Sending thanks coast to coast

Volume 48, No. 19, October 19, 2006

AIR MAIL - by Warrant Officer of the Air Force WOFF-AF Ray Woolnough

GREETINGS, Airmen and Airwomen of the Air Force.

What a wonderful and most fulfilling month. When I think about my recent travels, the first thought that comes to mind is that this wonderful Air Force has great personnel. On August 25, the ‘head shed’ farewelled one of its own – FLTLT Lauretta Webster, the outgoing ADC (Aide de Camp) to CAF. FLTLT Webster had been an ADC for about 23 months, and her bubbly personality and never-ending smile made working with her a delight. From me to you – thank you and all the very best for the future at RAAF Base Williamtown. As sad as that appears, an equally bubbly and smiling personality has ‘stepped up to the plate’– FLTLT Sarah Giles. Welcome.

I spoke to Corporals’ Course 106 at RAAF Base Amberley on September 11. Although it was the course participants’ first day, it was great to have a friendly chat with them. I would like to thank the facilitators for making it possible, as I appreciate their course timings are at times stretched.

I travelled to RAAF Base Townsville for my official base visit from September 12–15. The base infrastructure has changed somewhat over the last couple of years. To those members whom I had the privilege of speaking to during the visit, thank you for making me feel most welcome. It was also great to speak to some honorary members of the Sergeants’ Mess. I would like to thank Mr ‘Criso’ Cross, a retired WOD, for his continued friendship, with not only myself, but with his fellow honoraries and serving members. I also attended a dining-in night and the food was absolutely fantastic.

To the catering staff – thank you. My personal thanks are extended to the Base Commander, WGCDR Graeme Davies, for allowing the visit to go ahead, and the Base WOFF, WOFF Mick Kearney, for showing me around.

On September 16, I travelled to Hobart with CAF to attend the No 29 (City of Hobart) Squadron’s Freedom of the City March, the church service and the RAAF Associations’ 66th Anniversary Battle of Britain Dinner that evening. The next day we attended the Battle of Britain memorial and took the time to visit the young members of 5WG AAFC. CAF spoke to these fine young boys and girls, and afterwards I had the privilege of speaking to many of them individually. What a great bunch of people; enthusiastic and very inquisitive. They had just returned from RAAF Base East Sale after taking part in their annual camp.

I attended the Air Marshals’ Symposium and the Chief of Air Force Advisory Committee (CAFAC) meeting at RAAF Base Glenbrook from September 18–20. When one considers that current and retired one, two and three-star ranked officers were present at the symposium, there was a huge amount of life and work experience there. I got the strong impression that the retired Air Ranking Officers were very impressed with the way the Air Force is heading.

My next stop was RAAF Base Wagga from September 21–22. I spoke to Sergeants’ Courses 105 and 106, Flight Sergeants’ Course 54 and Warrant Officers’ Course 36. I also presented a number of graduating warrant officers with their Warrant. To all members of those respective courses, well done and please continue to use the leadership traits taught. The message is simple – look after yourselves, your subordinates and your family and friends. Keep things simple and set acceptable standards.

Finally, on September 23, I accompanied CAF on a base visit. We attended the No 25 (City of Perth) Squadron parade at RAAF Base Pearce. This was in recognition of the squadron winning the Air Force Association Trophy earlier this year. This trophy recognises the most proficient Air Force Reserve Unit during a calendar year. AVM Roxley McLennan (retd), president of the Association, was there to present the CO, SQNLDR Ross Magno, with the award. Well done to the members of 25SQN not only for winning the award, but also for a great parade.

I would like to take this opportunity to let you all in to a small secret. Some of you may be familiar with the name ‘Liebelt’. In fact, some of you may have even worked with CPL Simone Liebelt during her time in the Air Force. Simone has recently left the Air Force, but is still a very valuable member of our team as Acting Editor of Air Force News. I am very proud of what Simone has achieved and I wish her all the best in her future career out of uniform. I look forward to every edition of the newspaper. Thanks Simone, for your effort and good work in keeping us informed in an interesting and positive way.

Till next time, keep on smiling.

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