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A New Zealand man killed in Iraq during an attack on the convoy he was guarding knew his job was dangerous but was determined to help Iraqis to rebuild their country.
Steve Gilchrist was a fun, outgoing man who "provided a positive light in every life he touched", his family said yesterday.
The 33-year-old father of three died on Wednesday when his patrol was hit by two improvised explosive devices. He was working for the London-based international security company ArmorGroup.
Mr Gilchrist, originally from the Waikato, had been living in Brisbane since 2001. He served for 13 years in the New Zealand and Australian armies, with operational tours in Bosnia, East Timor and Iraq.
"Steve had always been very professional, loyal and compassionate to all of his work colleagues within the Army and of his team in Iraq," his family said.
"This was a job which he found very, very fulfilling, knowing the risks and dangers associated.
"[He] found a career helping the people of Iraq rebuild their country, something that is not an easy task."
A spokesman for ArmorGroup said yesterday that the company sent Mr Gilchrist to Iraq last year. He was escorting essential cargo when his patrol was attacked.
"He was a very highly trained and experienced professional, who left the Army and progressed in the private security industry where his abilities were much valued and respected," the spokesman said.
"Steven's skills and competence in leadership gave confidence to his subordinates and the civilian drivers whom he escorted."
Mr Gilchrist's Iraqi colleague, Ismael Hammadi, was also killed during the attack.
