Siege & Survival in the NZ SAS: Jamie Pennell - Serviceman

In 2011, following the Taliban siege on Kabul's Intercontinental Hotel, an SAS soldier identified only as Serviceman J was awarded NZ's second highest military honour by showing outstanding gallantry in the face of danger. After eighteen years in the New Zealand SAS, ex-commander Jamie Pennell is now ready to tell his story.

Having survived the famously tough SAS selection course and excelled during its brutal training, Jamie was sent on four deployments to Afghanistan and played a critical role in New Zealand's operations. From patrols across desert territories run by warlords to hostile fire and near-death combat, Serviceman J is a heart-stopping account of life inside one of the world's most elite military forces.

About Jamie Pennell

Jamie Pennell has had an esteemed eighteen-year career as a soldier and leader inside the New Zealand SAS. He was sent on multiple combat operations in Afghanistan to assist other nations and the Afghan special forces in the war on terror. After leaving the Defence Force, Jamie worked with high performance athletes where he helped them achieve their sporting goals. Jamie now works as the Head of Mangatawhiri Campus, Dilworth School, delivering their Learning in the Outdoors Programme, Te Haerenga (The Journey), training young men in skills for life.

This event is part of Yarns in Barns: Wairarapa Festival of Reading which takes place between 12–26th October 2024. This community-led festival features cracking yarns and tall tales for all ages from some of Aotearoa's best writers and storytellers held in an eclectic range of venues across the Wairarapa. View the full festival programme at yarnsinbarns.co.nz

Presented by Hedley's Books, Fraser Books, Masterton District Library and the Wairarapa Library Service.