Dunedin man becomes Territorials’ only colonel

Colonel Darryl Tong with wife Catherine and children (from left) Katie (20), William (12),...
Colonel Darryl Tong with wife Catherine and children (from left) Katie (20), William (12), Victoria (15) and Philip (17), all of Dunedin, celebrated Col Tong’s promotion at Montecillo Veterans Home and Hospital yesterday. PHOTO: LINDA ROBERTSON
A Dunedin doctor, professor and Territorial Force member reached a milestone when he was promoted to colonel at a ceremony last night.

Colonel Darryl Tong, a 15-year Territorial serviceman and University of Otago dental school lecturer, was promoted in front of about 20 people, including his family, at Montecillo Veterans Home and Hospital, in Dunedin.

New Zealand Defence Force director-general of medical services Brigadier-general Andrew Gray flew from Wellington to make the presentation. ‘‘It's a huge surprise and equally a privilege,'' Col Tong said.

‘‘The recognition is not for myself but for my colleagues in the reserves. It really is a privilege and honour to serve.''Col Tong (47) was required to do a minimum of 20 days a year with the New Zealand Defence Force but did far more.

‘‘I tend to do as much as I can, within the constraints,'' he said. ‘‘There's also commitments like Montecillo and commitments to teaching and training ... and my family.''

He served in Afghanistan in 2009 and helped after the Christchurch earthquake in a field hospital and with the disaster victim identification team. He specialised in oral and maxillofacial trauma surgery, one of few people in New Zealand to do so.

‘‘It's nice to be able to blend both military service and civil service,'' he said.

Col Tong's promotion means he will be involved more in the strategic planning of military health, moving away from the operational side. Brig-gen Gray believed Col Tong was the only colonel in the territorials, and this type of promotion was rarely afforded. ‘‘It was a great opportunity for us to come down and promote someone who shows leadership,'' he said. ‘‘To reach the rank of colonel is quite phenomenal. A promotion should always really be celebrated.''

rhys.chamberlain@odt.co.nz

 

 

Add a Comment

 

Advertisement