent some time working in the emergency department of

the National Hospital in Dili and mentored Timorese nurses.

Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness

mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. The NZDF contingent joined over 900 military and civilian

personnel from Australia, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, Republic of Korea, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the US

on board USNS Mercy.

Mission stops to Timor-Leste, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam are scheduled in this year’s Pacific

Partnership. Japan will also lead a mission to Palau.

Natural disasters and man-made incidents continue to threaten the security, stability, and prosperity of all nations

and remain a constant concern throughout the region. The annual Pacific Partnership mission provides opportunities

for engagements and knowledge exchange to better prepare and respond to these disasters.


Corporal Alex Taylor, a senior medic from the Royal New Zealand Air Force, engages with primary school students in Gleno village in

Timor-Leste as part of the annual Pacific Partnership.


FOREIGN CORRESPONDENTS

South Sudan: ‘Tentative calm’ in World’s Youngest Nation

23 June 2016 by Luz Baguioro Public Affairs Manager Joint Forces New Zealand After more than two years of conflict,

South Sudan is taking tentative

steps towards peace.

Lieutenant Colonel (LTCOL) Mel

Childs, the New Zealand Defence

Force’s Senior National Officer in

South Sudan, said the return of

opposition leader Dr Riek Machar to

Juba on 26 April 2016 to form a

unity government with President

Salva Kiir was a milestone in the

peace process.

Although the guns have not stayed

silent, she said Machar’s return and

his inauguration as the First Vice

President in the Transitional

Government of National Unity was a

key step forward for the world’s

youngest nation.

“In terms of the security situation,

‘Business As Usual’ sees a great

deal of conflict. The current situation

can be described as a tentative

calm. Anyone who follows this

country will know that this calm can

be disrupted in an instant and as a

result of something seemingly

benign,” LTCOL Childs said.

South Sudan’s civil war erupted in

December 2013 when Kiir accused

Machar of plotting a coup. The

conflict sparked bloodshed along

ethnic lines, and the formation of a

unity government led by Kiir and

Machar is the first of many reforms

set out in the peace agreement

signed on 17 August 2015.

During almost two years of civil war,

tens of thousands of people were

killed, more than two million people

were forced to flee their homes and

some 3.7 million people were left in

need of food aid, according to the

UN. More than 180,000 people

remain in UN peacekeeping camps

throughout the country. Continued

fighting has also left the economy in

ruins and pushed parts of the

country to the brink of famine.

NEWS FROM

SOUTH SUDAN

LtTCOL Mel Childs, NZDF Senior National Officer in South Sudan, attends a briefing during a visit to Bor.

LTCOL Childs with women at the protection of civilian site in Malakal


FOREIGN CORRESPONDENTS CONTD

The United Nations Mission in the

Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS)

is one of three UN peacekeeping

missions to which the NZDF

currently deploys personnel. LTCOL

Childs is the Deputy Chief of Plans

at the UNMISS headquarters in

Juba. Major Wendy Wright and

Major Fraser Winskill are working as

UN Military Observers and are

based in Bor and Malakal,

respectively.

“In our roles, we regularly engage

with the locals as well as the

government and opposition forces.

This can be at a strategic level

through the Joint Monitoring

Coordination Conference, at an

operational level when we negotiate

flight safety assurances, safe

passage and freedom of movement

with local battalion commanders or

the Joint Border Verification and

Monitoring Mechanism, through to

the tactical level when we deal with

government or opposition soldiers at

checkpoints,” LTCOL Childs

explained.

“The general population is extremely

welcoming and friendly. We engage

with them during our regular visits to

protection of civilian (POC) sites,

visits to orphanages or whilst

conducting patrols,” she said.

The NZDF’s participation in UNMISS

is its only deployment to a mission in

Africa. It also continues a history of

NZDF deployment to African peace

operations, including in Somalia,

Sierra Leone and Mozambique.

The NZDF contribution to UNMISS

is a demonstration of its support for

collective security

efforts through the UN,

and a contribution to

peace and security on

the African continent.

The UNMISS priorities

of protecting civilians,

human rights and

humanitarian support

tasks are consistent

with New Zealand’s

support for UN-led

missions.

“Our contribution is

valued by all our

partners in this UN

mission,” LTCOL

Childs said. Major Wendy Wright with children she met whilst on patrol in Akobo county in the

northeastern part of South Sudan

Major Fraser Winskill with children at the protection of civilian site in Malakal


It’s All About Driving

LCPL Kallum Brown

I am serving as the Section 2IC of

New Zealand’s driving section in the

Multinational Force and Observers.

After completing an extended period

of build-up training our contingent of

24 Kiwis (including an RNZAF

Corporal and RNZN Warrant

Officer) arrived in the Sinai in early

May.

Integrated into the Uruguayan

transport unit, our section was

quickly put to work. Our most

common task is driving Mack

tracktor units halfway up the Sinai

Peninsula to an exchange point

near Taba. This task can vary every

day. You could be bringing food

from Israel to South Camp one trip

and a prefabricated hootch

(accommodation for one or two

people) the next.

These trips can be pretty fluid. All

going well, we depart from South

Camp at 0700 and return around

1600. But often we won’t get back

until more like 1900. We have not

had to stay over yet but there is

always a chance. Common issues

we face on the road are tyre

punctures and reefer units not

working.

After the MFO rebalanced its

numbers (moving the majority of its

people from the North to the South),

several trips to Taba were

cancelled. This led to a shortage of

fresh food and dairy in the South

(not helped by the added numbers

moving down).

