On 6 December, a small team from the Station organised the first Veterans Christmas Lunch since the lockdown started. The event, aptly named ‘Op CHRISTMAS’, was supported by the RAF Benevolent Fund.
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The veterans who attended held a meet and greet in the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess with the Station Commander, Group Captain Claire O’Grady, in attendance.
Our veteran guests were treated to a static display of the C-130J Hercules, and other displays from sections across the Station, before arriving back at the Mess for a 3-course meal with Commander Air Wing, Group Captain Gareth Burdett and other Station personnel assisting with the meal.
Gerry Monaghan, a Royal Air Force veteran from the Royal Air Forces Association, Carterton and Brize Norton branch, said:
“Great to organise the bright sunshine for our aircraft on the Pan and a super display of RAF Regiment and Air Dispatch assets. A super meal and revelry to follow. Every aspect was enjoyed by all attendees. Thank you to RAF Brize Norton for Op CHRISTMAS… the Branch reciprocate your festive wishes to the Station.”
Gerry Monaghan
Royal Air Force Veteran
Corporal Gareth Melling, one of the Project Officers said:
‘’This is a great way that we can give back to the larger service family, especially around this Christmas period. Sadly some of the Veterans couldn’t make the event due to illness, however, they still had a place for them and we hope to see them all next year.’’
Corporal Gareth Melling
Op CHRISTMAS Project Team
Wing Commander Jim Davies, the Station Executive Officer said:
‘‘We here at RAF Brize Norton were delighted to welcome Service Veterans from the surrounding area onto the Station. Throughout the day they were able to tour a Hercules aircraft of 47 Squadron and received capability demonstrations from Tactical Medical Wing and No.1 Air Mobility Wing. Thank you to everyone who came to join us’’.
Wing Commander Jim Davies
Station Executive Officer
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