Page 83 - MBS 2022/23

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Now in my seventh year as the Warrant Officer Physical Development (WOPD) at 38 (Irish)
Bde based in Northern Ireland and feeling very priviliged to still be a part of this ever- developing organisation. There are 14 RAPTCIs serving in Northern Ireland over a small geographical area, meaning we remain a very close and cohesive team, which makes my job so much easier.
Another outstanding year for the team with many professional and personal achievements; SSgt Arron Woodman was selected for promotion to WO2 (very well deserved). 5 of the NI RAPTCIs were among the team to complete the Lands’ End to John-O’Groats run, with a world record time of 3 days 23hrs 40 mins; it even inspired me to run my first marathon in 20 years (now that’s some achievement)!
As a branch we have heavily focused our efforts in supporting our Army Reserve cohort by increasing the opportunity to participate in sport, Adventurous Training (AT) and Physical Training (PT) courses. Full credit to the team of RAPTCIs for giving up their weekends to organise sporting events, Physical Training Leader (PTL) courses, weak and non-swimmer courses and to the team at JSMTC (NI) who provide NI Army Reserve consecutive weekend AT courses.
The Branch were able to honour our fallen Comrade, WO2 (QMSI) David Bellamy APTC, by laying a new memorial stone within Palace Barracks memorial gardens. David was killed while on patrol in Northern Ireland in October 1979. A wreath was laid by the Senior Master at Arms and a Service of Remembrance was held by 38 (Irish) Bde and HQ RAPTC Officers and Instructors.
This branch took full advantage of the Physical Development (PD) facility refurbishment project, which lead to the well-overdue refurbishment of unit PT facilities across Northern Ireland. We have also seen the refurbishment of the NI Athletics track and astro pitch in Thiepval Barracks and the construction of a new sports facility.
Sadly, 38 (Irish) Bde PD Branch say farewell to SO3 PD, Capt Kelley Haniver, as she moves on to the Defence Accident Investigation Branch (DAIB). I’ll close by saying thank you to Kelley for all her help throughout her time in NI and offer my best wishes for the future.
Capt (MAA) K Haniver RAPTC & WO2 (QMSI) A Richmond RAPTC
HEADQUARTERS 38 (IRISH) BRIGADE
WO2 (QMSI) N Richmond RAPTC
WO2 Richmond participating in the Belfast Marathon 2022
SSgt (SSI) A Woodman RAPTC & WO1 (SMI) R Hughes RAPTC
Capt (MAA) Kelley Haniver RAPTC – striking a pose on Bde PT
Service of remembrance for WO2 (QMSI) Dave Bellamy APTC