As well as truck convoys, the driving

section operates the MFO buses.

Trips include daily shuttles to and

from the civilians’ accommodation in

Sharm-el-Sheikh and ferrying MFO

members to the airport to fly on the

Czech’s CASA C-295 between the

Force’s two main camps.

South Camp has all the facilities

one would expect (and an outdoor

movie theatre which plays a couple

evenings a week), including a well

set up gym. The US Battalion – who

until recent times had South Camp

almost to themselves – maintains a

records board in the gym here,

tracking the heaviest lifts, most

bodyweight reps and fastest two

mile runs. I was proud to take the

record for the run (you’ll be glad to

hear the previous record holder was

also a Kiwi driver).

The MFO organises discounted duty

tours (including to Luxor, Jerusalem

and St Catherine’s Monastery) and

snorkelling trips which offer a great

chance for R&R and to see the

region as well. Most of the driving

section made it out on a snorkelling

trip in early June – a good chance to

celebrate a month into the job and

to deal with the desert summer.

It has been a great start to our six

months here. All the best from the

Sinai.

FOREIGN CORRESPONDENTS CONTD

NEWS FROM

SINAI


WELFARE COMMUNICATIONS

Lynne Smith

Personnel Welfare and Equity

HQ JFNZ

The way in which deployed people

communicate has changed a lot

over the years. It used to be that a

letter home once a week or lining up

for the welfare phone for your six

minute entitlement was the best you

could do when on deployment.

These days with modern technology

and the types of missions our

people are on, there are a range of

communication options, from the

traditional letter (still a favourite),

through to texts, emails and video

calls, that are now widely used.

Partly because of this, commanders

encourage deployed people to

contact their loved ones regularly

and especially if there are any

incidents in the area of operations

that may attract media attention in

New Zealand (NZ). Having the

deployed person reassure family

directly creates a much better

experience for families because

they are personally reassured when

speaking to the person they are

worried about.

Notwithstanding, in the event of an

incident in the area of operations,

Defence will sometimes choose to

put out a message of reassurance

to the families of those deployed in

the area. This does not happen

every time or straight away because

events happen frequently. It is

dependant on the seriousness of the

incident because we are wary of

adding to stress and anxiety.

Sometimes it is only because media

reporting has focussed on an

incident or misreported something

that it is considered best to

communicate in this way.

Defence also has the experience of

having to communicate with

deployed people worried about

family back home. During the major

Christchurch earthquakes the

families were checked upon in the

Canterbury region in order to

confirm their wellbeing and

circumstances to deployed

members. Communications are

also about good news sometimes,

such as messages about the birth of

children.

“No news is good news”. In the

event that our people are directly

involved in an incident that affects

them, the priority for Defence is to

contact the person that the deployed

member has listed as the person

they want notified. This will happen

as soon as possible and every effort

is made to make contact before

anything specific hits the NZ media.

The more serious the situation the

higher the priority is and the more

immediate and personal the

responses are.

It is important that our families take

every opportunity to use the

information that is available to be

well prepared and understand what

may be seen and heard from others,

including the media. By using the

Deployment Support Network and

all the resources that are available,

personnel and families can talk

about the deployment so that the

expectations and concerns can be

allayed and managed to minimise

anxiety.

Defence considers deployments a

team effort and by engaging with

our deployment community, our

deployed members, their loved ones

and our welfare network, the aim is

to appropriately manage the

deployment experience for all

concerned.

These days with modern technology

and the types of missions our people

are on, there are a range of

communication options.


Let’s Speed Up

It seems that in almost every issue of The Bugle, we make some comment on the mail service to deployment locations world wide. We recognise that receiving mail when one is abroad is a huge morale booster and another way of communicating with loved ones. The New Zealand Defence Force is committed to supporting the mail service worldwide and constantly evaluates the courier service provided. Your feedback, no matter how big or small has helped us offer the best service possible. Delays are inevitable on occasions, especially when mail is sent to some countries where the infrastructure is not as good as ours but we are all doing our best.

NZ Post has recently increased the cost of postage both within New Zealand and overseas. Although your mail is being forwarded by courier at NZDF expense, you still need to meet the personal costs of sending your mail to DPSC or the Auckland Mail Centre – whichever address you have been given. The cost of a standard letter within New Zealand has increased to $1.00 for surface mail and $1.80 Fast Post. “Standard Post letters are typically delivered within the three working day service for nationwide delivery. Fast Post letters are typically delivered by the next working day nationwide between major towns and cities”. (Reference: NZ Post website) The cost of sending parcels does depend on the weight and dimensions of the package and you can calculate the cost by visiting the NZ Post website and putting in the weight and dimensions of the parcel. Ideally we recommend that parcels should not exceed the size of a shoe box.

Please remember that the weight of parcels to ALL deployment locations is restricted to 1 kg. Remember too, that small parcels sent often have the greatest impact on morale and wellbeing. All items MUST have a green customs declaration attached and very clearly state the contents. We understand that there have been some delays in parcels being delivered

overseas as the declaration has contained insufficient information to pass customs inspections in some countries. Our advice to you, to avoid any hold ups, is to be “over – descriptive” in what you write on the sticker! As examples: Lollies – Minties and Jet planes, sports magazine, daily local newspaper, Clothing - hand knitted socks, t-shirt, DVD – family videos only etc. While you don’t want to spoil the surprise of the contents, the full description of any items is imperative and we can’t emphasize this enough! Just to write clothing is apparently unacceptable. Remember to state the true value of each item.


