LAC Aaron Agnew and his wife Helen.

A FORMER "wild child" who helps disadvantaged youth is the Airman of the Year.

Leading Aircraftman Aaron Agnew, 43, received the Air Vice-Marshal Eaton Airman of the Year Award from Air Marshal Angus Houston at the 2001 Air Force Awards at the National Museum of Australia on May 21.

Father-of three LAC Agnew, of RAAF Base Edinburgh, was recognised for his dedicated work with 11 Squadron and his community spirit. For more than a year he has been part of a mentoring program initiated by The Heights School in Adelaide.

For two hours a week he attends the school as a friend and father figure to teenagers experiencing social and learning problems. The program has brought rewards for LAC Agnew and the students.

"One kid was always getting Ds and Es, and failing. Well he got a B last year and he was so excited when he came running up to tell me. He did all the hard work and study - it was good to see him turn things around," LAC Agnew said.

"I'm from a broken home myself. Mum worked two or three jobs to get us through and being an only child I had to cope with things - so I can relate to the kids now.

"I'm a big kid myself. I went to the Big Day Out with my daughter this year and we're going to see the band Grinspoon in a few weeks."

He left school at 16 and qualified as a motor mechanic before he enlisted aged 21.

"I didn't do so well when I joined up - I was a bit of a wild child," he said.

He has since settled into his career and is looking forward to taking advantage of a bursary provided to the Airman of the Year.

His life is shaped by a positive attitude.

"If you've got a dream go for it. It doesn't hurt anybody if you fail," he said.

He intends to serve in the Air Force until retirement age. "It's such a big family. It's comforting to know if you're a new person in an area that there's always someone you will know that will help you blend in with the community," he said.

[ Photos of the Air Force Awards night are on Page 13 of the printed edition ]