Lightbulb moment for war veteran
Since the Vietnam War, 30,000 people from New Zealand have served in operational deployments around the world.
In her early days in the military, Lieutenant Colonel Melanie Childs didn’t think of herself as a veteran.
‘‘My grandfather fought in World War I, my father-in-law was in Vietnam and in my mind they were veterans.
‘‘Before my first deployment when we were getting briefed, people from Veteran Affairs came to talk to us and it was a bit of a lightbulb moment – I was going to be a veteran.’’
Anzac Day is a poignant day for Childs as it’s a chance to reflect on how New Zealand’s freedom was earned and the sacrifices made for it. ‘‘It’s a time to remember our Anzac soldiers, but personally I don’t think about just them.
‘‘There are plenty of other conflicts or wars that have occurred outside Gallipoli and many of those are modern and I often think about those families that were left behind.’’
Since the Vietnam War, 30,000 people from New Zealand have served in operational deployments around the world.
Childs is the commanding officer of the New Zealand Army’s 2nd Combat Service Support Battalion at Linton Military Camp and was an ambassador this year for the poppy appeal.
She was named the New Zealand Defence Force person of the year in a ceremony at the Air Force Museum in Christchurch in 2017. She was recognised for her work in South Sudan after she took charge of United Nations soldiers and police to lead people through a battle zone to safety.
The poppy appeal this year had a mental health theme – not all wounds bleed – highlighting that battle wounds can be psychological as well as physical.
The appeal, held last week, helps the RSA provide support to current and former service men and women and their families.
She believed the Defence Force still had work to do in relation to mental health, but it was discussed far more.
‘‘I’ve had friends who I know who have put their hands up.
‘‘They put their hand up, they got the help and they have been deployed again.’’