Following recent reassessments of the postal service, a decision was made that you can now write the name and address of the sender on the back of anything you send. For some locations, this was advised against for a period of time and these details were included inside the package. Now it’s ok. Please use the mailing details and other guidelines given to you in the Deployment Guide for Families for your mission, distributed to you prior to the deployment. Carol and Janine have this information if you have misplaced it so please contact them - contact information at the front of the Bugle.

The Mail!

Any concerns or feedback about the mail service are always welcomed. Please be assured that we are doing our very best to make sure that the service meets the needs of all in a timely manner! Carol and Janine

Show You Care With Care Packages It is always exciting to come home from a busy day and find a package or parcel on your doorstep! It’s even more exciting when you are on deployment! Care packages serve multiple purposes. They give family members a tangible activity that they can do on behalf of their deployed service person, they boost the service member’s morale and provide them with comfort items that they may not be able to obtain overseas and they help create and maintain a positive connection between the service person and his family.

“The kids always help with care packages and love to put in their special drawings and photos of things we have been doing. We even included a copy of the school report and the class certificates and stickers. Bob feels included in the day to day happenings here!” “I love making up parcels. The first few are easy but then it takes lots of thought to think of new and exciting things.” “I didn’t think that Mum listened that much to the pre-deployment welfare briefing as she was sniffing into her hankie the whole time at the thought of me going away! But how wrong I was – today arrived exactly what the DSO suggested. Home made biscuits, in a Glad Bag filled with popcorn and sealed. The biscuits are fresh and unbroken – well they were until we all had a taste or two! Thanks Mum – you excelled!”

We often ask for feedback to share and these responses from home and abroad clearly illustrate the true impact a care package can have for those deployed. Sometimes you may feel that you are doing all the work and getting little thanks! Occasionally that does happen, but you can be assured that every care package makes a difference!


DSO’S CORNER

Carol Voyce


Southern Regional Support Centre

Editor “The Bugle”

I sn’t it easy to take things

for granted sometimes?

Almost all of us have

travelled the world

extensively and been to some

amazing places and seen so many

amazing things. But sometimes we

forget just what is on our very own

doorstep.

Several weeks ago I had visitors

from overseas and we took an

ambitious day trip from Christchurch

to the West Coast and back again.

The day started early as we

boarded the Trans Alpine bound for

Greymouth. This four hour train

journey is listed in the top ten in the

world and although I had travelled

the route many times before – (even

in my boarding school days in the

old Vulcan railcar), it was sometime

since I had taken the scenic journey

in style and comfort. The carriages

were full of tourists and there was

much noise and chatter along the

way. It wasn’t until we were to pass

over the first of the many viaducts,

that I heard people exclaiming

loudly about the views – the snow

covered peaks, the winding river

way below and the natural

vegetation of the gully’s. People

were scrambling to the “viewing car”

and coming back “frozen” and

“windblown” but totally amazed at

what they were seeing! The frost

on the ground was really heavy and

glistened in the early sun and in

places as we journeyed further

inland, light dustings of snow had

settled on the ground. With much

excitement during our short stop at

Arthurs Pass, there was time for

people to be in awe of the snow and

to throw a snowball or two! Hard as

it is to comprehend, this for some,

was the first time they had touched

snow, let alone been the recipient of

a fired snowball!

When we arrived in Greymouth, we

picked up a rental car and headed

for Hokitika – my home town. This

little place holds a special place in

my heart and there are some local

attractions which carry our family

name into the history books. It was

a journey down memory lane for

me. All too quickly the day came to

an end and we were on the plane

back to Christchurch. We packed in

plenty in the 12 hours we were

away from home but were quickly

reminded that one doesn’t always

have to travel to the other side of

the world to experience amazing

sights, sounds and smells that are

HOME!

As you get into home routines

during the deployment separation,

you will find that there are

challenges to the things you took for

granted. You probably hadn’t

thought of them as such, until now

confronted with them. They are

often simple things, like who feeds

the dog, takes the rubbish out,

brings the wood in, drives the

children to activities and provides

the daily companionship and

support. There is truth in “absence

makes the heart grow fonder” and

already you will have noticed your

thoughts wandering to your loved

ones abroad and contemplating on

how much they complete your life.

Believe me, from my experience

here over many years, relationships

are enriched through deployment.

People think more deeply about

their connection with their loved one

abroad – be it partner, son,

daughter or grandchild. It allows

one to take stock of the relationship,

to see its value in your life and

appreciate it. Deployment also

means that you have to work harder

on communication, using tools that

that you may not need to use at

home. This requires both thought

and time and can be more

meaningful than that which you took

for granted when they were home.

So look for the positives – they are

there.

I have for a long time, taken for

granted the peace and quiet of my

home, which in an instant, changed

last week with the return to New

Zealand of my daughter, her partner

and their cat! ($2000 for the cat’s

fare and vet expenses) My bench is

no longer clear and clean, my floors

look grubby, the washing pile

enormous and the pantry forever

empty. But the house has come

alive again with laughter, chatter

and so many good times in the last

few days. Only one challenge

though – a 16 year old hissing and

growling domestic moggy, who had

always taken for granted her haven

as a sole pet, now learning to love

and live with a 2 year old Scottish

Fold. The rotund 16 year old is

being reasonably tolerant, but the

greatest consolation for her is not

the energetic puss for company, but

the extra bowls of even tastier food

than her own! I am sure it will have

a happy ending!

