In the January school holidays Flight Sergeants Kimberley Robinson and Kirsty Calman were taking to the skies on aviation related courses.

FSGT Robinson flew solo while she was on the Power Flying course with FGST Calman on the Navigation course.

Our congratulations go to them and they now proudly wear “wings” on their brassards.

SQUADRON PERSONNEL CHANGES

Flying Officer Aidan Haig has taken up a teaching position at Otaki College having completed his Masters of Science and Bachelor of Education Degree. Aidan had been the Training Officer for the past 3 years and his experience in apline and water areas will be missed, as well as his unfailing enthusiasm.

Under officer Vanessa Tauri has moved to Nelson. Vanessa was the motivator behind our Davy Drill team over the past 2-3 years which have been well placed.

FSGT Nathania Grierson has moved to Hamilton and Sgt Mark McKnight has moved to Palmerston North, both to continue their education.

We have been negotiating with the Wanganui/Manawatu Gliding Club for our senior cadets to go gliding. The Gliding Club currently have only one twin seater glider making it necessary for us to go to Taonui Airfield, just out of Feilding over 2 or 3 weekends. This will be dependent on cadet numbers. Up to 10 cadets will be able to go gliding on any one day.

The cost to the cadets will be $35.00 per flight. This will cover the cost of a 1500 foot tow and however long they stay up in the air. The ATC Association will also be subsidising the gliding and travel costs. We will require some parental support to assist with travel.

Sergeant Kirsty Calman receives the McPake Trophy for Leadership from Wing Commander Poucher

Most Improved Basic Cadet

Most Improved Profiency Cadet

Most Improved Junior NCO

Stoneman Shooting Trophy (Top Basic Shot)

Parent Supporters Cup (Top Shot)

RSA Marksmans Prize

Parents vrs Cadets Shooting Trophy

Officer vrs Cadets Shooting Trophy

Cleveland Trophy for Endeavour

Bushcraft Trophy

John Lockett Memorial Trophy for Aviation

McPake Trophy for Leadership

No.9 Squadron Flying Scholarship

Cdt Thomas Kuhn

Cdt Alannah Butters

Cpl Jamie Steele

Cdt Thomas Kuhn

Sgt Scott Cleveland

Cdt Michael Campbell

Parents

Officers

Cdt Harry Seville

Cdt Michael Campbell

Cpl Mark McKnight

Sgt Kirsty Calman

Sgt Kimberley Robinson

Parents v Cadets

Sgt Scott Cleveland was the top cadet shot, with Mr Seville being the top parent shot on the night.

Under Officer Michael Hesketh and Warrant Officer Benjemin Hodgson cooked the food provided by the ATC Association on the barbeque for the parents and cadets waiting to shoot.

Squadron Shoot
On Saturday 15 March we held the first shoot for 2003. It was pleasing to see that the classroom lessons produced better results for the cadet first shoot than we have seen in the past.

The Squadron’s Training Officer, Flight Lieutenant Cleveland showed the cadets how it is done with 61 points out of 75 to be the top shot on the day. Cadet Thomas Kuhn was the top cadet with 49 points.

At present we are outfitting the new cadets with their uniforms.

We will try to have all new cadets into uniform by the end of this term, by issuing some on Wednesday nights and requesting others to come down to ATC on another evening.

All first year cadets will receive a lesson on ironing, cleaning shoes and how to tie a double windsor knot.

Cadets will be issued with a 3822 (Record of Service Book), photo for their 3822 and a Code of Conduct handout.

RECRUITING

At the end of last year Pilot Officer Frericks, along with various NCO’s, talked to the Form 2 students at Wanganui Intermediate and Rutherford Intermediates, and other school with Form 2 students.

As a result of their presentations a number of young people indicated that they would be interested in joining the Squadron this year and our recruiting evening was well supported.

Our numbers are slightly down on previous years and if you know of any other young people who may be interested in joining No 9 Squadron, please ask their parents to give me a call.

The Annual General Meting of the ATC Association will be held on Thursday 27 March at 7.00pm at the Squadron’s Headquarters.

As well as the election of officers (Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer) for the ATC Association, the meeting also sets the fees for the year. It is very pleasing that Mr Tim Campbell has indicated that he is willing to stay on as the Chairperson and Mrs Jane McIntrye as the Treasurer.

If you are unable to attend please tender an apology so that we can gauge the level of parental support for the squadron, should it be required later in the year.

Anzac Day, Friday 25 April, is at the end of the second week of the school holidays. The Squadron in the past has provided Book of Remembrance Guards and other details at the Dawn Parade as requested by the RSA.

There will be an additional practice for the various details during the school holidays and the training staff will negotiate these times.

As per the previous three years, Dawn Parade will be our compulsory parade, with the Maori Service being voluntary.

In addition we will be requesting 6-8 volunteers to assist the RSA by selling poppies outside Woolworths on a Saturday morning prior to Anzac Day.

CONTACT NUMBERS

The squadron’s phone number is 345 7303 and is listed under Air Training Corps in the White pages.

If any parents have any concerns or questions I can be contacted on 347 8124.

C H QUIRK
Squadron Leader, NZCF
UNIT COMMANDER

20 March 2003