A death serving the country

John Key has announced:

It is with great sadness that Prime Minister John Key has learned of the death of a soldier serving with the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Bamyan, Afghanistan.

The soldier was killed in an attack while he was on patrol.

Another two New Zealand Defence Force personnel and a local interpreter in the patrol were also injured.

“This is New Zealand’s first combat loss in Afghanistan and reinforces the danger faced daily by our forces as they work tirelessly to restore stability to the Province.

“This soldier’s contribution and that of all New Zealand Defence Force personnel should never be underestimated.

“It is with enormous sadness that I acknowledge that this soldier has paid a high price and my thoughts are with his family and the families of the injured.”

My thoughts are also with his friends and family but also all those serving in the military – it is a sad reminder of the risks we rely on our servicemen and women to take.

Hopefully those injured will make full recoveries.