2 minute read
Station Commander's Foreword
Gp Capt Mark Lorriman-Hughes
Welcome to the Autumn edition of the Station magazine. As always, it’s been another busy period at RAF Waddington and for the local community. I continue to be impressed by the wide range or articles and activities, submitted by a broad range of authors covering something different each quarter. It shows we have great diversity here and I’m pleased people continue to be active in their pursuits. The article about Dr Burt’s 100th Birthday is heartwarming in both the fact he chose to spend such an incredible milestone here with us, but also the teamwork and effort that went into delivering such a rare and unique occasion for someone who is still very much part of the service family. It just goes to show how deep the service connection remains with its veterans, and we were very happy to be able to host on such a momentous occasion. We have also mourned the loss and celebrated the lives of two critical members of the RAF Waddington team over the past few months. Sgt Keith Brian Jones passed away in May. He was a popular member of 51 Sqn and active on Stn and in the community. In honour of Keith, his name is emblazoned on one of the RC-135 that he worked on. SAC Tim Rowley passed away in June. Tim had a long battle with a glioblastoma, diagnosed in 2019. His remarkable fighting spirit meant he defied the odds and he continued to fight beyond his initial prognosis. I speak on behalf of the whole RAF Waddington community in sharing our deepest condolences and best wishes to Keith and Tim’s famillies. The passing of Queen Elizabeth II likely provoked many different emotions for both service and civilian personnel. The Royal Family connection with the military is unique and I was proud to watch our colleagues demonstrate to the world the highest standards of respect and discipline during the period of national mourning. The state funeral was conducted faultlessly and reminded me why I am proud to serve. I am also proud of the people who deployed to facilitate the events in London and Scotland, who held readiness, who kept the station running during a challenging period and who continued to fly and deliver on task, all without skipping a beat. You too should be proud of your efforts. I hope that from a rather sombre Foreword, you can see that through adversity, the people at RAF Waddington continue to be exceptional, and that is something worth celebrating.
R&D Home Maintenance All work considered. NJTS! Minor electrical & plumbing, decorating, tiling, joinery, garden construction, flat packs, blinds, coving. A small & friendly professional team, committed to customer satisfaction. 10% Discount for Service Personnel (Regular, reservist, volunteers & ret’d). Free quote, call 07746 195760.
