60 Years of service recognised

OC 1WG (North Queensland) WGCDR (AAFC) Ken Whelan (R) presents SQNLDR (AAFC) Geoff Strange with a recognition of service certificate, and 9th clasp. Photo: CPL (AAFC) Stacey Brazil.  Story: FLGOFF Michael Thomas.

Sixty years of selfless dedication to the Australian Air Force Cadets was celebrated when SQNLDR (AAFC) Geoff Strange became the first Air Force Cadet volunteer instructor, and uniformed Defence member, to achieve this milestone.
SQNLDR (AAFC) Strange was passionate about aviation from an early age, and joined the then Air Training Corps (ATC) in 1960 as a cadet.

After five years, and thoroughly enjoying all aspects of the ATC, he aged out as a cadet, but almost immediately threw his hat into the ring again, and applied to become an ATC instructor in the RAAF reserves. He was successful, and began his service on April 20, 1965.

SQNLDR (AAFC) Strange said the sharing of knowledge and experiences with cadets and staff members is what continues to motivate him to continue to volunteer in the organisation.

“[It’s] the opportunity to give cadets training in skills which would not be available outside of a cadet environment,” SQNLDR (AAFC) Strange said.

Over his 60 years of service, SQNLDR (AAFC) Strange has held many positions across 1WG (North Queensland) Air Force Cadets, including a Flight Commander of a unit for 27 years, numerous headquarters roles including Staff Officer Operations, XO and, currently, Staff Officer Community Engagement.

Some highlights include attending the 1996 camp at Wagga Wagga, marking the 75th anniversary of the RAAF, numerous fieldcraft camps, and personal development and leadership courses.

“It is so rewarding to see cadets complete a number of years of training and ‘march out’ as mature, confident young adults,” SQNLDR (AAFC) Strange said.

His achievement was celebrated at an event commemorating 1WG – North Queensland’s 75th anniversary on May 17.

For anyone considering joining the Air Force Cadets as a volunteer staff member, SQNLDR (AAFC) Strange said the organisation is more than just about volunteering.

“You’re playing an active role in developing young people to be better versions of themselves, so be prepared to put in the hard work, but the outcome is so special and rewarding,” he said.

“Our new learning program will give current and future cadets and staff members a great opportunity to engage in, and receive valuable training and life skills which enhance their opportunities as we move forward in our personal endeavours.”