On March 31 this year the Royal Australian Air Force marked its 100th birthday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
So did Warilla woman, and Air Force veteran, Lillian Gallegos.
Although Mrs Gallegos told her family she "didn't want a fuss", the occasion didn't slip past unnoticed.
Wing Commander Anthony Kay and Warrant Officer Peter Berechree presented the Air Force Centenary framed commemorative memento to Mrs Lillian (Robyn) Gallegos with her immediate family in attendance.
They also presented a framed memento on behalf of Air Force's No.37 Squadron.
Wing Commander Kay is the Commanding Officer of No.37 Squadron at RAAF Base Richmond in Sydney's north-west. Warrant Officer Berechree is the unit's Executive Warrant Officer.
Due to the changed COVID restrictions put in place on the day, the visit was conducted as efficiently as possible, while still being respectful of the occasion.
"It was a privilege to meet with Mrs Gallegos ... meeting a 100-year-old Air Force veteran in the same year our Air Force marks its centenary is unique, and probably not something I will have an opportunity to personally experience again," Wing Commander Kay said.
"Speaking to veterans like Mrs Gallegos provides an appreciation for the contribution and sacrifices made by her generation, and the importance and meaning of those serving today.
"To hear how much she enjoyed her time in Air Force, and her thoughts from the time she served during the Second World War provided a brilliant perspective of the journey Air Force has made over the last century."
We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.