Army Major dies overseas
A New Zealand Defence Force soldier has died overseas after an off-duty traffic accident.
The Defence Force confirmed Major Aaron Couchman’s death yesterday, saying he had died in Australia while cycling on Saturday morning on the federal highway.
Chief of Army Major General John Boswell said Couchman, 49, was a proud and determined officer. Couchman had been posted to
HQ Joint Operations Command in Canberra at the time of his death.
He had enlisted into the army in 1990, graduating into the Royal NZ Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in
1991.
In 1996, he joined the Royal NZ Army Logistic Regiment.
More recently, he had held senior positions in Waiouru including being the operations officer at the Army Command School. Boswell said Couchman was a proud member of the army and he had continued a strong family history of service to New Zealand. The Manawatu¯ Standard had interviewed Couchman’s family, who are from Feilding, at an Anzac Day service in 2016 due to the family’s strong military ties.
His grandfather, Harry Hickling, had fought at the Western Front in WWI and his father, Stewart Couchman, is a Vietnam War veteran. Stewart Couchman’s father, Alfred Couchman, had fought in Italy and Egypt during WWII.
Boswell said Aaron Couchman embodied drive and professionalism.
‘‘He was one of the oldest soldiers to attend the Aumangea course – testament to his determination, dedication, and drive to rise to a challenge.
‘‘He was a good bloke, a friend and mentor to many, and will be sorely missed by those of us who were fortunate enough to have known him.’’
Boswell said they were now concentrating on bringing a good mate and soldier home.
‘‘My thoughts and full support are with Rachel, Kaitlyn and Brennan, and with Aaron’s friends and colleagues at this difficult time.’’