Staff Sergeant Tina Grant, DSD for services to the New Zealand Defence Force
Staff Sergeant Tina Grant is the New Zealand Army’s liaison for families that have lost family members whilst in the service of the New Zealand Defence Force, whether it be on operations or in New Zealand.
Staff Sergeant Grant has been a strong advocate for the provision of enduring care by the New Zealand Defence Force for affected families. Following the loss of her husband on operations in 2011 she identified shortcomings in post casualty support and duty of care by the Army and wider Defence Force. She identified a range of practical services typical of what affected parties could be required to navigate through in times of grief, loss and trauma, and identified simple processes and solutions. In 2012 she was appointed to the newly created function of Army Liaison Officer and primary point of contact for all Army families that have lost family members whilst in service. She has developed her role further by also reaching out to former Army families who lost members whilst they were in the service of the Defence Force. She performs voluntary work as an ex-offico member of the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association, and the Fallen Hero’s Trust. Staff Sergeant Grant has contributed to wider NZDF initiatives now underpinning a cohesive framework of support for Regulars, Reserves, Civilians, Veterans and their families.