Proud moment for airwoman

Wing Commander Don Sutherland, Commander of the Australian Task Group, and Task Group WOD Warrant Officer Dave Betts present Christine Everett with her rank slides on her reclassification to Leading Aircraftwoman.

By SQNLDR Christopher Ward

AIRCRAFTWOMAN Christine Everett was the only Australian among 55 personnel reclassified at a recent US Air Force promotion ceremony in the Middle East Area of Operations.

Those receiving promotions were called on to stage amid hooting, hollering and air-horn blowing from the audience before completing formalities.

Then the enlisted ranks were punched on each arm by the USAF Base Commander and the Command Chief Master Sergeant, as if to “stamp” their new rank on to their battle dress uniforms.

The RAAF ensign shared centre stage with US flags during the ceremony. The Americans enjoyed the spontaneous “Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi” that accompanied ACW Everett’s arrival at the podium.

Corporal Tammy Hudson, a fellow Communications and Information Systems Controller, had been “volunteered” to sing Advance Australia Fair. Battling the flu, CPL Hudson expertly belted out the national anthem to an appreciative audience.

She said she was nervous but glad to contribute to such a proud moment for her colleague and the Australians who had come to watch.

Afterwards, LACW Everett said the ceremony had made her proud to be Australian, grateful for those who turned up to support her, and strongly encouraged to serve in her new rank.

Most Aussie onlookers agreed that although they weren’t about to adopt the US methods, it was good that the importance and the landmark that a promotion represented in any Defence member’s career was recognised and emphasised.

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