Graham Gibson

Details of Service History

• Enlisted in the New Zealand Army in Jan 1968, as a Regular Force Cadet (Waiouru).
• On graduating in December 1968, I was posted as an infantry Instructor (RNZIR) to NSTU Burnham.
• Posted to Singapore in May 1970.
• In May 1971 posted on Active Service to Vietnam with 4RAR/NZ ANZAC Battalion (Victor 6).
• PMC (External) INL/US DOS Security Contractor Afghanistan November 2005/06 and Iraq 2006/07.

RNZRSA Involvement

• Member of the Auckland RSA for over 23 years
• Executive Committee for the past 20 years. Have held the position of Vice President for 3 years and President for the past 11 years.
• Currently Auckland District RSAs President for 3 years and member of the RNZRSA Forum.
• A supporter/fundraiser for the Auckland District Women’s Sections.
• Strong advocate for Veterans support and Veterans issues.
• As Rodney Hide’s special advisor I was instrumental in advocating with the then Prime Minister Helen Clark to ensure that veterans service since WW2 was recognised by the NZ Operational Service Medal (NZOSM).

Community Service

• Vice Chairman - Fields of Remembrance Trust WW1 (2014-2018) Commemoration/(White Crosses Project)
• National Vice President of the New Zealand Vietnam Veterans Assn.
• Trustee – New Zealand Vietnam Veterans and Families Trust.

Vision for RSA Going Forward

• Strong Welfare/Support and Advocacy for our veterans, their families and dependents.
• Transparency - openness and honesty with our membership organisations.
• Strong representation to Government, VANZ, and other Government agencies to improve benefits to veterans and their families.
• Focusing on fixing issues with National Office, Board, and Presidents Forum to ensure these groups are working in collaboration for the benefit of all members of the RSA community.