Being the ’rock’ that military families call on for support earned Carol Voyce of Christchurch the New Zealand Defence Force Person of the Year award.
Carol is a civilian member of the Defence Force who, as a Deployment Service Officer at Burnham Military Camp, provides support services to deployed personnel and their families.
Peace of mind for families here and their deployed ones overseas is key to successfully managing a deployment, and since 2001 Carol, a registered nurse, has promoted and changed the face of deployment support services.
The opportunity to meet with families and provide up-to-date quality information is one of the many roles Carol undertakes. Carol also offers assurances and a listening ear when the going gets tough.
“Every day I feel privileged to share a little of the lives of our families and service personnel separated by deployments,” says Carol. “I admire their courage, resilience and sacrifices in their endeavours to contribute towards a world at peace.”
The Defence Force Person of the Year is a new award developed to celebrate the Defence Force values of courage, comradeship, commitment and integrity and to recognise and honour someone who has stood out in their commitment to these values.
As winner, Carol received a trophy and a special study prize, which can be used in an area of professional development of her choosing.
The Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae, presented Carol with the award at a special ceremony at the end of 2009, said: “I personally cannot think of a more deserving winner. It’s no surprise to me that Carol was nominated by three separate parts of the organisation – reflective of the quality of service she brings to her work, which touches the lives of many.”