By Rebecca Codey
Volume 48, No. 18, October 05, 2006
 |
|
GENERATIONS: AC Matthew Rodgers, with his father WGCDR Bob Rodgers (left) and grandfather Bob Rodgers, on his graduation from ADG Basic Course. AC Rodgers will be posted to 2AFDS, RAAF Base Amberley, next year.
Photo by LAC Mark McConnell |
AIRCRAFTMAN Matthew Rodgers may be following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather in joining the Air Force, but he’s determined to forge his own career.
The 20-year-old from Canberra has become one of the Air Force’s newest Airfield Defence Guards, graduating from the ADG Basic Course on August 31.
Being presented with his ADG beret during a ceremony at the RAAF Security and Fire School at RAAF Base Amberley – his family looking on – was a proud moment for AC Rodgers. “I was ecstatic,” he said. “I was hanging out for that moment for a long time.”
He was prepared for the physical demands of becoming an ADG, but found it mentally more difficult than he’d expected. There were times he wasn’t sure he’d make it – particularly when it was “cold, dark and wet”, but his determination to wear the beret gave him the drive he needed.
“I had a goal and kept my focus on that,” AC Rodgers said. “I knew that as hard as the 14 weeks of basic course were, it’d be worth it.”
Less than a month after graduating, the ADG is already thriving on the experiences and challenges his new career has offered him. He’s recently returned from weapons training in Tasmania. “Every day we’re learning something new, and that’s good stuff,” he said.
“Although it’s difficult being away from my family, including my fiancee, I am enjoying every day and am so lucky to have become good friends with the other ADGs. We have shared this experience, from our first day at recruit school, and I know we will be friends for a long time to come.”
It’s no surprise AC Rodgers has joined the ranks of the Air Force. He is fifth-generation military and has grown up hearing his father, WGCDR Bob Rodgers, and grandfather, Bob Rodgers Senior, talk of their Air Force experiences.
His childhood fascination with aircraft changed as he grew up and his many questions were spurred on by more than just curiosity.
“This has been something I have been thinking about for a long time,” AC Rodgers said. “I want to be part of a team and part of an organisation that has been, and will continue to be, such an important part of our history.”
“I’ve heard from my family about the range of experiences and the rewards the military can offer, but this career path was never forced on me – I made my own decision to join the Air Force and I’m not looking back.”
AC Rodgers’ father and grandfather were among his supporters at the
graduation.
“I was very proud,” said Mr Rodgers. A sentiment echoed by his father WGCDR Rodgers, who said the only advice he offered his son on the occasion was “to stay open, keep learning and share what you know when the time is right”.
“When I joined the Air Force it was very much about security for a young family and for a real sense of doing something important for Australia. I know Matthew has a strong sense of patriotism and belief in the Air Force and if he experiences half the benefits I have, I will be happy for him, and I know he shares this view,” he said.
