Yes Rob, I agree wholeheartedly.
Today was a rather exciting, and moving day. We were met at the barracks gate at 0630hrs, and granted access to the base, under escort by our Son. After nearly two decades of being responsible for
his behaviour, finally the roles were reversed under quite significant and stringent circumstances. An irony not lost on me. I'm glad I didn't follow through with an earlier threat to wear farmers overalls and gumboots!
The graduation ceremony was splendid. In total, there were 10 members who were graduands, and once all ten were called to the front of the ranks, they were individually called to step forward and receive their certificate, and beret or cap (RAAF members received cap). Several graduates were additionally awarded the Senior Instructors Achievement Award for excellence in their studies and practical assessments. That award is given to any student that achieves an overall result in excess of 95%, and I'm extremely proud to say our Son was one of those recipients! We weren't aware of this fact prior to the ceremony. When Bryce was presented with that certificate, composure was very nearly lost by the author. I must add, the parade drill was exceptional. My Wife took vast majority of the still photography, while I took video footage, all 4.5GB of it. In reviewing that footage this evening, the sharp note of scores of soldiers boots striking the ground in unison, features with every manoeuvre. Very dramatic and always impressive!
The ceremony also included the changeover of the Wings S.M, with S.M Griffin handing over, and giving a short speech to the Wing members, indicating his pride in those under his command. I would very much have liked to shake his hand and thank him for his guidance and support, but unfortunately the opportunity didn't present. At the conclusion of the parade, we had the pleasure of a guided tour through the Vehicle Training Wing training facility. It is a splendid establishment. I believe a training environment has a significant impact on the standard of learning, and having now seen the facility for myself, I can fully understand why Bryce has done so well! I know he will always have fond memories of his time in Bandiana.
