With 90 years of combined service in the ADF, brother and sister Air Force Flight Sergeant Marc Werner and Army Sergeant Amanda Werner, are set to retire later this year.

Marc began his military journey in 1977, joining the Air Force Reserves.

Just a year later Amanda followed suit joined the Army, but it wasn’t without a challenge.

Initially offered a role by Navy and Air Force as a cook, she chose the Army instead, determined to serve in a more hands-on capacity.

She became a driver, carving out her own path in a male-dominated field.

When she first joined, she had to wait for a position to open up at Kapooka, as opportunities for female recruits were limited at the time.

“Army has been amazing. I met my husband when we were both recruits, and we’ve been together ever since,” Amanda said.

Marc has spent most of his career with 35 Squadron, working on the Caribou aircraft renowned for its rugged versatility and ability to operate from improvised runways.

Operationally, the Caribou was a tactical workhorse, deployed in Vietnam from 1964 to 1971.

'I never imagined my brother and I would serve this long; by the end of the year, we’ll both be retiring.'

There it flew more than 47,000 hours, transporting 700,000 passengers and more than 41,000 tonnes of freight into remote and often dangerous airstrips under combat conditions.

As a reservist, Marc would dedicate weekends to servicing these aircraft, ensuring they were mission ready and handing them back to the squadron after full maintenance cycles.

Amanda said that after finding fulfilment driving trucks out bush, she transitioned into a support role in the quartermaster store, where she continued contributing behind the scenes.

Today, Amanda continues her service at the Military Police Museum at Holsworthy Barracks in Sydney.

There, she curates and preserves Australia’s military history, bringing stories of service and sacrifice to life for future generations.

“I never imagined my brother and I would serve this long; by the end of the year, we’ll both be retiring,” Amanda said.

These days, Marc works as the coordinator for the youth work experience program at RAAF Base Richmond, helping high school students gain insight into military life.

He finds it rewarding to see the students' eyes light up when they first spot an aircraft on the flightline.

As he winds down his career, Marc reflects that sharing the life he loved for so many years has been a meaningful and fulfilling way to close this chapter of his career.