Volume 48, No. 10, June 15, 2006
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Professor
Marie Bashir, the Governor of NSW and patron of No. 22 (City
of Sydney) SQN, is welcomed to RAAF Base Richmond with an
honour guard during the squadron’s 70th anniversary
celebrations.
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Photo
by CPL Brett Sherriff
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VIPs
joined present and former members of No. 22 (City of Sydney) SQN
in commemorating 70 years of faithful service to the community
by Sydney’s own squadron.
NSW Governor and Honorary Air Commodore of 22SQN, Professor Marie
Bashir, Air Commander Australia AVM John Quaife, Commander Air
Lift Group AIRCDRE Glen Steed and 22SQN CO SQNLDR Frank Galea
joined more than 220 past and serving members at RAAF Base Richmond
to celebrate the formation of the squadron in April 1936.
The event on April 30 comprised a memorial service and lunch at
the Sergeants’ Mess.
During the lunch, SQNLDR Galea addressed the gathering.
He thanked employers for their commitment, enabling Reservists
to meet their military obligations, and also honoured the squadron’s
many members.
He said that the support for the event indicated a high level
of awareness and support for the Air Force Reserves’ mission.
“Reservists from 22SQN provide outstanding support to a wide
range of Air Force and ADF elements at Richmond and beyond, across
a wide range of musterings and specialisations,” he said.
“With the restructure of the Air Force Reserve and the coming
of the War Establishment, it’s really important that our
Reservists continue to enjoy support from their civilian employers
and families.
“A commemorative function like this helps to celebrate our
70th anniversary as well as providing recognition of the crucial
support of employers and family members.”
He also thanked the VIPs, the base areas that contributed to the
event and the guests for their involvement.
During the festivities, Professor Bashir presented certificates
to the South Western Sydney Institute of TAFE and the Western
Sydney Area Health Service in recognition of their commitment
to helping their Reservist employees meet their Air Force commitments.
ACAUST AVM Quaife also took the opportunity to present the AASM
with the Iraq clasp to WOFF Michael Wallace and SGT Ian Cooper,
and Long Service decorations to SQNLDR Paul Hinchey, SGT Paul
Martin and CPL Teresa Tomasella.