As school holidays approach and

winter “getaways” attract others, be

sure to think on the special things in

your life and the wonderful things on

your doorstep! Nothing should be

taken for granted.

Special greetings to you all.


DSO’S CORNER

Janine Burton


1 (NZ) Brigade

Y ou will recall, if you attended a pre-deployment briefing, that one of the topics discussed was the

emotional cycle of deployment, and the various phases that the cycle works its way through. These phases are covered in the Developing Baseline booklet which was distributed at the briefings so hope you can still put your hand on it as a great reference along the deployment journey.

We talk a lot about the preparing yourself for deployment part, the leaving part and then the being separated part, but another important phase is the Reintegration stage and something I know that families who are on the deployment journey don’t give a lot of consideration to – apart from having their loved one back home in NZ.

Reintegration, the final phase in the

cycle, is the period following the serviceperson’s returns home and will start as soon as they set foot on NZ soil and reunite with their families. Admittedly, this can be more of a challenge for partners, but can also be a testing time for parents – not always, but sometimes.

To reintegrate means to “restore as a whole, to make or to be made whole again.”

Reintegration is about re-entering the family, not necessarily as it was when the serviceperson departed, but as it is now. Roles and responsibilities at home have had to change as a necessity while the service person has been away to keep the household functioning. This may be a small change, but it may be significantly different for others as in a new house altogether. Yes, we have had some partners buy new houses while their spouses/partners are deployed!

Similarly, some deployments do change service personnel during the time they have been away. Time and experience changes us all to some degree and with regard to deployment, we each react to absence and change in our own way.

While it is very exciting to have loved ones return home, there can be an awkward period following reunion before things settle down. This is a very normal reaction to having someone return home following an extended period of separation.

There are three typical stages of reintegration:

1. The honeymoon stage is characterised by a sense of relief and euphoria. The family focuses on being together, catching up and sharing experiences and tends to involve dealing with conflicts and annoyances.

2. The adjustment stage kicks in when the pressures of daily life become more evident. Couples may feel irritated with each other as the presence of the returning person disrupts routines established while they were away, and families realise that their roles and expectations have changed and are being tested.

3. The final integration stage is characterised by a decrease in conflict because families address disagreements and settle into new roles and routines.

During reintegration, it is normal to feel anxiety, impatience and even resentment. Some may feel angry at having been away, especially if important events took place while they were gone. Others may feel resentment over changes in family dynamics, roles or responsibilities. Children in particular find it hard to adjust to new things and seek familiar, comfortable routines.

These feelings and phases are a normal part of reintegration and is another chapter in your military life.

If you are having any difficulties post deployment be sure to contact the Deployment Services Officer, Unit Commander, Psychologist, Chaplain or Welfare Facilitator for assistance. NZDF has a wealth of personnel and resources to help both service personnel and their family members should the need arise.

Need advice, support or information to manage the deployment journey? Contact Carol Voyce, DSO Burnham 0800 337 569

or Janine Burton, DSO Linton 0800 683 77 327

We are here for you!


KEEPING THE HOME FIRES BURNING

Hello All,

Oh for my second effort.

Thanks to my family and

friends who recognised my

June contribution and

have given me the

encouragement to write

again. Rob, from the other

side of the world, was

pleased that I had a taken

the opportunity and can

share our story.

The past month seems to

have gone by quickly and

we have the school holidays

coming up which will give

us all a break from the

morning rush. We had a

bit of typical winter

weather to contend with

several weeks ago, but it

has been more settled of

late. Ben’s main helping

job is to bring the wood in

for the fire each day after

school. Might not seem a

major task but he does it

without prompting and it’s

great to see he is taking his

jobs seriously in an effort to

help at home. I had

thought that the novelty

would wear off fairly

quickly with a few extra

chores thrown in for the

older two, but so far so

good! Harriet has done her

fair share of things to help

too and is keen on cooking

so we do that together. I

get this feeling she is going

to be a better cook than

me. She has already sorted

out a massive baking

project for the holidays so

that will be fun – not so

good for the waistline

though. Little Evie likes to

tag along and do her bit

too. I think Rob is

impressed with the little

busy “unit” we have

established here.

It’s been exciting to have

the opportunity to skype

with Rob several times since

I last wrote. We have

worked out the times that

suit us all the best so we are

not under pressure to leave

the house and disappoint

Rob. I must say I don’t

really get the opportunity

to have him to myself.

Three faces all eager to get

their turn and plenty of it,

takes a bit of juggling. It

seems reassuring for us all

just to see that familiar

smiling face and for Rob

too, to see ours. Sometimes

the chatter is meaningless

but it’s a great way to keep

in touch and the

connection has been really

good. Sometimes it reminds

me of the school days of

“Show and Tell”. Kids are

often racing off in various

directions to get school

books or little mementoes to

show their Dad. At times it

is somewhat amusing to see

what appears for display,

especially from Evie.

It was great to see that

there is another “Dining

In” at the Army Camp this

month. We all enjoyed the

first one we went to and I

met some new people. I

have kept in touch with one

of the girls who works

nearby to my workplace

and we have met for a

coffee several times. It’s just

great to have someone who

truly understands this

deployment thing – not

that we constantly talk

about it! I have a new

friend for life out of this!

We did talk though about

the email messages we got

recently when there were

incidents near the

deployment location. I am

not a news watcher so I

didn’t have a clue that

something had happened,

but the message reassured

me that all was well if

anybody mentioned it and

that the Army were keeping

us notified of things that

might cause worry. Thanks

to the team for keeping in

touch.

