STU GILBERT –
sending out the SOS From a terrorist attack to a pandemic, unorthodox threats have impacted on ANZAC Day over recent years but we will remember them, regardless of where or how we do so. Recently, JON RAWLINSON caught up with one of New Zealand’s veterans to whom ‘we the many’ owe so much.
are transferable – one of the main roles of any military is to protect assets and especially people,” says Stu. “As shown many times, when personnel have been involved with disasters – such as the Christchurch earthquakes – our military resources are called on in other vital ways.”
It may not appear to be an installation of strategic importance but, located down a quiet street in an average suburban Howick home, is the HQ of SOS Survival Training – an organisation run by RNZAF (Royal New Zealand Air Force) veteran, Stu Gilbert. Should this year’s Howick ANZAC parade and service go ahead, Stu hopes to honour his fellow servicemen, past and present at Stockade Hill. However, he’s in no rush to join the march. “ANZAC Day offers the perfect opportunity for people to reflect on how others have risked or given their lives for their country but, as a serviceman, we think about that every day. I’m not stuck on being at the dawn service each year but, if I can make an appearance at a service, I’ll definitely do so,” the former Flight Sergeant says. “I don’t march with the old soldiers, not yet anyway, I’d rather let them have their time in the limelight
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Originally from Christchurch, Stu followed his father and brother into the Air Force after leaving school. He worked as a PT (Physical Training) instructor – he laughs at the suggestion that must mean he’s always had a longing to be hated! because, considering what they went through, they bloody well earned it!” Veterans of the World Wars have definitely earned the right to march; but as their own ‘last posts’ have been played, plenty more veterans have been closing ranks to take their place. In Malaysia to Korea, Vietnam, East Timor and
Afghanistan (to name a few), NZDF (New Zealand Defence Force) personnel have served worldwide. In fact, right now, our military is on the frontline of one of the most devastating conflicts in history.
In the early 2000’s, Stu served two tours in East Timor as part of New Zealand’s peacekeeping duties. He was awarded commendations for his exemplary service.
“The [NZDF] wasn’t intended to be deployed in roles at MIQ [Managed Isolation and Quarantine] facilities but it makes sense as the skill-sets
“My role over there was ‘behind the wire’ (camp) security and as a PT instructor, ensuring our guys were fighting fit. I didn’t have bullets www.eastlife.co.nz
