Making health and wellbeing a priority

Since leaving NZDF, I’ve had to work on my health and wellbeing. Veterans’ Affairs has supported me for a number of years, and helping me stay positive and maintain a healthy body, healthy mind attitude.

I went on my first deployment after one year of training, I was sent into a six-month stint as part of NZ BATT 6 to East Timor.

I was one of the 7,000 NZDF personnel deployed to East Timor (Timor-Leste) between 1999 and 2012. Our aim was to restore peace and security as part of a United Nations-sanctioned multinational operation.

Sean watching a classroom of children that had been evacuated from school.

My company X Ray was based at “The Rock”. A remote site high up the hills. Our task was to protect the southern border between East and West Timor.

We did daily patrols to local villages to ensure security and safety. When part of the United Nations group, we would switch our hats to blue hats. We went on joint patrols with the Australian Defence Force, and we flew in Black Hawk helicopters – which were step up on our Iroquois.

We assisted with reconstruction and humanitarian tasks. This work has stayed with me – being there for the local people. I remember one occasion when we were asked to look after a school full of children. Here I was, not long out of school myself, having to look after a class of children.

My time in East Timor showed me how effective our defence force can be and that our international role is important.

I would like to pay my respects to fellow soldier Leonard Manning who lost his life in Timor. He was very well-respected by his battalion.

During the 6 years I served in Burnham with the 2/1 Infantry Battalion, I learnt a lot of skills and have made lifelong friends.

I’m currently overcoming an injury but once that is sorted, I hope to apply for the Invictus Games. As a former sportsperson and former serviceman, Invictus is my ultimate dream!

I really appreciate all of the Veterans’ Affairs staff who have helped me and got me sorted to have a go at Invictus. I’d like to give a special thank you to my case managers.

If you were in East Timor, and need support, or help with a health condition I need to encourage you to seek support from Veterans’ Affairs.