I am lucky to always have

school holidays off so we

have been planning how to

spend the break. The

children have each chosen

a simple activity they want

to do and Granny and Pop

are also coming for a long

weekend so there will be

some spoilt children I am

sure. I must say I will be

looking forward to

enjoying some evening

adult conversation too.

I have resisted the

temptation to count off


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 Papakura Rachel O’Neill—Ph: 09 296 5744 Burnham Lynne Price—Ph: 03 363 0322

Community Services Facilitator: Linton—Lesley Clutterbuck Ph 06 351 9970

Family & Social Services Officer: Trentham Marie Lotz—Ph: 04 527 5029

Air Force Welfare Facilitators Air Staff Wellington: Lynley Willliams—Ph: 04 498 6773 Base Auckland: Sophie Rodie—Ph: 09 417 7035 Base Woodbourne: Claudia Ayling—Ph: 03 577 1177 Base Ohakea: Bridget Williams—Ph: 06 351 5640

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

Local Chaplaincy Services

Unit Point of Contact

KEEPING THE HOME FIRES BURNING CONT’D

days we have passed and

days yet to come. We set up a

calendar snake in the

hallway and each day one

of the children colour in a

segment. There are

apparently more segments

than time away which just

might be a good thing,

given returning home dates

always change. My friend

Brenda has been making

paper chains down her

hallway. They look great

and she says since they will

all be home for Christmas –

there’s the decorations

sorted!

I hope your month has been

as uneventful as ours. Look

after yourself and I look

forward to maybe meeting

some new faces at the

“Dining In”.

Kind regards.

Hilary

Hello Mary here – checking

in for the second time! It’s

nice to catch up with you

all again.

This past month seems to

have gone quickly and I am

pleased to report that we

have had several phone

calls from Chris and he is

happy and settled where he

is. He tells us the work is

going well and he enjoys

the company of those he is

working with. He also said

that the facilities are pretty

good and they have

everything they need and

more. That’s reassuring as

mothers do worry you

know.

My first mail arrived safely.

It seemed to take longer

than I had expected but

there really wasn’t

anything important in the

parcel to panic about. Chris

said he was excited to get a

parcel and that it really

made his day. That’s high

praise from our Chris.

Brian and I have been

grateful for the email

messages sent to us over the

trouble that occurred

recently. It’s great to know

the system works well, not

that we doubted it from the

pre deployment briefings.

We feel that there is support

for us if we need it and we

wouldn’t feel awkward if we

had to ask a question or

get some advice. I hope

other Mums and Dads feel

the same as us.

There really isn’t anytime

to sit and worry. Brian and

I are both busy with our

jobs and garden and so life

seems to be carrying on as

normal. I suppose it is

easier for us as we have

been used to Chris living

away from us anyway and

not always knowing if he is

in country or out and what

he is doing. We feel kind of

spoilt at the moment.

Hope this finds you all well.

Have a good month.

Mary.


Bridget Williams

DF Community Co-ordinator

RNZAF Base Ohakea

A s well as operational

deployments, Air Force

personnel are called

regularly at short notice to

conduct operations that last for days

and/or weeks at a time. These

operations include providing search

and rescue assistance,

humanitarian support, transporting

valuable cargo and passengers,

undertaking surveillance and

providing peace keeping.

Regular, short stints away can be

just as unsettling for partners and

children as when their uniformed

partners are away for longer

planned periods. There is always

the possibility that family plans and

activities may change overnight

following a simple phone call.

How can you support yourself/your

family at home?

Your uniformed partners aren’t also

great at ensuring that their bases/

camps know they have left partners

and/or families behind. Before they

go, ask them if they have filled in the

appropriate support forms and

provided their unit point of contact

with your details and any special

needs or additional challenges that

you and/or your family may have.

If you have children, make sure you

have prepared for being on your

own by organising some familiar and

trustworthy babysitters to call on and

book yourself a night a week or a

fortnight for some ‘you’ time.

Keep regular contact with friends

and family.

Accept invites to social events. Be

proactive about ways to network and

to keep busy.

Join social networks such as

Facebook pages for military

dependents.

Go to coffee and/or playgroups.

Take up a night class.

Volunteer for a charitable

organisation or to assist with social

activities on your partner’s camp or

base.

Start an exercise program

Initiate a website/blog on a topic you

feel passionate about.

Start a business online or offline.

Learn a new hobby or skill, or be

mega brave and initiate a social or

hobby group of your own where you

may have some skills that you would

be keen to teach and share with

others.

What support is available to

dependents from their partners’

bases, camps and ships?

There are a number of support

people within NZDF who provide

support to uniformed people and/or

their families during deployment

such as Deployment Services

Officers, Unit Points of Contact,

Community Services Officers,

Defence Community Coordinators,

Social Workers, Family Liaison

Officers, Naval Community

Organisation and Chaplains. If you

are not already aware of who they

are or how to contact them, ask your

partner to introduce you.

An excellent online resource

provided by NZDF is the website

Home Base http://homebase.mil.nz/

default.htm

Homebase provides information

such as online resources, overseas

operations, feature stories and the

deployment support network.

What support is available at your

fingertips?

There are numerous free national

helplines available that provide free

online and phone support such as:

www.parenthelp.org.nz – helps

parents with parenting challenges.

www.kidsline.org.nz – aimed at

children up to 14 years of age who

are feeling sad, lost, lonely or angry.

It is run by specially trained youth

volunteers.

www.sparx.org.nz – helps young

people aged around 12-19 years old

who are feeling anxious or stressed.

www.anxiety.org.nz – provides

support to people suffering from

anxiety and panic attacks.

