F-111C Aircrew association

Firstly, a very big thank you to the QAM’s Patron, Julie, and her hard working hubby, Dave Dunlop, for hosting us all yesterday in what was a meticulously planned and executed tour.  Dave, could you please pass on our thanks to the many volunteers that you had available to provide insights into the aircraft we toured. A couple of hours there seemed like only a couple of minutes.

Secondly, another big thank you to Boggy (callsign “Swineherder 2’) for doing the heavy lifting in getting the RSL dinner on the rails.  He again proved that he really is a techno geek with the supporting videos, slideshows and PIGZ coordinating website.  Huge debt of gratitude.  Boggy will pass on our thanks to the RSL’s event coordinator, Yvette, and also Cathy Stamp (retired RAAF Admino) at the RSL who organised the waiving of venue fees for us. I’d say that was one of the better steaks I’ve enjoyed in a while!

Well, surprisingly, during a very boisterous and chatty evening, Kombat decided to keep his powder dry, Wardo only gave one speech, and Shep only talked for about 1.5 minutes!  The microphone remained lonely for most of the night as everyone was engrossed in catching up with those immediately around them.  Our ‘informal’ Patron, Ray Funnell was in our thoughts in his absence, while we were very fortunate to have an expecting Jasmine Curr and also Fran Growder join us.  Pete and Julie Criss almost crashed the party with a late entry while on a holiday to the Sunshine Coast. Great to see them and they are always welcome amongst our SE QLD group.

Boggy and I have already started discussions on holding another get-together, probably in about a year’s time.  As with this day, getting everyone together seems to be very well received. Also, including any visiting F-111C aircrew or friends is a tremendous bonus and we will look for venue sizes that can accommodate the many rather than the few.