Behind the desk
Look back with a smile

By Warrant Officer of the Air Force
WOFF-AF Ray Woolnough
Volume 48, No. 10, June 15, 2006

GREETINGS airmen and airwomen of the Air Force.

What a tremendously busy month. Firstly, as many of you are aware, there have been a number of shortages with the clothing and equipment being issued under the new E2 kitting scale.

Be assured that we in AFHQ understand your frustration, and are taking all possible steps to rectify the situation.

On June 7, I accompanied the other two Service Warrant Officers on a visit to the Federation Guard here in Canberra.

The Guard Sergeant Major, WO2 Eddie Penman, organised a Ceremonial Gun Drill demonstration.

Two Air Force members, LAC Sean Schafferius and LAC Mark Shakes, were part of the two teams that put on a most impressive demonstration. As I stated in AIR FORCE News, March 9, to say I am impressed is an understatement. I repeat those same sentiments.

I was officially invited to attend a Dining-Out Night for WOFF Graeme Black (FLTENG) at RAAF Base Pearce on June 16. Unfortunately I was not able to attend, however, I would like to thank Blackie again for his 38 years plus service to the Air Force and Australia. We wish you and Wendy, Lisa and Jason, every success in the future.

A BBQ was held on June 17 by the CAF’s Office to farewell one of its own, the hard-working and ever-reliable CAF driver, SGT Justin Cox. Justin has since been commissioned as a Pilot Officer ADMINO, and is under training at the Officer Training School, RAAF Base Williams.

I am confident that Justin has done the right thing for his future, and would also like to wish him and his wife, Alex, all the very best for the future.

My wife and I attended the Defence Families of Australia Annual Conference Dinner at RMC Duntroon, and helped them celebrate their 20th anniversary.

On June 23 I was the guest speaker at a luncheon for the Eddison Day Club. This club is special in the way that it organises outings for the folk of a retirement village. It was most enjoyable speaking to the veterans about their experiences and reciprocating by telling them about our own new, and evolving, Air Force.

While I am on the subject of veterans, it was remiss of me not to mention a conversation that I had with an Air Force veteran while visiting RAAF Base Darwin in May.

Mr John Bartlett, who works for Chubb Security at the Darwin Airport, was in the Air Force for 21 years. We had a most enlightening talk and he assures me that even when he was in the Service people grumbled about issues. He looks back on his Air Force career as the best time of his life, and would not change it “for all the tea in China”.

I am sure we will all look back in time at some stage and agree with Mr Bartlett’s summation.

I hope you have all viewed the ‘Reshaping and Rebalancing our Air Force’ DVD. Within that DVD are key messages from the Senior Leadership Team.

I hope that after viewing that DVD you feel the same as I do –that the changes will affect us all. I believe we are heading into exciting times, and the end result will give you quality of life, ultimately balancing your work and family time.

Till next time, keep on smiling. ”

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