The key to becoming a contributing

member of your community is to be

proactive and to remember that

everyone has been in your position

at one time or another.

Go well and google

‘HOME ALONE’ FROM AN AIR FORCE PERSPECTIVE

http://www.anxiety.org.nz


The deadline for contributions and personal messages for The Bugle is the first Wednesday of each

month (the next edition deadline is 3 August at 4.00pm). Please note: All Bugle messages are to

be sent to Carol Voyce, DSO Burnham (email: [email protected])

From In-Theatre

PERSONAL MESSAGES

From Home

Hi Babes Another month done, time is flying by at the moment and not long now before I am home on leave to spend some quality time with you. Love Robs xxx Hi Tiger Pants Hope your enjoying being the man of the house while I am away, can’t wait to see you when I come home. You will have to look at some things we can do – but not mine craft LOL. Love dad xxx Hi Pops and Irene Shame I couldn’t come over in July but looking forward to seeing you both in September. Hope you enjoy your new toy. Love Rob xx Hello Suz, Pete, Charlie and Mindy Just thinking of you all packing up for your winter escape. Have a great time. It will be fun for you. Enjoy the sun and surf and the cocktails. Have a lazy time and come home safely. Missing you all and always thinking of you. Cheers. KK. Anniversary wishes Gran and Pop Enjoy your celebrations on your 50th anniversary. Sorry to miss the occasion but thinking of you both on your special day. Love you heaps. Your number one grandson xx Hi Gorgeous Thanks for the parcel. Absolutely loved all the photos of everyone. Great to see your smiling faces. The life of the biscuits were short lived but I anticipate more in the months ahead! Right? All going well here and enjoying the experience. Love to you all. Keep warm. Mr S xxx

Hi Rob We are all missing you but keeping busy and looking forward to the holidays. Granny and Pop are coming to visit in July. Looking forward to it. Hope our parcels have arrived and you enjoy the contents. Love from us all, Hilary, Harriet, Ben and Evie xxx Hi Dad Guess what – you might be very pleased with my school report. Mum is going to copy it and send it over. I am thinking you will want to buy me some treat or reward. Just a hint. We all miss you and love it when skype time comes around. Sport is going well and it looks like we might make the netball finals. Can’t wait. Be careful Dad. Lots of love, Harriet. Xxx It’s Ben here Dad I hope you see my message. Soccer was good and I got player of the day last week. I have some vouchers to spend so Mum says we can use them in the holidays. Jerry came to play after school yesterday. He climbed so high in the walnut tree. Mum was a bit worried that he might fall out. We took the bikes over the track and did some great spin outs and got covered in mud. Mum wasn’t too pleased about that either. I might go to Jerry’s place after soccer on Saturday. His Mum is going to take us to the movies. Cool eh? I am getting the wood in each day Dad and helping with the chores you left on the list. I miss you. Love from Ben Daddy I have a new pink ballerina dress and a silver crown. I will show you when you ring the computer next time. I love you Daddy. Love from Evie xxxx

Aunty M I got a sister. She arrived on June 23rd and her name is Matilda. She is kind of small with funny eyes and her ears look strange. I am not sure why she needs all the attention but she gets it most of the day and they always seem to be fussing over her. Granny says I am lucky to have a sister but I am still thinking about that. Granny said that I am very special too and that I will get used to the little one soon. She is quite noisy you know. I can’t wait for you to be able to come and visit us and see me. You are my special friend. Lots of Love from BRV. Hey Babe Happy Anniversary for the 19th. Sending all my love your way and will be waiting at the front door for the courier to deliver my Roses. Hint hint – still time to organise. Love you so much. Always thinking of you. Pinkie xxx Happy Birthday DD Have a great day on the 20th. We will party here for you. Lots of love, Sis xxx DD Happy birthday young man. We hope there is a cake and a celebration. Love Nana and Grandad xx DD Enjoy your birthday. We will be thinking of you. Hope the parcel arrives safely. Look forward to the celebrations on your return. Love Mum, Dad, Ash, Mick and Floss. Dad I made the great escape. Over the fence, down the road and off on an adventure. Then some man came in a van and took me to this weird place with concrete walls and high gates. Finally Mum arrived and she wasn’t looking too happy. She had to give the man some money or I


PERSONAL MESSAGES CONT’D...

Books For Loan We have a small library of books available for loan to help you or your loved one manage deployments. Let

us know if you would like to borrow one.

Author: Beth Andrews

Military families face stressful times that are unique to the military

lifestyle. One of the most challenging situations, both for children and

for parents, is when a parent or a sibling is deployed and must be away

from the home. The sadness, anger, fear, anxiety, and loneliness these

children experience are emotions they often do not understand or know

how to express. I Miss You! Is designed to help both children and their

parents or adult caregivers during such difficult times.

Author: Megan Egerton-Graham

This book was created to support family members through any and all

extended absences of a significant member of your family. All of the tips and

suggestions have been tried and/or tested either by our family or other

families experiencing absences. The intent of the book is to make the absence

easier and give your family the tools to thrive during your/their absence.

Also available in the “While you were Away” series:

Journal for Teens

Journal for Military Families

Journal for Kids

wasn’t allowed to go home. I am lying low at the moment and contemplating if it’s worth another go. Still getting plenty of fuss and some great bones, so this just might be the place I should stay. Be careful over there Master. Jed x Hi Dad I hope you liked the photos Mummy sent. I have been such a good boy. I am growing fast and full of smiles. I can clap my hands now and I just could be on the move soon. That will keep everyone busy. I miss you lots and can’t wait until you come home. Lots of love from Freddie.

