Welcome
to Eagle Eye, our new column that will take a look at the
lighter side of life and happenings in the Air Force and the
wider ADF. We hope you enjoy what is designed to be an easy,
breezy feature. And we hope you will contribute your amusing,
lively and interesting anecdotes to ensure Eagle Eye occupies
an eyrie in Air Force News for some time to come.
Never
too late for an award
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Warren
Kelly and CO of No. 1 Combat Logistics Squadron WGCDR Alan
Wright.
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Photo
by Cheryl Kelly
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NEVER
give up hope of receiving an award. Warren Kelly, a former corporal
supplier, was presented on April 7 with the Defence Force Service
Medal by the CO of No. 1 Combat Logistics Squadron – issued
in 1999, the same year he discharged.
The ceremony, arranged by his wife Cheryl and staff at RAAF Base
Townsville, was also used to present the National Medal, issued
in February this year for his service in the NSW Rural Fire Service.
Mr Kelly says he is looking at relocating to Townsville and “who
knows, maybe even a return to the RAAFAR if I can get back into
shape”.
1RTU
CO roars into his 50s
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SGT
Stephen Wynne revs up the engine to escort WGCDR Geoffrey
Ditmar.
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Photo
by LAC Mike Lucas
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When
is a parade not a parade? When No. 1 Recruit Training Unit turns
it into a surprise birthday for its CO, Wing Commander Geoffrey
Dittmar.
During the parade to commemorate the Air Force’s 84th anniversary
– the same day as the CO’s birthday – the General
Salute marching tune was replaced with then ACWR Laila Engle’s
rendition of “Happy Birthday Mr President” (with names
replaced).
After the parade march-past, two Harley Davidsons roared onto
the parade ground, ridden by previous 1RTU MSIs, Sergeants Stephen
Wynne and Shane Harnett.
The birthday boy was given an escorted ride around the base before
being dropped off at 1RTU headquarters to a waiting wheelchair,
hired for the day by his staff, and banners in the corridors declaring
it 1RTU Old Folks’ Home.
WGCDR Dittmar said he was so “chuffed”, he shouted his
staff a few drinks.
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