Memorable double

Leading Aircraftman Patrick Wells with his award. Photo By LACW Jacqui Bull

AN Amberley-based airman pulled the double when he celebrated winning the RAAF Base Amberley Airman of the Year award, followed soon after by the birth of his first child.

Leading Aircraftman Patrick “P.J.” Wells, of No. 1 ATS detachment at RAAF Base Amberley, received the award for the most outstanding airman or airwoman in the provision of support services at the base. To top it off he celebrated the birth of his son Flynn James on Melbourne Cup day.

During the past few years LAC Wells had helped to raise a large sum of money for charity, in particular Operation Smile, dedicated to aiding children from the Asia Pacific region with cranial and facial disorders that are too severe to be treated in their own countries.

“I was a bit shocked when I was told that I had won – I did not even really think that I deserved to be nominated,” he said.

He was presented with a framed certificate and a shield, which will be displayed at 1ATSDETAMB for the next 12 months, at a luncheon hosted by RAAF Association Toowoomba.

The four nominees from each of the eligible units attended the luncheon as well as the Commander Combat Support Group, Air Commodore Stewart Cameron; Amberley Base Commander Wing Commander Scott Wardle; Warrant Officer Disciplinary Warrant Officer Stephen Airey and unit representatives.

LAC Wells is set to continue his Air Force career at RAAF Base Wagga in 2003 where he will exchange his air mover’s duties for those of a driving instructor complete with a promotion to corporal.

 

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