BOMBING WEEK - Royal New Zealand Air Force

In last month’s Air Force News we reported that New Zealand’s
contribution of 26 Defence Force personnel to the Sinai Multinational
Force and Observers (MFO) has been extended for two years until
April 2008.
We asked SQNLDR Severn Smith, currently on deployment in
Sinai, to briefl y describe his job, his responsibilities and his working
conditions.
SQNLDR Smith says his job as a Field Force Liaison offi cer ‘is to liaise
between the MFO and Egyptian and Israeli organisations to ensure
disputes and problems are settled. At times it can be frustrating but
overall we have an excellent relationship with both countries and
Kiwis have a good reputation.’
At present the weather is similar to a typical New Zealand summer
day although it can get as cold as 6-80 GOOD WORK IN SINAI
C at night. The food, he says, is
excellent with many choices including fi sh, meat, salads and desserts.
He lives in a small house with the CO and another offi cer. The Base
is called North Camp and is in the Northern Sinai, Egypt, about 20
kilometres from the Mediterranean Sea coast and a similar distance
from the Israeli/Gaza border. As a Liaison Offi cer he works with other
Eight Air Force personnel were presented with parchments and medals by
the Chief of Air Force AVM John Hamilton at a ceremony at Wellington’s
Air Staff on 1 March.
FLTLT P.W. Smillie was appointed an Offi cer of the RNZAF on 24
June 2005 and was awarded his commissioning parchment effective
from that date.
W/O D.B. Bosher was presented with his Warrant Offi cer parchment
with effect from 18 July 2005.
SQNLDR D.J. Forrest was presented with the Clasp to the New
Zealand Armed Forces Award with effect from January 2005.
The New Zealand Armed Forces Award was presented to WGCDR D.J.
Yorkston for his completion of 15 years service in the New Zealand Armed
Forces. WGCDR Yorkston was also presented with the NZ General
Service Medal (Afghanistan) Secondary* for his deployment as SNO.
SQNLDR G.J. Burroughs received his NZGSM (Afghanistan)
Secondary for his deployment as Detachment Commander between June
to December 2005.
F/S R.S. Dawson received his NZGSM (Afghanistan) Secondary for
his deployment as 2 I/C Detachment Commander between June to
December 2005.
SQNLDR R.G. Chambers received his NZGSM (East Timor) for his
deployment as G4 Offi cer over June to December 2005.
* The ‘primary’ operational area is within the borders of Afghanistan.
The ‘secondary’ operational area includes countries in which forces
participated in the operation.
‘WORKING FOR FAMILIES’
Defence families are amongst the many New
Zealand families that are set to benefi t from
the latest changes under Working for Families,
which will increase income levels for Family
Assistance tax credits. This means up to
85,000 more families in New Zealand will
www.airforce.mil.nz
AFN69, APRIL 06
Offi cers from France, Norway, USA, Canada, Hungary, Columbia and Fiji.
SQNLDR Smith says he gets to travel around the immediate area of
Northern Sinai, especially in the Border Guard Area of operations near
the Gaza Strip. The Rafah area near the Gaza Strip is the most dangerous
and interesting place he visits.
The MFO chief has a high regard for Kiwis and says they ‘are outstanding
ambassadors for their country, their people and their culture. No other
country provides the same cultural performance on national days and
social events as well as parades which are well attended by most
other nations.’
become eligible from 1 April 2006.
Almost all working families earning under
$70,000, many families earning up to $100,000,
and some larger families earning more will qualify
for Family Assistance tax credits from April.
Further information is available on
www.workingforfamilies.govt.nz where
SQNLDR Severn Smith working with locals in North Sinai.
WELLINGTON MEDALS PARADE
GP CAPT John Duxfi eld after receiving a medal for
service in Afghanistan from CDF AM Bruce Ferguson.
At a separate ceremony on 13 March Chief of Defence Force AM
Bruce Ferguson presented GPCAPT John Duxfi eld with a medal for
his service in Afghanistan and GPCAPT Atholl Forrest with a medal
for his service in Bougainville.
F/S Reg Dawson with his sons
Severn (L) and Ashton.
OH 06-0074-28
SQNLDR Robin Chambers
and his wife Marva.
you can also apply online, or you can call
0800 257 477 to fi nd out if you may qualify and
to request an application pack. It helps to have
your IRD number handy when you call.
Working for Families also includes changes
to Childcare Assistance and Accommodation
Supplement. For information: 0800 774 004
WN 06-0116-01
WN 06-0111-02
OH 06-0074-21
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