Page 4 - RAFMA Winter 2003

President’s
Foreword by Air Chief Marshal Brian Burridge CBE ADC RAF.
To RAF mountaineers, 2003 is something of o special yeor. Firstly, we have fought a major war in Iraq and, secondly, it is the fiftieth anniversary of the conquest of Everest. It is well known that Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing were the successful summiteers but the team leader, the then Colonel John Hunt (pictured right), gets less recognition. A distinguished soldier, he was known os o "terrific thruster". In selecting his teom, he sought patience, selflessness ond, above all, the "Excelsior spirit". In return, they readily responded to his skill as a planner ond his natural authority as a leader. Fifty years loter, I sow many of these same qualities amongst our personnel fighting in Iraq where high quality leadership at quite junior levels was pivotal to our success. Our role both os individual mountaineers and as an association is to nurture these qualities in ourselves and in others by doing what we enjoy most - simply being on the hill. In that way, we can all do our bit to generate that "Excelsior spirit".
From the Editor
Air Chief Marshal
Brian Burridge CBE ADC RAF.
It seems like only yesterday that I was trying to get last year's Journal to print during a manic period between returning from Afghanistan and going on JSAM. This year has been no easier and I think we have all felt the burden of the additional demands that have been placed upon us as a result
who have provided articles for me over the last three years. This magazine will only ever be as good as the efforts of the contributors and I would urge all of you to write about your exploits, even if they are private ventures, and let the rest of the membership read about them. Your articles need not be lengthy tombs but as the publishers hove been "* (¿¿Aik. ^ind enough to grant us a full colour
of Operations in Iraq - hence the slightly later publication date! Nonetheless, I think you will find this journal to be pocked with information about the exploits of
our members over the last
12 months Of so Areas you
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publication, please brighten up your articles with some good photographs Remember that there is a pnze for the best article,
photograph and the covei shot each year Consequently, I would be giateful if you could please fill out the enclosed voting slip ond
return it to me or alternatively you can cast your vote at the AGM. The winners veil be onnounced
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Squadron Leader Dave Tait S02 A3 Regt Field Ops
Bldg 28
HQ Strike Command
RAF High Wycombe, Bucks HP14 4UE Mil Tel: 95221 7327
Civ Tel: 01494 4912
e-mail: rafmajournal@hotmail.com
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have any comments you wish to laise 01 you would IT e to e n te i into any coi lespondence then please contact me at the addiess
below In the meantime slay safe ond have good climbing