Although the chance to socialise with the Association members did not occur to the extent both parties would have liked, I believe a good time was had by all and indeed the feedback from both the soldiers and Association members up to and including this point in time has all been extremely favorable. I have no doubt that you are all aware that there is an untold amount of preparation and co-ordination required, at all levels, to enable an activity like this to get off the ground, and to that end Bob and Denise must receive a well deserved “Well done” as the overall controllers of all events during the reunion.

I won’t dwell to long on them as the Association and its members have well and truly afforded them the accolades they so richly deserve. I would, from the units point of view, like to pass on my personal thanks and those of the Commanding Officer to a couple of unknowns who had a great deal to do with the smooth running of things from within our unit. They are: MAJ Phil Langworthy (OC Admin Svcs), CAPT Melinda Nash (Adjutant), WO2 Steve Szentimay (Caterer) and SGT Jim Lakey (Tpt Spv, and parade RP SGT). I use this forum to afford them the congratulations they are entitled to and to let all Association members know of their contribution. Without the efforts of these personnel things most certainly would not have run as smoothly as they did.Let’s not forget the diggers. With the performance of the soldiers on parade, their efforts in setting up the unit and carrying out painful mundane tasks, I have every reason to be proud of them, and I am! A unit is only as good as the soldier that serves in it and you can see why this unit enjoys the good reputation it currently does.

As an RSM, would and should, I would like to dwell on the issue of the parade for a short moment. I appreciate the informal Guard of Honour shown by the Association members as my soldiers departed the parade ground, it was a fine testament to their performance on the day. I would like to point out that quite a few of these soldiers had never been taught to slow march prior to this particular ceremonial occasion. All in all, I was particularly pleased with the end result.

Of course an occasion such as this is heightened by the presence of dignitaries and we were well represented in this area. The congratulations of the Commanding Officer, myself and all the other members of the unit go to, the now, MAJGEN Pearn AM, RFD, on his appointment as Surgeon General of the Australian Defence Force.The Health Services Support Battalion trial is well under way with Dental, Preventative Medicine, Psych Team and the Parachute Surgical team now under the full command of the hospital. It is becoming increasingly apparent that the formation of the 1st Health Services Support Battalion will occur in the near future and therefor another name change will be promulgated. Past and present soldiers of this unit, and the soon to be formed Health Services Support Battalion, have indicated they would like to see the Association encompass these changes in its development, but still maintain the historical links to 1 (Aust) Field Hospital.

It has been my pleasure to display this unit and its soldiers to the veterans of your Association, and I look forward to the next time I have the opportunity to converse with its members over a meal and a glass or two of fine wine. It was also a pleasure for me to be able to offer the hospitality of the Sergeants Mess for a cold ale on the Sunday afternoon (even for the hangers-on).

It has never ceased to amaze me that no matter where we serve, whether a veteran or a currently serving soldier, you will never change the attitude, morale or sense of humour of the Australian Soldier. This was strongly evident to me on the weekend of the 4th and 5th of April, and I enjoyed myself immensely.Thanks.

WO1 Grahame C. Blackwell
RSM
1st Field Hospital.