Webmaster Welcome

Welcome to the seventh issue of the ALSFITT Newsletter on the web! The first six have been a reasonable success as I have had lots of positive comments about them. As you can tell by the size of this newsletter, I'm now getting a lot more pictures, clippings & articles. Also, the 'Web Worm' was put to rest and 'Dear Coly' is back! Well, although this is not an official site I do request that your articles be kept on the clean side, as I don't want this site banned from being viewed on intranet computers. So send me your articles and I will add them to this newsletter.

The idea of the newsletter is to bring news to all fellow ALSFITT, SEW & Fabric Workers past and present. It can detail the things that are happening in your workplace and/or the social antics of your comrades around the various units, whether it is on trips or just your day-to-day activities within the section. It could also detail the successes people have made since their release to the outside. Truth and accuracy should never stand in the way of a good funny yarn! The web newsletter is a great morale booster and I hope all members look forward to its regular release.

Webmaster ALERT!
For security reasons this webpage has had all current events and news removed. From now on there will only be historical news and information in the web-based newsletters.

P.S. The webmaster reserves the right to edit articles of an extremely sensitive nature.

Past and/or present members, I need you to send me your articles (stories, pictures and/or graphics) if you want this newsletter to survive on the web. Any good stories will be included in the stories section of the site. Any pictures will be added to the pictures section of the site. Any information about past or present members will be amended in the member's lists area of the site. Any items for sale will be included in the products section of the site. Also if members wish to advertise their businesses I will add a link of your site in the links area of the site.

Let us know what you think and encourage everyone to check out this newsletter, it has great potential. I will try to correlate all the info I receive and keep everyone informed on the whereabouts of all ALSFITTs, SEWs & Fabric Workers past and present serving in the RAAF, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait or anywhere else they may be.

Dear Coly is Back!
That stupid Web-Worm has been laid rest and for all future newsletters Dear Coly well contribute again. So if you have any queries about anything, why not ask .

Dear Coly,
Should I take a street directory with me when I go to reunions even if I did live in the area 20 years ago?
Signed Harry

Dear Harry,
Maybe you should organise a taxi next time. There wasn't any fog at that time of year, so maybe it's just old age.

P.S. I know a good cabbie that works that area Harry. Goes by the name of Yogi. Give me a call and I'll give you his number.

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Dear Coly,
Is there any need for us to keep our sewing machines?
Signed Anonymous Territorian

Dear Anonymous Territorian,
I don't think you should. You'd be the laughing stock of the trade. And how would you be able to make all them swags?

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Dear Coly,
Did you know that G-Suits explode at 24-26 PSI?
Signed Anonymous Territorian

Dear Anonymous Territorian,
I don't know that, but I'm sure all your fellow ALSFITTers are happy you have shared your stupidity with us! Should we guess who?

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Dear Coly,
Recently, I made a comment to a bunch of students. "Don't let yourself make up your own mind." They all laughed at me. Can you tell me why?
Signed Confused Camm

Dear Confused Camm,
I laughed my friggin' head off too. And if you don't know why, then maybe you should ask your mates. If you have any now!

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Dear Cully,
Do I have to use the colour 'purple' on our tool tags?
Signed Anonymous Territorian

Dear Anonymous Territorian,
Well you would be breaking a long standing tradition, and you would be the only ALSFITT section not using it. But if you don't want to, why should you.

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Dear Coly,
I have a small problem. No No, I have already come to terms with my small penis issue, it's my co-ordination problem.
Like when I eat lunch, my ears are satisfied but not my stomach. When I play touch, I pass the ball to the other team and sometimes I go walkabout (why?) And when I service my mower it won't start! Swany tells me it really should have a carburetor attached to the mower, not in an ice-cream container next to it. Also, today is the semi finals for hockey, and I have to umpire it. Why is it that now 10 minutes before the games I am reading the rules of the game. Am I going to go walkabout and leave them stranded? (why?) Oh and another thing. When I go out clubbing, the guys are tunning hot women and here I am in the corner with some fat ho, tellin' her how good I am at touch.
I drive a red Laser. Why can't I be a god and drive a Hilux too!!! If you have any suggestions, please let me know!
Now this was Signed Steve Earkle (but I'm sure we all know he was to embarrassed to sign his correct name.

