Warrant Officer Class Two Denis Wanihi. Photo / Supplied
Warrant Officer Class Two Denis Wanihi. Photo / Supplied
Warrant Officer Class Two Denis Wanihi started August 28, 2010, as he often did in Afghanistan, putting himself in danger by helping to neutralise a deadly device strapped to a vehicle in a high-density housing area.
His next mission was equally as dangerous, helping to recover and dismantle 12 suicidevests worn by insurgents who had just been killed.
During his tour, the 42-year-old father of three served in a supervisory role with a multi-national team dealing with improvised explosive devices (IED) and explosive ordnance devices.
Today, his bravery is being acknowledged with the New Zealand Gallantry Medal, which he says has come as a bit of a shock.
"I'm honoured to be the recipient of this award," he said. "Many of the missions I was involved in have been part of the role ever since the first NZ soldier fulfilled the position. I believe all I did was continue [their] good work."
According to the award citation, he processed and shipped evidence for over 259 IED incidents and participated in more than 30 focused targeting force operations while in Afghanistan, working very long hours after his American partner was withdrawn.
He said many people, including family and colleagues, had made sacrifices for him to be deployed and he wanted to thank them.
