Gratitude for hair-raising efforts

Almost 100 Air Force personnel and staff members have put their efforts behind the ‘Wedgetail Beards for Charity’ fundraiser to support Soldier On.

CAPTION: Flight Lieutenant Brendan Campbell with a cheque for funds raised for Soldier On. Story by Flight Lieutenant Brendan Campbell. Photo by Corporal Craig Barrett.

Participants hailed from No. 2 Squadron, No. 42 Wing, No. 87 Squadron, No. 42 Wing Tactical Intelligence Flight and various other Wedgetail enterprise support groups.

Members were sponsored to grow beards through October and November.

Now in its third year, the drive has raised funds for Soldier On to aid its support to serving and former members and their families.

Wrapping up the drive for 2021, a presentation was held on November 25 at the No. 2 Squadron precinct.

Commanding Officer Wing Commander Warren Haynes presented a cheque for $14,413 to Soldier On representative and Community Pathways Officer Samantha Caines.

Mrs Caines said Soldier On appreciated No. 2 Squadron’s ongoing efforts.

“Their contribution and donation will go a long way in helping our community access our support programs and initiatives,” Mrs Caines said.

“All money raised will help Soldier On to continue to deliver a range of services to enable our serving and ex-serving veterans and their families to thrive.”

Wing Commander Haynes said the success of the fundraiser reflected No. 2 Squadron’s enduring commitment to serve others.

“It’s important to support programs designed to support the community,” Wing Commander Haynes said.

“I could not be prouder of the squadron for this amazing achievement and absolutely dominating the goal set.

“The aviators of 2 Squadron have really opened up their hearts and wallets for an incredible cause, proving once again to be a world-class outfit.”

Members volunteered their time to make the initiative a success.

No. 2 Squadron acknowledged the efforts of Flight Lieutenant Brendan Campbell, Sergeant Timothy Burrows and Flight Lieutenant James Bailey for their coordination and organisation.

Specific acknowledgement and thanks went to Ms Lorrelle Clark, partner of former No. 2 Squadron member Scott Waine, for her design and creation of the super-sized presentation cheque for Soldier On to mark the occasion.

Since its inception in 2019, the No. 2 Squadron ‘Wedgetail Beards for Charity’ fundraiser has raised more than $31,300 in support of Soldier On.

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