Dear Steve,
This is going to take some time. You have got some big problems. ; I think I might have to leave this to all your fellow comrades to give you advise on all your problems.

Know any of these members?

Yep your right, 'The Man' and new tiny. And I heard he's very happy with it. His only concern was the swearing in it. But I don't think bastard is a bad word these days.

Now this is 'The Man's' first outing in the new tiny. Seems the tiny floats OK, not to sure about the 4B! Cheers and happy fishin'!!! I think this is what your trying to catch!!!

Is that a fake pic of 'The Man's' face on that dude?

Memories came flooding back when I received these pictures. Yes they are pics of the old touch footy team at Willytown. Members in the pic are;
Changa, Dinga, Thommo, Ball Boy, Mark, Thommo II, and the legendary SWANY! Oh and Al was probably at medical again!.

Who was the member who booked his overseas Puket holiday to a GAY RESORT! I'm surprised that he even told us about it! His travel agent didn't know that the place was a gay resort, it was only after he looked on the net to check out the place that he found out......or so he says! Send your guesses to the webmaster!

OCU guy's doing there best!

A Merry Chrissy from the guys 'n gals at 37SQN!

75SQN Section in 1998 (Member Photo)

The legendry Barny! They just had to get him back from the civy world.

75 Guys ruffin' it for lunch.

A magnificent display 'as always be the life support guys'. (RAAF Photo-circa 1998)

Checking the seats Gail?

The new 37SQN Section

They call him Nappy Cam

This sort of stuff has always been a no-no, until now!

Readin' up the pubs. Always a good way to have a bludge!

Survival training at it's best.

Notices from fellow members about fellow members

Robert Benjamin John (Bob) Jago, Sgt, A17051 well respected Safety Equipment Worker of yesteryear passed away in Ipswich Queensland on or about Sunday 27 October 2002. Bob's Funeral Service was held at 1000hrs 30 October 2002 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Cothill Road Booval Qld.
Great bloke Bob,
Lest we forget

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Elly Lousie Keding was born on the 25^th May 2002 weighing in at 9lbs. Congratulations Cameron & Dayna, from all of us!

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Does anyone know anything about John K. LEPINATH list in the deceased members area of the site? His daughter is trying to find information regarding the place, reference to his death, place of enlistment, service details or any family details. This is intriguing for her as the only relative she has some info about is JAMES KEITH LEPINATH, the family records to date do not include a JOHN KEITH. If you have any info, please e-mail the webmaster and I will forward it on!

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Thanks for the insightful newsletters. It's good to get some info from my previous life. While looking through newsletter No 4 I noticed a picture submitted by Bob Cowell (re: a PC9 LSE Cse at ESL in 1988.) I didn't immediately recognise the tall skinny git at the back as myself (I think I need to go back on a diet). Bob mentions an aircraft ejection? My recollection is a little different (cloudy), as I don't remember an ejection during the Cse. I maybe wrong but it is a long time ago. I think Bob maybe referring to the ejection of FLTLTs Szupula and Jackson from a Macchi at around that time. Pete Szupula unfortunately was later killed in the Nepal trekking accident with the Army Alpine Association. Anyway the ejection went well, with the guys coming down safely. The ejection seat separated and landed on the middle of the road at the back of the base just in front of a truck (luckily he missed the seat). Meanwhile, as the guys were parachuting down the Macchi spudded into the farm at the northern end of the base, giving the cows nearby reason to autolactate. The pilots narrowly missed landing in the middle of the fireball caused by the exploding aircraft. Fortunately all were OK, except for the usual pilots suffering compressed spines from the big boot in the arse from the ejection seat charge. I, myself, heard the seats going off but as usual the ejection was too fast. I saw the guys parachute down and the Macchi hit the ground. A very interesting day, I believe this happened around midday (again a little hazy). Others who may remember this event maybe the others in Bob's photo: (from the left, standing) Bob Cowell, Trevor Smith, Myself, Wayne Crouch, (and crouching in the front) Bob Armstrong and Mick Sharman. The PC9 LSE Cse instructor was Mr Ivor Collett from Martin-Baker UK. Other staff at MNTESL at the time included: Ed Vanderzwan, Roscoe Shaw, Danny Detering, Graham Deece, etc (now I'm stretching the memory). I'm sure Danny could help me out. I hope this is newsworthy for you. I look forward to some detail regarding reunions in the WLM area.
Regards
Terry New

