Air Vice-Marshal Eric Stephenson (ret'd) at his 80th birthday celebrations flanked by two fellow ex-POWs and firm friends Dr Geoffrey Cornish (left) and Group Captain Rex Austin (ret'd). Photo by WO2 Gary Ramage, 1JPAU(P)

"I'M going to wake up and know that it is the first day of the rest of my life."

A cliché but one worth noting when spoken by a still practising Air Force medical octogenarian.

Air Vice Marshal Dr Eric Stephenson (ret'd), AO OBE, celebrated his 80th birthday over lunch in the Officer's Mess at RAAF Base Fairbairn on July 18.

AVM Stephenson's story is an amazing one, reflected by the flowing accolades he received.

At his party, the former Director General of Air Force Health said he was amazed at the number of people from all walks of life who had turned out.

"I am at a loss for words, I am overcome and staggered - people from the medical world, the ADF and old friends," he said.

At the age of 80, AVM Stephenson, who joined the RAAF in 1955 and is greatly respected in the medical profession, still works three days a week for Defence.

Spending two days with Defence Health, half a day at the Canberra Area Medical Unit and half a day at Fairbairn, he is one of only a few practitioners qualified to conducted aircrew medicals in the region.

Jenny Firman, Director Preventive Health, Defence Health Service, talked of AVM Stephenson's contribution to Defence health and the value of his experience and opinions.

"Everybody wants to be like him," she said.

AVM Stephenson joined the RAF in 1942 hoping to become a pilot. However, after being told by his flying instructor that the German Luftwaffe was already doing enough damage, he joined as aircrew.

Shot down over Europe in 1943, he spent the remainder of the war in German POW camps, including the infamous Stalag 13, site of the Great Escape.

Two fellow former POWs, Group Captain Rex Austin (ret'd) and Dr Geoffrey Cornish were proudly present at the lunch to help him celebrate.

GPCAPT Austin, who met AVM Stephenson in a camp hospital in 1944, said he was a wonderful man and it was fantastic that he was still working at 80.

"Eric is one of the world's gentlemen and one of the nicest men you will ever meet," he said.

The three still retain an impenetrable bond and catch up every few years. The only person present who had known AVM Stephenson longer than his POW mates was his wife Freda.

Mrs Stephenson said the birthday celebration was very special and something her husband would never forget.

"I put on his 70th but by Jiminy this is wonderful," she said.

AVM Stephenson, whose children are living in the United States, was joined at the lunch by his niece, Penny, and her husband, Squadron Leader Len Bowen.

Mrs Bowen said that her uncle was a softly spoken but impressive man. "He is generally such a quiet sort of guy who quietly gets on with the job - but he stirs the pot when necessary," she said.
AVM Stephenson said if he had the chance to live life over again, he would not change a thing.

"You have to put lots into your life to get the most out of it," he said.

By Shane Fairlie