Association’s Day at RAAF Amberley in September will bring together former and current RAAF personnel to reflect upon bomber squadrons past achievments, and to congratulate their modern day counterparts as well.
RAAF Amberley’s Associations Day, to be held on the 18th of September will bring together more than 150 members of the Associations along with local Air Force personnel, to reflect on the traditions of some of Australia’s oldest and most distinguished bomber squadrons.
The tradition of Association Day typically commences with a memorial service and laying of wreaths at the Memorial Garden at RAAF Base Amberley, followed by the presentation of trophies to members of No 82 Wing for their outstanding performance in the last twelve months.
82 Wing is headquartered at RAAF Base Amberley and comes under the control of Air Combat Group. This wing operates F/A-18F Super Hornet multirole fighters and Pilatus PC-9 forward air control aircraft.
For people like Chris Bohr, Secretary of the RAAF Association (Ipswich Branch), it’s a day for ex servicemen and women to reconnect with the RAAF world, and to remind current serving members that their hard work is not forgotten.
“The associations and branches provide trophies for outstanding members from 82 Wing who have been selected by a panel,” Mr Bohr said.
“They select troops or administration staff who have done outstanding work over the last year.
“The Ipswich RAAF Association is a fellowship and events like these allow our members to not only remain in touch with the Air Force, but to remind current 82 Wing personnel that they’re being thought of about their work.. and we’re not dismissing them.
“We realise that they’re carrying on a tradition that we began in the service.”
The RAAF Association (Ipswich Branch) organises events in Ipswich for ex-Service personnel to reconnect and also raise funds for veterans who may be doing it tough. Mr Bohr encourages RAAF Veterans and families of Air Force veterans to join the Ipswich RAAF Association. For more information, enquiries are welcome on 07 3201 7601.