A full and varied life of service

FSGT Lyn Clements was an aviator who demonstrated the value of flexible service arrangements long before they became widely understood.

In May, she was awarded a Federation Star in recognition of her 40 years of service to the Air Force by Head Military Personnel RADM Letitia van Stralen.

“FSGT Clements was part of a trailblazing group of servicewomen who continued serving in a time where the balance of family and a career was more difficult. Recognising her 40 years of service is testament to her commitment to Air Force and I thank her for her dedication,” RADM van Stralen said.

FSGT Clements joined RAAF as a clerk admin on August 2, 1982, and spent five years in full-time service before transferring to the reserves in 1987 after the birth of her first child. Following a move to Canberra in 1995, she began more than two decades of service at 28SQN.

During this time, she served in a broad range of positions, including the orderly room, pay cell, training flight, ground combat flight, reserve recruit training and the RAAF Balloon.

Progressing from corporal to flight sergeant, she was renowned for her versatility, professionalism and willingness to contribute wherever required. She served with the RAAF Balloon as both crew member and crew chief, later joking that she had attended her final early morning balloon event.

A highlight of her career was her deployment on Operation Slipper in 2011 as the Civilian and Military Administration Coordinator for the ADO and DFAT personnel embedded within NATO coalition organisations at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.

She remained deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve on operations and received a Commander Task Group commendation for her performance in this role.

Canberra-based reservists and supervisors continued to be the beneficiaries of FSGT Clements’ expertise when she moved to AFHQ as the Reserve Liaison Officer in 2016, and then into Senior Officer Administration Management in Personnel Branch – Air Force in 2018. Throughout her career, she was known for her professionalism, positivity and willingness to help others, and she took immense pride in serving Air Force.

In 2013, FSGT Clements was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and continued her reserve service while battling this insidious disease. When her cancer returned in 2018, she continued to contribute, while also dedicating more time to her family, including many cherished moments with her grandson, Corey.

Sadly, FSGT Clements died on July 3, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of perseverance, service and commitment to others. She was farewelled by family and colleagues at a service remembering her life on the July 16 in Canberra.

Rest well, Lyn.