Messages to and from deployment

locations are a great way to remember special occasions like

birthdays, anniversaries or significant milestones, whatever they

may be, or even acknowledge achievements of family members.

So think about sending a message

via the Bugle in the August edition—deadline Wednesday 3 August to

Carol or Janine.


WHAT’S ON IN ….

LINTON AND BURNHAM

You are invited to …

Join us for Dinner

Carol and Janine invite you to join us for dinner in either Burnham or Linton Military Camps where you are offered a night off cooking and doing the dishes! Bring your Family. Wherever you are in your deployment journey, we look forward to the opportunity to host you.

DATE: Wednesday 27 July 2016

TIME: 5.45pm

VENUE: Burnham: B Block Mess, Burnham Military Camp Linton: JRs Mess, Linton Military Camp We will need to confirm catering numbers, so request RSVPs of adults and children attending by Monday 18 July:

Carol Voyce (Burnham) Janine Burton (Linton) 0800 337 569 or 03 363 0421 0800 683 77 327 or 06 351 9399 Call or text 027 449 7565 Call or text 021 649 903 [email protected] [email protected] We look forward to seeing many of you there.

TRENTHAM

Trentham Camp Coffee & Playgroup

This group is held in the Clock Tower Community Lounge, every Tuesday morning from 9:45am to 11.30am. Playgroup is a relaxed environment for people to meet and children to play. Cuppa and biscuits included. All welcome. (NZDF at home parents/caregivers and pre-schoolers (or prospective parents) very welcome). If you don’t have a Trentham Camp pass, come into camp, give me a call or email me for details on how to get one. Ruth Murray: 04 527 5028 or [email protected].

Ukulele Classes

Mondays 12.15pm to 1.00pm. Beginners to Advanced are welcome. The Instructor is Gary. Ukuleles available to borrow. It’s Free and you can join at any time. Please register via email to [email protected].

Heartfulness Meditation

In the Clock Tower every Thursday from 12.30pm to 1.00pm in the Community Lounge. All welcome.

mailto:[email protected]



BURNHAM

Thursday 14 July

Burnham Community Rooms

10.00am to 1.00pm

No booking required

Over 80000 LEGO pieces to build with.. Specialised areas including tree building, car race track ramp and remote controlled LEGO vehicles to race.

$2 per child—cash only payable on the day.

Parents MUST actively supervise their own children.

Parents please be aware of the hazard of choking.

DUPLO area will be available for the Under 4s. This event has been organised by Selwyn Parenting Network Inc. Check out www.spn.org.nz

WHAT’S ON IN ….

Chick Night @ the Flicks—July date TBC

Register interest with Lynne Price [email protected]


WHAT’S ON IN ….

LINTON

2016 ARMY LEAVE CENTRES

LABOUR WEEKEND and CHRISTMAS BALLOTS NOW OPEN

The 2016 Labour Weekend and Xmas ballots are now open for entry to current army personnel. Please do not enter the ballot unless you are fully committed to going to the Leave Centre if your entry is successful. The following closure and draw dates apply to these 2016 ballots: LABOUR WEEKEND (21-24 Oct, 3 nights) Closes 4.30pm Thursday 1st September - Drawn Friday 2nd September CHRISTMAS 2016/17 (23 Dec 16 - 6 Jan 17, 2 x weeks) Closes 4.30pm Thursday 22nd September - Drawn Friday 23rd September

CHRISTMAS WEEK ONE - Arrive Fri 23 Dec 2016 - Depart Fri 30 Dec 2016, 7 nights

CHRISTMAS WEEK TWO - Arrive Fri 30 Dec 2016 - Depart Fri 6 Jan 2017, 7 nights Any bookings outside the Christmas ballot period 23 Dec 2016 to 6 Jan 2017 can be made online in the usual manner by the service person.

http://org/l-ags/Lists/Announcements/DispForm.aspx?ID=590

http://org/l-ags/Lists/Announcements/DispForm.aspx?ID=590


HELPING CHILDREN WITH DEPLOYMENT

Deployments are a fact of life for New Zealand Defence Force families. Children will all react to the separation in different ways. The following are some tips to assist parents.

STRATEGIES for

Source: www.army.hawaii.com (abridged)

Remember that you are the “expert” on your

child. You know what is normal behaviour for

him/her and will be the best one to notice

when things are out of sync.

Reassure your children often that they are

loved by those at home and by their deployed

parent. Give lots of hugs.

As appropriate, be honest with your children.

Trying to hide things from them will only lead

them to imagine the situation is much worse

than it really is.

Understand your child’s level of development.

Know what is normal behaviour for your child’s

age. Be aware of changes and seek

assistance early.

Listen to your children and help to clear up

any misunderstandings they may have. Be

with your child when watching/reading news

so you can answer questions. In times of

crisis, limit their exposure to media so that it

does not increase their anxiety.

Expect regression, changes, and stress due to

separation.

Talk about your child’s feelings and allow him

or her to do the same. Accept those feelings

even though they may be very different from

your own.

Encourage your children to talk. Let them

share options, suggestions, and solutions for

problems. Encourage them to express anger

verbally, not physically.

Provide additional adult relationships for your

children, which may include grandparents,

neighbours, friends, teachers, religious

leaders, coaches, scout leaders, etc.

