Medical success

Corporal Victoria Gibson with her award.

By WGCDR Jan Elvin and LACW Simone Liebelt

A MEDICAL assistant from RAAF Base Edinburgh has been awarded the No. 467/463 Squadron Association Airman/Airwoman of the Year trophy.

Corporal Victoria Gibson, of Area Health Services-SA, received the annual award on November 13 for her achievements as the acting SNCOIC of the medical outpatients department during a period of high operational tempo.

Noted for an effective working relationship with customers and enhanced service delivery for both domestic and operational health support requirements, CPL Gibson was selected for her high level of integrity, genuine concern for the needs of her patients and ability to work with a minimum of fuss or direction.

She was instrumental in providing timely advice on No. 92 Wing’s Operation Slipper force preparation matters, obtaining health data for higher command and providing a seamless transition from domestic health care to preparation phases while accommodating short notice changes with minimum disruption to schedules.

CPL Gibson, who has regularly acted as SNCOIC since arriving at the unit more than 12 months ago, said the award was a surprise and made her feel much appreciated.

“I am humbled by the award and I attribute this to a team effort, as our ability to work together made my job easier,” she said. “I found acting as SNCOIC challenging in the number of members that needed processing, difficult in that time restrictions were tight, but rewarding in seeing all the members deploy without any major health problems.”

Bruce Pratt, President of the 467/463 RAAF Association’s South Australian Branch, presented CPL Gibson with the award, after which Base Commander Wing Commander Rick Subotkiewicz presented her with the perpetual trophy. She also received a special note of congratulations from her Commanding Officer, Wing Commander Mike Seah, who is deployed in the Middle East.

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