Bonding for a better future

Units from Air Force’s Eastern Region Operations Centre joined forces throughout October to raise funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF).

CAPTION: Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell and Warrant Officer of the Air Force Ralph Clinton with Leading Aircraftwoman Sarah Gardner, Corporal Melany Stummer, Leading Aircraftwoman Riley Biedermann and Leading Aircraftwoman Rachael Hoey. Story by Flying Officer Jody Blakeley.

The collaborative effort was organised by Corporal Melany Stummer from Surveillance and Control Training Unit (SACTU) and Leading Aircraftwoman Zoie Payne from 3 Control and Reporting Unit (3CRU), who brought their units together to help raise more than $1800 for the NBCF.

Breast cancer is a significant issue in Australia, being the second most commonly diagnosed cancer and the most common cancer among females.

“Breast cancer awareness is very close to my heart as I watched my mum go through treatment and come out the other side. Thankfully now she is cancer free,” Corporal Stummer said.

Throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, SACTU members proudly sported pink unit undershirts, while 3CRU members wore their heart on their sleeve with the pink unit patch. Both units keenly supported each other’s fundraising efforts in a show of solidarity and a bid to raise awareness.

“Almost everyone has a friend or family member that has been affected by breast cancer,” Corporal Stummer said.

The initiative was met with overwhelmingly positive responses.

The units even had a visit from the Chief of Air Force and the Warrant Officer of the Air Force, who posed for photos with members of SACTU, showing their pink shirts with pride.

This team approach to the fundraising event highlights the strong sense of community within SACTU and 3CRU, and the shared commitment to making a difference in the fight against breast cancer.

By raising funds and awareness, SACTU and 3CRU are playing their part in supporting those affected by breast cancer, and in working towards a future where this disease is no longer a threat to women’s health.

With the support of the NBCF, and the generosity of the public, everyone can make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.

CAPTION: Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, centre left, and Warrant Officer of the Air Force Ralph Clinton, centre right, display the Surveillance and Control Training Unit’s National Breast Cancer Foundation fundraising shirt.

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