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Parliament, Governor-General pay tribute to Lt O'Donnell

Parliament has paid tribute to army Lieutenant Tim O'Donnell, killed in Afghanistan.Acting Prime Minister Gerry Brownlee introduced a motion, adopted unanimously, reading: "That this House express its deepest sympathy and condolence to the family, fr

NZPA
Wed, 04 Aug 2010

Parliament has paid tribute to army Lieutenant Tim O'Donnell, killed in Afghanistan.

Acting Prime Minister Gerry Brownlee introduced a motion, adopted unanimously, reading: "That this House express its deepest sympathy and condolence to the family, friends and military colleagues of the New Zealand Army soldier killed in Afghanistan overnight and his two injured colleagues."

Mr Brownlee read Lt O'Donnell's service record and said his death was a stark reminder of the extreme risks New Zealand's military personnel faced every day.

"Those who serve so bravely for us in Afghanistan are people we can all be immensely proud of," Mr Brownlee said.

"We are not immune to the terrorist attacks that have been planned from Afghanistan for so long."

Labour Party leader Phil Goff said Lt O'Donnell's death was a huge tragedy for his family and colleagues.

"This is certainly not the time to talk politics about New Zealand's ongoing involvement in Afghanistan," he said.

"It is a time solely for the mourning of the life of a young soldier who served in the New Zealand Defence Force with distinction, and died for his country."

Green Party co-leader Metiria Turei said Lt O'Donnell was a brave young man.

"We in the Greens offer our gratitude to the members of the New Zealand armed forces serving abroad in these theatres," she said.

ACT leader Rodney Hide said New Zealand had lost a true hero in the most tragic circumstances.

"Our soldiers are doing a job that few have the courage to do," he said.

"They deal with the darkest, most savage elements of the modern world and they do it with professionalism and pride."

Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples, speaking in Maori, said Lt O'Donnell was a young man whose military career still had a long way to go.

"We express our condolences to his family and his colleagues ... it was a difficult mission and I farewell a great soldier," Dr Sharples said.

Progressive Party leader Jim Anderton and United Future leader Peter Dunne also paid tribute to Lt O'Donnell and expressed condolences to his family.

Governor-General Anand Satyanand said Lt O'Donnell served the NZDF with the utmost distinction, and recalled presenting him with the Distinguished Service Decoration in April 2008.

"While defence personnel are often called upon to serve in life-threatening circumstances, the tragic death of Lt O'Donnell – the first New Zealander to be killed in Afghanistan – is a loss that will be deeply felt by all New Zealanders," he said.

NZPA
Wed, 04 Aug 2010
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Parliament, Governor-General pay tribute to Lt O'Donnell
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