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Rising to the occasion
Volume 49, No. 13, July 26, 2007 |
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LIFT-OFF: From left, Air Force balloon crew member FSGT Geoff Hurling, PARLSEC Peter Lindsay and photographer Megan Brayley are briefed for flight by pilot SQNLDR Ian Richman.
Photo by Leo Thomas, North Queensland News Bureau |
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Air Force’s hot-air balloon recently concluded a successful tour of Far North Queensland as part of its annual interstate deployment.
Parliamentary Secretary Peter Lindsay farewelled the balloon and its No. 28 (City of Canberra) Squadron reservist crew at a special launch function at RAAF Base Townsville on July 15.
After departing Townsville on July 16, the balloon visited Ingham, Cardwell, Tully, Innisfail, Atherton and Mareeba. The 28SQN personnel visited several schools in these towns during the tour. They also visited the Mareeba International Club on July 21 in support of the 50th Anniversary of 106SQN Australian Air Force Cadets.
FLTLT Tanya Carter from No. 27 (City of Townsville) Squadron organised the day, which comprised tethered balloon flights for base families and fundraising activities for the base’s participation in the Cancer Council Queensland’s Relay for Life.
“It was a reservists’ day,” she said. “The refreshments were organised by reservists, the crowd control was manned by reservists and, with one exception, the balloon crew were reservists.”
Mr Lindsay spoke to base and squadron personnel and their families as well as members of the balloon crew. He also donated $50 towards the base’s nomination fee for the relay.
“The balloon flights highlight the important role of the reserves in today’s Air Force,” Mr Lindsay said. “Air Force Reservists are employed in a range of specialisations across the organisation. The training they receive and the skills they develop can enhance their civilian careers as well.”
27SQN raised almost $400 for their nomination fee for the relay.
“Cancer has touched all of our lives in one way or another, and this is our opportunity to honour those who have survived cancer and, of course, those who lost their battle,” said 27SQN CO SQNLDR Alan Collier-Baker. |
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