Speeches

Tuesday, 12 November 2024

AWC Warfighter of the Year Award

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Rod and I are delighted to be here today for the inaugural presentation of the Air Warfare Centre Warfighter of the Year perpetual trophy.

As we arrived, the Dambusters theme with its stirring march instantly evoked pride in our aviators.

As an Australian, as a diplomat who has had the privilege of working with the ADF in various roles in Canberra, during postings in Hong Kong, the UK and China, and while visiting the UAE, Iraq and Afghanistan, and now as Governor, I have the highest respect for those who serve our country.

It is something I felt keenly yesterday, Remembrance Day,

as we remembered and reflected, spoke of courage and acknowledged and gave thanks for service and sacrifice.

And it is something on my mind today as I present this award.

I am particularly touched to be doing so in the presence of the daughter, Nikki King, of the man in whose honour it is named: the late Squadron Leader David Shannon.

Through this award, we honour the courage and fortitude of our service men and women.

We recognise, honour, and encourage, unabashedly, the warfighter mindset.

As you all know, Squadron Leader Shannon was a South Australian World War II Bomber Command Pilot who served with the Dambusters 617 Squadron.

Fortunately, Squadron Leader Shannon was one of those who came home.

But every warfighter knows that the ultimate price might be asked of them. Many have made the supreme sacrifice, as we reflected on yesterday.

Today through this award, we recognise the strength and dedication needed to defend our nation and our democracy.

There can be no higher calling.

I have great pleasure in announcing the inaugural Air Warfare Centre Warfighter Award, the SQNLDR David Shannon DSO and Bar, DFC and Bar, goes to Flight Sergeant Kristy Nichols.

Congratulations.