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It comes as no surprise that on Ocker's pending discharge, an e-mail containing some DIRT was sent to me. The message was correct when it stated that he deserves it and he would definitely do the same. Some of the content of the message is as follows;
G 'day mate, it must be getting exiting about now, just a quick note to say good riddance, you really gave me the shits and your body odour was questionable at times, no no just being serious. Have a good time touring around Oz and talking to people I know you will enjoy it.
A few highlights from our time together:
* Being charged by your wife at the Richmond Nuck.
* Warming the steps at the Ricky Inn at 7 in the morning.
* You giving Dad the shits at 2AD.
* Kicking your butt at pool and most other things.
* Your unexpected arrival at Butterworth, deciding to run from the boatie to the ferry in our street clothes (what were we thinking) and our attack on the local Indian night club scene. It has surfaced from popular consciences that Thommo always had a crush on you. He couldn't shut up about you at 492, "at 77 Ocker did this blah blah blah...". So watch him he may try something at your piss up. Enjoy it and have a good time, don't hold back with your farewell speech, get drunk, spew on somebody, punch Barrosao in the back of the head and blame it on me. What ever they say about those hedonistic years they can never say they were boring...
Good luck in your new adventures Ocka!

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I have had a pretty hectic schedule over the past few weeks. What...with leave and yes my last 'shonky' hockey holiday. I will be leaving Canberra for good on 5 Dec 02 and officially out of the RAAF 9 Mar 2003. My job did not pan out the way it was glossed over, matter of fact the position is no longer available so I was placed in Defence Equity which I basically told my bosses to shove it. I landed a APS job back at Life Support Logistics Edinburgh as a Tech Assessor.
Mal

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G'day Everyone, I am currently down in Tassy, for those that were not aware. In Jan 2000 I left ALLMSQN and departed for Sydney recruiting and after about 3 months and traveling 3 hours a day back and forth to work, it was time to go. I applied for a job in Hobart with a Job network provider and succeeded. I worked with unemployed people for about eight months until my application to join Tasmania Police came through. I began training at the Academy Feb 2001 and graduated later that year. My first posting was to the Watch at Launceston Police Headquarters. During my first three months at Launceston I expressed an interest to head to the country and by March 2002 I was in charge of my own station and let loose to harass the locals. I have completed five months in the country and things are going well. Being your own boss is rewarding. I certainly do not have the "action" of the city, however policing in the country is about fostering community relations and applying the law in a more balanced approach than the city. The department have generously supplied me with a brand new Toyota prado (oh what a feeling), with all the off road bits. I also have free Austar, internet and pay $20 week for a police house, which has under gone renovations and is quite good. Being a Police Officer is certainly a challenge, you never know what each day will bring, when you book on for work. As an example, you may start work at 7pm and not get to bed until 7 am the next day. One minute you are spraying someone with pepper spray while arresting them for disorderly conduct and processing them, to then have them remanded for court and as soon as that is completed, you receive a call to attend an aggravated burglary, arriving to dust for finger prints and swab for DNA. Another day I received a call that a male was walking around in his front yard with a shot gun whilst having a domestic (which are one of the most unpredictable situations) with his wife. So I rock up with bullet proof vest on, with back-up 20 minutes away and holster unclipped ready to draw the glock. Within twenty minutes I am sitting down after taking his fire arms away, making him a brew and offering some advice before I charged him for fire arms offences. During all this he is crying and wishing his wife was still home. That's a brief snap shot of country policing. Right now I am in 29SQN active reserves and complete about 36 days a year. I am in the training role and have applied to complete the basic cooking course for something different. That is about it from me and I wish everyone well, no matter what you are doing. For those that are contemplating discharge, plan for success and take the plunge.
cheers,
Michael Adams

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Hi everyone, I am trying to find information on John 'Winnie' Atwell. In particular any information on Winnie working in the F111 Fuel Tanks. My contact number is 1800 558 022. Thank you for your help.

