Why is Willie apiata a hero?

In 2007 Willie Apiata, of the NZ Army’s elite SAS unit, was awarded the Victoria Cross for carrying a wounded soldier to safety while under fire in Afghanistan.

Why is Willie apiata important?

Bill (Willie) Apiata VC is the first, and so far only, recipient of the Victoria Cross for New Zealand, which was instituted in 1999 to replace the British Victoria Cross. He earned the award for rescuing a wounded comrade under fire in Afghanistan in 2004.

Is Willie apiata a Sir?

Apiata has donated all of his medals, including his VC, to New Zealand. In 2008 he succeeded Sir Edmund Hillary as the “most trusted New Zealander”….

Willie Apiata
Years of service	1989–2012
Rank	Corporal
Service number	M181550
Unit	6th Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment New Zealand Special Air Service

What does Willie apiata do now?

Willie Apiata has moved on from his job helping at-risk youth – and is now being handled by Richie McCaw’s management team. New Zealand’s only living Victoria Cross recipient had left the Defence Force to take up a role at Papakura’s High Wire Charitable Trust.

What does the NZ SAS do?

NZSAS Regiment has four main roles: Support and Influence – organise, train and advise host nation military and para-military forces to maintain internal security. Also provide assistance to other New Zealand government agencies in the conduct of national strategic operations.

When did Willie Apiata receive the Victoria Cross?

2007
Corporal Willie Apiata, of the New Zealand Special Air Service (SAS), received the Victoria Cross in 2007 for bravery under fire while serving in Afghanistan. In 2004 Apiata had rescued a wounded comrade during a night attack on his patrol.

Why did Willie Apiata get the Victoria Cross?

Corporal Apiata was awarded the VC for his actions in Afghanistan in 2004 in saving the life of a comrade while under heavy fire from opposing forces. “Willie Apiata earned the Victoria Cross for his courage and selflessness in putting his own life at severe risk to save the life of his comrade,” Phil Goff said.

Why did Willie Apiata leave the military?

Prime Minister John Key today revealed Apiata was leaving the Special Air Service to work for the youth charity High Wire Trust. In a statement, Apiata confirmed his departure, saying he was leaving ”to pursue my goals and to grow with my family”. IN ACTION: Corporal Willie Apiata during combat in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Is NZSAS any good?

Like its British and Australian cousins, the NZSAS primarily specializes in direct action, special reconnaissance, counterterrorism, and hostage rescue missions. Additionally, the NZSAS has a great combat-tracking reputation that goes back to the Malayan Emergency and the Vietnam War.

How much do NZSAS get paid?

between $39,000 and $93,000 a year
The base rate of salary for Special Air Services personnel is between $39,000 and $93,000 a year, but when the operational deployment allowance and the other benefits they get are taken into account, those figures translate to between $80,000 and $140,000 a year as their total remuneration package—based on last year’s …

Who is Willie apiata married to?

Sade WaikatoWillie Apiata / Spouse

What is Victorian Cross?

The Victoria Cross is the pre-eminent award for acts of bravery in wartime and Australia’s highest military honour. It is awarded to persons who, in the presence of the enemy, display the most conspicuous gallantry; a daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice; or extreme devotion to duty.

What rank is JTF2?

JTF 2 is headquartered in Dwyer Hill, Ottawa (Ontario), and is commanded by a Brigadier General (OF-6); although the rank of the commander has varied between Lieutenant Colonel (OF-4) and Brigadier General (OF-6).