RAAF steps up for Legacy Week
Courtesy of the Department of Defence
The volunteer sheet filled fast when nominations were called to collect fundraising money for Legacy Week throughout the Hunter region.
Service personnel from RAAF Base Williamtown lined the streets around the Newcastle district from 31 August to 2 September after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID pandemic.
Legacy Newcastle Club is 90 this year and supports thousands of beneficiaries, including 40 children of veterans.
Newcastle volunteer Flight Sergeant Geoff McLaughin, from No. 77 Squadron, said his strong desire to give back to those in need was steering him to become a Legatee.
He is a family man, with three decades of devoted service, three operational deployments, a Medal of the Order of Australia, a huge sense of community spirit and a long family history of serving members.
‘As I have grown older, I have become more aware of the many organisations that have supported military members and their families, including mine when my partner underwent treatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma – a type of blood cancer,’ Flight Sergeant McLaughin said.
He was also motivated by a DVA article about a colleague who became a Legatee. It spoke to the themes of military values and culture to support those people in need – an extension of ADF service and a sense of community care, engagement and family welfare.
‘I found his story of working with a young fellow who had recently lost his veteran father very inspiring and attuned to my own fatherly instincts,’ Flight Sergeant McLaughin said.
The badges and bears may be little, but the money raised through the week will make a huge impact to the families and children in the Hunter region.
Legacy Week ran from 28 August to 3September, but donations can still be made to Legacy at www.legacy.com.au/donate/
For the full article, visit the Defence website.
Flight Sergeant Geoff McLaughin, from No. 77 Squadron at RAAF Base Williamtown, sells a Legacy bear to Louise Neider in Newcastle during Legacy Week. Photo: Corporal Melina Young