Inform your child’s teachers/guidance

counsellors about the deployment so they are

better able to provide assistance to the child if

necessary.

Remember, a picture is worth a thousand

words. Children learn their coping skills from

those around them. How well you cope with

the deployment will have a significant

influence on how your children will react.

Take care of yourself. You need to eat well.

Get sufficient rest and exercise, and spend

time doing things you enjoy. If you don’t take

care of yourself, you won’t be able to care for

your children.

Let’s look for the positives!

Many parents worry about the negative impact of

deployments on children. However, deployments

offer many positive growth opportunities. Several

psycholgical studies show that despite the distress

during separation significant developmental gains

are made by many children. Some positive aspects

of separation include:

Fosters maturity: Military children encounter more

situations and have broader and more varied

experiences than children from non-military families.

Induces growth: Military children learn more abut

the world and how to function within a community at

an earlier age. Taking on additional responsibilities

in a parent’s absence provides a chance to develop

new skills and develop hidden interests and abilities.

Encourages Independence: Military children tend

to be more resourceful and self-starters. Prepares

for separations. In a life-style filled with greetings

and farewells from deployments and relocations,

help for future farewells and building new

friendships.

Strengthens family bonds: Military families make

emotional adjustments during a separation which

often lead them to discover new sources of strength

and support among themselves. A major function of

family readiness is assuring that the family is aware

of all support services available to them and how to

access these services. It is imperative that the

Reserve family realise that they are not alone and,

chances are, whatever problem or situation they

encounter has been addressed before.


The iNewsletter (THE BUGLE SUPPLEMENT) ISSUE 16, JULY 2016

Hawkes Bay Support Dinner Friday 29th July

Our loved ones are away, so-far-so-good But needless to say I think we should

Gather together, discuss and show Not only the weather, but all we know On how we are doing, along these days Weather it’s shopping or living in a daze

So now its time -certainly by heck A bottle of wine, we should ‘neck’!

Please join us at the Taradale RSA, Gloucester Street, Taradale From 6.00pm, Buffet Dinner $25 each. We look forward to joining you there.

Please RSVP to Bronwyn, [email protected] Or phone (06) 839 5817 before Wednesday 27th July.

iMessages from Abroad

Adam Hi buddy! Hope you have a great birthday, and that you like the present I got you – I think you should let me have it cos it’s pretty cool! I’m counting on you to protect my room from Mum’s sewing crap taking it over. Love you (and Olivia) Doo BunnySnuggle Snuggle the Furbee’s for Daddy and tell them I love them and you very

very much . Daddy is a month plus in and misses you all. Love Daddy Bearz

iMessages from Home

Dearest Daddy-Cat Me, Boo and the 2-legged Tiger

Prawn say Purr Purr. We miss your

lap a lot. Mummy doesn’t sit still! I

have your spot on the bed, yay! I tell

Mummy all about my day every day.

What is FastPost? Cos she says Im

getting it to come to you if I don’t

pipe down!…Anyway, I am sending

you some fur from all us, in case you

miss it on your stuff! Love you

Daddy, the Illumipurrti xxx

Thinking of you everyday Marki, not long now until you get a break and get to see Kesh. I'll send you another goody package soon. Love you lots. Mumma xx Hi Marki Great to be able to drop you a line, be it ever so brief. Sending you a few of your favourite cookies soon, hope you enjoy. Pop is managing pretty well with blood transfusions and we loved having the Captain

and family for a visit recently to gee us up. The ankle biters are growing like mushrooms as you have no doubt seen on the cloud. Buildings North and South are well on the way, helped by the fine weather we've been having. We are so lucky to live here in Paradise, looking forward to your return and a noggin or two in the near future. Love and thoughts always, Nan and K. xoxo Hi Doo! We hope you are safe, and not getting sunburned. We think about you all the time, and talk about you too – Mum can be SOOOOO rude! In the first weekend of July we put up the Xmas tree, so we can have a midwinter Xmas – and school holidays are nearly here – YAAAAY! Love you to the moon and back – Chicken and Dip.

Readers – please note that there is no supplement for this issue of The Bugle. Due to a number of factors, correspondence from this mission is unavailable to meet current deadlines. Please be assured that all are safe and well and working hard to meet the demands of the mission. We hope to have the latest in news for the next edition.



P reparing for deployment is stressful for both service

personnel and their families. The days leading up

to departure can be very difficult, knowing that time

with your loved one is limited. How do you prioritise

what you need to do? Have you taken everything into

account – usually the large stuff is easy to recognise, but it is

the small stuff that often trips us up.

Once our deploying loved one has departed, there is a whole raft of emotions that we

may experience; relief that they have finally left (and guilt that we feel that way),

certainly a sense of loss. These are all very normal reactions. In addition to the

unpleasant feeling, there are also short and long term health consequences of being

under stress; we need to remember to eat properly, get sufficient sleep and exercise.

In all aspects of our lives, it is important to recognise and manage stress.

As part of our pre-deployment briefs to families, the topic of stress and its

management is discussed by one of the team of field psychologists. The Emotional

Cycle of Deployment experienced by both the deploying person and their family

members is broken down into seven stages and is described in detail in one of the

resources we have available:

Developing Baseline: Building Resilience

A guide for Personnel on Operational Deployment and their Families

This resource is based on sound research and while it may not be something we think

about or seriously consider pre-departure, once our loved one has left, we have more

time to reflect on where we are at.

Copies of this resource are available from your DSOs – see inside front cover of

The Bugle for contact information.

Building Resilience

issue 223 | july 2016

Documents