Squadron Roles: Squadron Bandmaster, Senior & Master Air Cadet training, Aeromodelling Project IC

Length of time in the Corps: 54 years

Previous Squadrons: 131 (City of Newcastle) Squadron ATC, 733 (Newcastle Airport) Squadron ATC

“My first taste of the Air Training Corps was at 131 (City of Newcastle) Squadron ATC, where I was a Warrant Officer prior to taking commission. Shortly thereafter, I was promoted again and served as Officer Commanding at 733 (Newcastle Airport) Squadron ATC.

“I held this position until the birth of my second son, at which time I decided to retire from RAFVR(T).

“Six years later, I applied to become a Civilian Instructor at 2214 (Usworth) Squadron, having contacted Wing Headquarters to ask where my nearest squadron was. I was asked to go back into uniform by the then-Wing Commander, attaining the rank of Flying Officer.

“In 1993, Flt Lt Derek Crozier retired from uniformed service and I took command of 2214 (Usworth) Squadron ATC, a role I held for over 20 years.

“I retired RAFVR(T) again in 2019 and continue to stay on at 2214 as a Civilian Instructor.”