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REUNION - RAAF SCHOOL PENANG

There is a proposed reunion being planned for May 2003 at the Laverton RAAF Base, Melbourne for RAAF School Penang alumni & friends. The reunion is for students, staff and RAAF personnel who served "time" at RAAF School Penang and Butterworth RAAF Base. The Laverton RAAF Base require an indication of interest to confirm the booking. Registration of interest can be made via any of the following;
under the REUNIONS section: http://www.raafschoolpenang.com
or contact on
telephone: 02 - 6931 2576(ah)
mobile: 0421 605 548
Research Grants Officer | Centre for Research & Graduate Training Charles Sturt University | Locked Bag 588 | WAGGA WAGGA NSW 2578, AUSTRALIA
Telephone: 02 - 6933 2406 | Facsimile: 02 - 6933 2800
Centre: http://www.csu.edu.au/research/
Personal: http://www.csu.edu.au/research/kwelsh/

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The following two e-mails were received from some of our fellow members sometime ago. I apologise for not putting them in the last newsletter. But anyway here they are.......
Well the time has come to try a new life style. As of 7 Nov I will be no longer working for the RAAF. Those of you who know me personally I hope will wish me luck. Those of you who think they know me by listening to the rumour mongers and back stabbers..... well...... who cares. I enjoyed every minute of my 15 plus years working with some fun people, Oh, and not so fun people but they knew their stuff.
I have taken the plunge into the world of the shiny bum, fat cat, pube or whatever you wish to call a member of the APS. I will be working at the new call centre in Cooma as a call-girl... I mean a supervisor for the dispatch room. And looking forward to what seems a daunting challenge, imagine to actually be productive for once in my life. There, said it for all of you.
Have had a ball with all you guy's/gal's and if your ever down my way, look me up for a beer or three. Or call in on your next skiing holiday.
Best of luck to you all, have a great Xmas and a good life.
Pete Lewin
P.S. Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark. Professionals built the Titanic.

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I'M FREE !!!!!!!!!!

Well it's that time for me to say goodbye to an illustrious RAAF career! ha ha! Anyway I'd like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all the people I have worked with or known over the six and a half years I've been in the RAAF, thank you for all the lessons learned and experiences had, more good than bad!
I'm discharging as of Oct 13 and commencing new employment down at QDS at Richmond, so not much of a change but one I believe is for the better!
If anything I've learned in the Military is that "NO one can tell you what to feel, what to experience or what to think! But just TO feel, TO experience and TO think then learn!"
With just one more bit of "wisdom" I'll say goodbye!
The steel considers itself senselessly tortured by the heat, but the hardened tempered steel of the highly polished razor sharp blade looks back and knows different!
I hope everybody achieves what they set out to do, in the RAAF or not! and through your own personal experiences good or bad! are forged into better people!
THANK YOU!
Darren Horvath

I have been asked to search around and seek out all the ALSFITT Reservists. Once I get the names I will add a page within the site with all their names and hopefully E-Mail contacts as well. By having a list of Reservists and their contact, it will make it easier for anyone looking for someone to do some relief manning. So if you are a serving Reservists, or know of a serving Reservists, please contact the webmaster with the details.

This segment is designed to keep you informed of where your fellow trade members are now. This can either be 'retired members' or 'serving members'. If you know the whereabouts of your fellow members, drop me a line and I will include them in here.

Does anyone know where the following members are?;

• Greg 'Lizard' Killorn,
• Scott Sanderman (Lasky), and
• Trevor McIntosh.

The following member recently made contact:

• Dan Dennison, (Queensland)

  I have now settled into my own home at BRASSALL in Queensland and yes my old mate Roscoe Stone lives here too.
  

• Rick Gordon, (Coffs Harbour)

  I have been living in downtown Elkhart Indiana for a little over 2 years now. He says it's not a bad place, the climate sucks, but it is generally OK.
  In a recent message he says, "Rumours are funny things, and while they may contain some truths the harsh reality is that I am moving back yes, but first I will become a yank so I may travel back and forth without hassle. My new wife has forbidden me to rejoin the ranks of the deprived and decrepid, so I will just have to live by the sea side at Coffs Harbour and go fishing".
  Cheers!!!