ADGie News 2009 ..............................

I was just scanning email address and thought it would be a good time to add mine to the list. I completed Course No 19 in 1971 and was discharged (honourably I think) in 1979. I rejoined in 1980 as a MTD and when the brains trust decided to do away with MTDs I was discharged AGAIN ( honourably, yes they did it again). I collected my redundancy payment, my DFRDB pension and now live the quiet life in Bonalbo, northern NSW.

Regards

Chris Little

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Gidday Pom its mad mick ,

Just been informed Tugg Wilson has been taken to hospital , He is there for an extended period 3 weeks minimum. His phone number while there is, 0882820426. HE WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM ALL . And by the way he can still crush cans with his bare hands.
Give me your mobile number again please as me lost it again..

Mad Mick S

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Gidday pom I have to let you and all ADG’S   know that Chris Bridger- Darling   Passed away last night. In Warwick qld. As soon as I find out any funeral arrangements I will let you know.     Chris was known to all as .. BRIDGER.

        See ya mate         .                            Will call you asap pom   mad mick

Hello Pom here is the info needed by all attending Chris Bridger ‘s memorial service ,
Chris will be remembered at a memorial service on Friday At 3 P.M. at the Warwick football club ,
Myself , Ray Cowley , Bob Holt , Ken Perrnel , Will be there .
Also members of his recruit course will be there. If any one needs any info contact me, Mad Mick

UNCLASSIFIED

Hi Bob,

I received this message from Chris Bridger-Darlings daughter, Megan,
this morning. Is there a possibility that someone from the Association
could contact her regarding this request for an ADG/Association presence
at the funeral. I always remember the words from Merv Reid when the
Association was in it's infancy,

"Once an ADG, always and ADG, always brothers in arms, always there to support one another".

Please let me know if there is anything I can do from my remote location
in Wodonga. I have been tasked with some additional duties in
Puckapunyal for the rest of this week, otherwise I would have made the
trip North, but I will do whatever else you ask in regards this.

Thanks for all your efforts,

Phil (Soapy)

Phil Essex-Clark

How do Pom

Attached is a photo of the ADG ‘ s that attended Chris Bridger ‘ s   Memorial service.

The names are from left to right.

John Cash , Mick Sheean, Spike Dainer ,Herby Emmerson, Blue Clements, Ray “mooka “ Cowley, Bob Holt.

Bridger passed away Thursday 9 july 2009 . He has 2 kids Son Lee, and daughter Megan, .Ex Wife Jill   Were all present.

His mom Pat and brother Michael also were there at the service.

Megan began the service with a heart warming speech about her dad , then asked Ray Cowley to speak on behalf of us all.

Mooka spoke from the heart it was a true and wonderful speech about Bridger ,His exploits and deeds with all of us ,
He made us laugh ,cry and remember .But due to his” pommy accent we only understood every 5 th "Word”.

Spike Dainer Then said the ode ,
After which we all adjourned outside and toasted Bridger,
It was great send off to a good bloke.

Mad Mick Sheean

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Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have received the following information and thought you may like to be aware of it:

Caribou send off:

THE OFFICIAL FAREWELL TO THE RAAF DHC4 CARIBOU AFTER FORTY FIVE YEARS SERVICE

Caribou Colleagues,

Unfortunately, the time has come when we witness the retirement of the de Havilland Canada Caribou from active service with the Royal Australian Air Force.

To mark the occasion, 38 Squadron is hosting a farewell function at RAAF Base Townsville on Saturday 7 November 2009.

The following activities are planned for the day:

• Morning: A combined 35 and 38 Squadron Colours Parade, including the formal laying-up of the 35 Squadron Colours.

• Mid morning to mid afternoon: Squadron Open Day – a chance to touch those controls/engines/props/wheels/fuselages/CGU1B etc for possibly the last time!

• Evening: In true Caribou tradition, a Hangar Bash.

Costs for the function are expected to be minimal (covers finger food/nibbles); liquid refreshments will be pay-as-you-go. Costs will be advised at a later date.

Memorabilia will be available; the Social Club is organising suitable items (so you can add yet another neoprene stubby cooler to your collection) – there will be more information forwarded closer to the event. The Social Club is sourcing a suitable commemorative port.

Transport (service air): I’ve had several requests in regard to the provision of service air for personnel to attend the event. I understand there will be some ALG assets doing a sweep, but recent experience has demonstrated that sudden world events can overtake previous plans and result in assets reallocated at short notice. My personal recommendation is for individuals to organise their own travel as withdrawal of service transport at the last minute would seriously disrupt if not scuttle your attendance at the event.

Transport (within Townsville): Early days yet but we anticipate providing transport to and from major focal accommodation points.

Accommodation on base: Due to base facility restructuring and asbestos issues with the older buildings, there is very little on-base accommodation at RAAF Townsville. We’re making enquiries with Serco, but I’m not confident there will be any significant on-base accommodation available for attendees. There are no competing events (as far as we know) in Townsville at that time and the northern tourist season will be wound down by then, so commercial accommodation should be readily available.

Photography on RAAF Base Townsville: I don’t envisage any restrictions on personal photography within the 38SQN precinct or individual messes, but normal ADF restrictions will apply outside those areas. Further details will be supplied closer to the day.

Enquiries and contact details: feel free to pass these on to others you know in the Caribou community.

• Email: 38SQN.45Yrs@defence.gov.au

• Fax: Event Coordinator (07) 4752 1382

• Mail: Event Coordinator
38 Squadron
RAAF Base Townsville QLD 4810

Further information will be passed on as plans mature. I’ll be seeking definite numbers from early August in order to firm up for infrastructure planning.

Regards,

David Falls
Squadron Leader
38 Squadron

(07) 475 21245