After Crib 20 departed home in late 2012, I remained on with the final rotation of New Zealand forces in Afghanistan as the second-in-command of Kiwi Team One's infantry patrol (2/1 RNZIR) embedded with NZLAV's (QAMR) through to the conclusion of the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team, and our total withdrawal in early 2013. Task Group Crib 21 was the last rotation of NZ forces to Bamiyan Provence, returning home without loss of life or contact with the enemy.
This video is made to remember all those who served in Afghanistan with the NZPRT over the ten-years of presence in Bamiyan. Despite the tragic loss of friends and comrades in the rotations prior, we endured through to the end and made the most of our winter tour. I didn't want my experience of Afghanistan to remain in my mind as a dark and tragic set of events. After loosing friends and putting my life at risk daily my focus became to enjoy life, and love every moment I had with my team exploring the ancient lands, knowing we would be the last.
I am proud to serve as the President of the Returned and Services Association for the Mackenzie District in Fairlie after fifteen years in the New Zealand Army. It is my intent to remember what we did in that time, and look back with gratitude for those we had the privilege of serving along side.
Credits:
Shapeshifter - Lifetime (Logistics Remix)