Some families pass down recipes or heirlooms. For the Howse family, it’s a call to serve. Lance Corporal Jenny Howse always knew she would follow her father into the military, and her certainty did more than set her own course. It also lit the way for her cousin.

"Jaime Kruijer (also class of 2012) is my cousin. We enlisted around the same time. I was actually the one who convinced her to come along to the careers day truck for the defence force and subsequently a three-day Army experience camp which completely sold me on the job. I grew up between Australia and New Zealand as my father was in the air force, so I always knew I wanted to serve," Howse said. 

"I joined the Army in 2013 and left in 2020. I reached the rank of Lance Corporal as an analyst in 1st Command Support Regiment (1CSR). I was stationed in Waiouru, Linton, Trentham and Burnham. I was deployed to the Middle East for seven months and also went on many overseas training exercises.

"Wakatipu High School was one of many schools I attended, but definitely the most memorable. I started there in 2007 and graduated in 2012. At WHS, I made lifelong friends and really enjoyed the outdoor education side of school which contributed to my desire to serve in the army.

"One teacher, Mr. Quaid, who was also my sensei, really helped instil the values of discipline (both physical and mental), respect and humility.

"WHS's values of Resilience and Inclusion were directly transferable to the military. You face A LOT of hardships, both mental and physical, in the military and resilience is key. Inclusion matters too, as you will meet people from all walks of life and need to work together as a team." 

Ngā mihi nui, Lance Corporal Jenny Howse, for your service and for sharing your reflections with our Alumni Community.

Army Lance Corporal Jenny Howse honouring fallen soldiers, in uniform. 

Howse with her team in the Middle East.