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Medal Ceremony for Solomon's Soldiers
19 June 2007
The Minister of Defence, Phil Goff presented recently returned members of the Army, Navy, and Air force with the New Zealand General Service Medal (Solomon Islands), at HMNZS Pegasus on Saturday 9th June. The Minister congratulated the recipients on the recognition of their service, and said how proud he was to be able to present the medals personally. As he was presenting the medals he made a point of stopping and talking to many of those taking part in the parade to thank them personally, and discuss their experiences in Solomon Islands.
The deployment as part of Op RAMSI, was significant in that it was the first since World War One to be lead and predominantly manned by Territorial Force (TF) soldiers.
In addition to TF soldiers, the deployment was supplemented with Regular Force Army, Navy, and Air force personnel. Sgt Nathaniel Goza from the Air force, who was the S6 for this rotation, responsible for the communications and computing systems, flew down especially to be part of the same medal presentation as those he deployed with. Sgt Goza, who has previously deployed to both East Timor and Afghanistan, described the deployment as “One of the best I've done, the Army really push the comradeship and teamwork, and everyone really draws together like a family.”
Captain Grant Palmer, the deployment’s liaison officer said it was great to have the Minister of Defence attend their medal presentation. “It shows the importance of the operation to the Government.” He described the contingent as being held in high regard in theatre, and felt that it was great to know that a difference was made to the community in the Solomon's. Capt Palmer and his family travelled from Blenheim for the presentation, with the deployment drawing its soldiers from units all over the South Island.
This page was last reviewed on 29 June 2007 and is current.
