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Reservists go on show
By Andrew Stackpool
Volume 49, No. 13, July 26, 2007 |
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COLOURFUL: No. 21 (City of Melbourne) Squadron members, from left, FSGT len Tawn, FLTLT Stew Gruneklee and SGT Alan White, march at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne for Reserve Forces Day.
Photo by SGT Dave Grant |
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WELL DONE: CDF ACM Angus Houston presents CPL Kim Smith with a book prize for being named outstanding RAAF Reservist for 2007.
Photo by SGT Dave Grant |
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A commemorative plaque-laying, pomp and ceremony, marches, services and informal lunches and get-togethers all played their part in the recent Reserve Forces Day (RFD) celebrations around Australia.
The event has been an important one in the Defence calendar since its inception in 1998.
The ACT celebrated the event on June 23, while most of the other states celebrated over the June 30-July 1 weekend. Many major towns also celebrated the event. South Australia will celebrate the day on August 12.
RFD recognises the 1.25 million Australians who have served or are serving in the ADF Reserves, including members of the former Citizens’ Military and Citizens’ Air Forces. It is also an opportunity to raise the profile of the Navy, Army and Air Force Reserves and to thank members’ families and employers for their ongoing support without which the reservists’ service would not be possible.
Each year, the committee selects a concept that highlights an important aspect or incident from Australia’s military history. In 2007, the day recognised the 90th anniversary of the Lighthorse charge at Beersheba and the Centenary of the founding of the Australian Intelligence Corps.
Air Force proceedings began on June 23 when No. 28 (City of Canberra) Squadron paraded for the dedication of a commemorative plaque acknowledging its support over the last 24 years to the people of the ACT and surrounding NSW districts. It then participated in the official RFD parade at the Australian War Memorial.
On June 30, No. 26 (City of Newcastle) Squadron led the three Services’ reservists in the parade, which was followed by lunch and an informal get-together for all the participants. In an unusual step, the parade was restricted to the parkland in front of Customs House because of the stranding of the bulk carrier Pasha Bulka off Nobby’s Head.
Next day, CDF ACM Angus Houston watched No. 21 (City of Melbourne) Squadron as it participated in the Melbourne celebrations. The march from the Queen Victoria Gardens, St Kilda Road, to the Shrine of Remembrance was followed by a commemorative service at the Shrine. ACM Houston also addressed the attendees and later presented the Defence Reserves Association (Victoria) Outstanding RAAF Reservist – 2007 award to CPL Kim Smith, a Virgin Blue Airlines cabin supervisor.
CPL Smith was recognised for his outstanding dedication and professionalism in the training of Air Force Reserve Recruits at the squadron.
CO 21SQN SQNLDR William Myatt described CPL Smith as a fine role model and mentor to the recruits and his colleagues.
“He is to be congratulated for the dedication, enthusiasm and high standards he sets for himself and his trainees. He is a most deserving recipient of the award,” he said.
Meanwhile, on the west coast, the day was celebrated on July 8 [in conjunction with Z Forces’ Day] when No. 25 (City of Perth) Squadron’s CO SQNLDR Ewen Seabrook, and squadron warrant officer WOFF Ron Pease, joined their fellow reservists at a combined service at the State War Memorial in King’s Park. A morning tea followed the service. |
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