Just like old times

OFFCDT Jim Holman meets his dad’s old Army platoon commander.

By LACW Simone Liebelt

OFFICER Cadet Jim Holman has met his dad’s old Army platoon commander – who also happened to be his boss – Chief of Defence Force General Peter Cosgrove.

OFFCDT Holman, a 21-year-old student of No. 196 pilots course, introduced himself to GEN Cosgrove at No. 2 Flying Training School during the CDF’s visit to RAAF Base Pearce on May 16.

GEN Cosgrove instantly remembered his dad, Geoff Holman, as one of his 5th Platoon scouts in Vietnam in 1969.

He told OFFCDT Holman they used to call his dad “The Cockaleechie Kid”, after the small farming community he came from in South Australia, and spoke of their service together in the war and their reunions many years later.

Joining the Air Force last year from the same farm that earned his dad the catchy nickname during Vietnam, OFFCDT Holman said he really enjoyed meeting his dad’s Army mates.

“It felt really good to meet him [GEN Cosgrove],” he said. “He was very down to earth and said some really kind words about my dad and their experiences together in Vietnam.

“Dad always told me to introduce myself if I ever got the chance and he was really glad it worked out.”

Visiting Pearce for the first time as CDF, GEN Cosgrove toured No. 79 Squadron, 2FTS, Headquarters Combat Support Unit, the base Air Movements’ section and the air traffic control tower. On visiting each section, he thanked members for their support during the busy operational year, addressed their concerns with the ADF’s involvement in Iraq and discussed the future of the Air Force.

More than 80 2FTS students listened as he praised the Air Force’s performance during Operation Falconer.

“For a group of people representing a community which has had very few operational opportunities for 50 years, it was a spectacular performance,” GEN Cosgrove said.

“They’ve put the combat part of the Air Force on the map and have complemented the stirling reputation we’ve had for donkey’s years in supporting international operations.”

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