Former NZ Army soldier killed working in Iraq - Audio

Life is all about choices and consequences. It isn't for anyone to understand what choices Dip did or didn't decide to make. A lot of people automatically think that these contracts are taken purely for the money...for some it is, for some it isn't, maybe a mixture of a few things. For some it's in their blood, true warriors. I know Dip lived and died with no regrets. He is in a better place than we are at the moment.

I served with Dip in 9pl C then W coy 1RNZIR, he was an awesome person, my condolesences to the whanau, rest in peace Bro.

An additional comment. I've visited the New Zealand soldiers' graves in Crete. It was a moving experience, as more than 400 Kiwis are buried there far from home. I recognise their sacrifice,and we all must work to make sure that catalysmic events like world wars never happen again.

I hear what you are saying Serra, but Iraq unfortunately has become a dangerous quagmire, and I think the biggest contribution NZ's armed forces can make is that of peacekeepers, and not fighting in other people's stupid wars that don't even affect us.(Remember the war in Iraq was started for what turned out to be false reasons). Whatever happens in Iraq is not going to make a blind bit of difference in the world, it is not going to make the world a better place, unfortunately.

these were darryl's thoughts, quoted from his page............................"It's the Soldier, not the reporter, who has given us the freedom of the press.
It's the Soldier, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech.
It's the Soldier, not the politicians, that ensures our right
to Life, Freedom and the Pursuit of Happiness.
It's the Soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag.
If you care to offer the smallest token of recognition and appreciation for our Armed Forces Men & Women, please pass this on and pray for our men and women who have served and are currently serving our countries and pray for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
THESE COLOURS DON'T RUN
If you can read this - then thank a Primary School Teacher!
If you are reading this in English then thank the ANZACs"........RIP BIG DIPZ

Michael - valid point on the big money - big danger comment - it is all about conducting a risk analysis and making appropriate decisions. Regarding teh extra 5 years though - unlike many of us, Dip joined after the old Super rules changed - he wasn't on the old GSF. Under the Super he was on, he would have rx a good payout anyhow, then went on to chase the bigger bucks. Thoughts are with the family - Dip may you Rest Peacefully. Onward.

Michael, I don't agree with your views usually but this time I do. It is unfortunate that Darryl made the decision to go to Iraq to work in private security. The place is unstable and dangerous and his death is a tragic reminder of that danger. It should be a warning for all other New Zealanders serving in the same capacity to come home. The money is not worth it. My condolences to Darryl's family.

Why all the good people that help to make changes in a world that is so unstable and to be taken away.god bless you Darryl.may u rest in peace.

this man was spectacular. one of a kind. the choice he made was for his family. respect it.

I know its 'news' to the rest of the country but to those of us who are waiting to pay our respects and condolences when Darryl arrives home, its extremely distressing to see a photo on tv before we've had a chance to see them. Was any consideration given to us and how we would feel to see that tonight? All our love to the whanau, in our hearts and thoughts daily.