⚠️ This episode includes mention of NZDF personnel who have died in the line of duty. Listener discretion advised.
Join SSGT Davey Forbes and SGT Storm Harrison on global deployments as they set the scene for Cyclone Gabrielle.
Davey and Storm were among the first to arrive in Esk Valley before dawn on February 14th. Before sharing their story, they offer some fascinating insights into our defence force. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear first-hand accounts of deployments all over the world as they set the scene for their role as first responders during Cyclone Gabrielle.
In this episode of Under The Weather, Kristin introduces Staff Sergeant Davey Forbes and Sergeant Storm Harrison. Both Hawke’s Bay born and bred, and both now serving as army reservists. Before their time in the Army Reserves (formerly known as The Territorials), they also served in the regular force or ‘RF’. They share their personal and professional journeys, highlighting deployments and other experiences with the New Zealand Defence Force. Davey recounts his varied career, from starting as a mechanic to his work as a physical training instructor and passion for high-performance sports. His memories include a deployment to East Timor, playing rugby in Northern Ireland (a military ‘gap-year’), and his efforts in the rehabilitation and recruitment spaces. Storm shares his path from Napier Boys' High School to basic training to seasoned soldier. He vividly recalls his tours of duty in East Timor, Sinai, and Antarctica, reflecting on the camaraderie and challenges faced. Both Davey and Storm provide a poignant account of their careers, underlined by personal sacrifice, dedication, and service. They drill down intowhat it means to be part of the New Zealand Defence Force. These narratives set the stage for their response to Cyclone Gabrielle.
Te Reo Translations
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Under The Weather
01:35 Meet Staff Sergeant Davey Forbes
02:05 Meet Sergeant Storm Harrison
02:30 1998 -Davey and Storm meet each other
04:30 Davey's Career Journey
06:50 East Timor
09:00 Rugby and high-performance sport
10:20 Rehabilitation
11:45 Reserves and Recruiting
13:15 Storm's Career Journey
14:10 East Timor
20:30 Gallipoli on ANZAC Day
24:40 Sinai/The Iraq War
27:20 Antarctica
28:25 Back in East Timor
29:30 A few good men. (⚠️ NZDF personnel who have been lost in the line of duty)
31:25 Brief conclusion
Join Cyclone Gabrielle Stories on Facebook: facebook.com/cyclonegabriellestoriesproject
Follow Cyclone Gabrielle Stories Project on Instagram: instagram.com/cyclonegabriellestories/