Honouring Dean Thompson: Supporting Veterans & Emergency Responders Through Tango Kilo Mike
Honouring Dean’s legacy by supporting veterans, responders, and Tango Kilo Mike’s mission of identity, purpose, and belonging.
Auckland
Dean was more than a visionary. He was a fighter, a mentor, and a steadfast supporter of those who serve. His passion for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu wasn’t just about skill; it was about healing, resilience, and building a community where veterans and emergency responders could find identity, purpose, and belonging.
Through Tango Kilo Mike, Dean helped shape a space where those struggling with PTSD, transition, or isolation could reconnect - with themselves and with others who understood. He never asked for anything in return; he simply believed in lifting others.
Now, in his honour, we continue that mission. Your donation helps sustain and expand the support that Dean championed - funding training programs, peer support initiatives, and future efforts to create a space for those who need it, here in Aotearoa.
No matter the size, every contribution helps carry Dean’s legacy forward. Together, we ensure that no veteran or responder ever has to walk their path alone.
About us
Tango Kilo Mike provides comprehensive peer-support for individuals and their whānau connected with the police, military, and emergency services who live in New Zealand. We are a registered charity: CC59166
Use of funds
All donations directly support Tango Kilo Mike’s initiatives, including peer support, rehabilitation through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and programs fostering identity, purpose, and belonging among veterans and emergency responders.
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Latest update
Thank You for Helping Us Carry His Torch 26 June 2025
We want to extend our deepest thanks to everyone who has donated, shared, or supported our fundraiser in memory of our friend, brother, and quiet warrior -Dean.
Together, you've helped raise over $2,000, a powerful testament to the impact Dean had and the community that continues to carry his spirit forward.
This isn’t just about a number. Each contribution, no matter the size, speaks to something greater: a shared belief in Dean’s legacy, and in the mission we carry forward in his name. These funds will directly support initiatives that reflect what Dean stood for - courage, recovery, and finding strength in community.
We also want to acknowledge something equally powerful: the bravery of those who’ve stepped forward since this campaign began. If you’ve reached out for support, asked a hard question, or taken a step toward healing - you are seen, respected, and never alone. Dean’s story reminds us that reaching out is an act of strength, not weakness. If this fundraiser has helped even one person take that step, then it’s already fulfilling its purpose.
The journey ahead is bigger than any single campaign. But this momentum tells us we’re not walking it alone. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of this. We’ll keep showing up, for Dean, and for each other.
With gratitude,
The Team at Tango Kilo Mike
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