Long, long time ago!!!

[StufromEGDL]

Hi Gang,

30 years ago today, I walked in the door at Glasgow careers office and attested my allegiance to the Queen. I left my home town of Carluke as a wide eyed 16 year old....... Back then, there was lots I didn't understand about the Royal Air Force. I entered a service which still had Lightnings, Jaguars, Phantoms and Vulcans amongst others and it had not long been back from a successful Falklands campaign. Today's RAF is much smaller and leaner with fewer aircraft types and a different focus on worldwide operations....I have variously been posted to Swinderby, Halton, Coningsby, Cosford, Leuchars, Cottesmore, Finningley, Lyneham and now Brize Norton, whilst visiting many other units (many now closed) along the way. Over the last 25 years of C130 Hercules flying I've been privileged to visit many places around the Globe, making new friends along the way, many whom I keep in touch with, despite not seeing them regularly. I've met some fantastic people, lost a few friends who gave the ultimate sacrifice and seen quite a few chisellers worm their way up the ladder....however...30 years on with 8.5 to go, there is still lots I don't understand about today's RAF. Some things never change!!! Anyway I'm off to work now from my bunk with my body armour and rifle!!! Have a good day!!!

Later,
Stu in OAKN.

[Bealman]

Congratulations on your thirty year milestone!

Hopefully you have recieved or will receive official service recognition.

Very best regards,

George

[ozzie Bill.]

Good luck to you Stu and thank you for your service. Best wishes, Bill.

[Irish Padre]

Congrats Stu - that's 4 times as long as I've done! Our first tour was at EGDL - and my first det was where you are now. We've probably met somewhere! Enjoy the day as much as you can out there.

[Ben A]

Congratulations Stu and thanks for all you've done.

Your comment about chisellers made me chuckle - I think whichever walk of life  you're in, you'll encounter a few of those!!  I know I have!

Cheers

Ben A.

[Lawrence]

30 years of undetected crime eh, I only managed 15 congrats mate and keep your head down out there. 

[Pete @ EGLM]

Congratulations Stu.

Your personal shopper

Pete @ EGLM

[ParkeNd]

Used to drive past Halton a lot years ago. They had a traffic sign saying "Drive slowly. Don't run over our troops". Painted under it was "Wait for an officer"

[guest311]

congratulations Stu,

makes my 9+3 look very lightweight 

joined in '67, out in '76

Swinderby, Debden, Ballykelly, Muharraq, Waddington, St.Athan, Brize.

Shacks at Ballykelly, Hunters, Argosys, Andovers and Wessex at Muharraq, Vulcans at Waddington, and 10's, Brits and Belfasts at Brize.

Was at Lyneham in the '60s when I was working in the Met Office, IIRC Comets & Brits, and the occasional Hastings.

keep safe

alan

[Calnefoxile]

Well done mate.

You can take a joke then 

See you soon.

Stay safe

Neal.