Aviators recognised for 40 years of service
Nine RAAF aviators, including WOFF-AF Ralph Clifton, were presented with the Federation Star by CAF AIRMSHL Stephen Chappell.
The Federation Star is the fifth clasp to the Defence Long Service Medal and recognises 40 years of service. Remarkably, all nine recipients commenced their Air Force journey together in 1986 as apprentices on 40 Intake.
For WOFF-AF Clifton, the milestone provided an opportunity to reflect on a fulfilling career shaped by challenges and opportunities, and the people he met along the way.
“I am finding that the 40-year milestone is providing an opportunity to pause for a moment and reflect on the experiences, the opportunities and importantly the people that have shaped and influenced my career thus far in Air Force,” WOFF-AF Clifton said.
“While it has not always been an easy pathway, professionally or personally, I truly would not change a thing as it has been a career that has helped define my life to date.”
Looking back to his first days in uniform as a 16-year-old apprentice, WOFF-AF Clifton said he never imagined the journey would lead him to where he is today.
“Honestly, never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine that I would be afforded such an honour and a privilege,” he said.
“My first days as an apprentice could likely best be described as dynamic and, as a 16-year-old, I was focused on surviving each phase of training.”
With only around 10 per cent of the original intake still serving, receiving the award alongside eight fellow members of 40 Intake was the cherry on top of this significant occasion.
“It is hard to describe the pride I had receiving the Federation Star along with my fellow 40 Intake aviators, particularly in front of our friends and loved ones,” WOFF-AF Clifton said.
“This was, for me, a unique experience seeing nine Federation Stars awarded at the same time to the same cohort.”
Reflecting on the support that enabled his long career, he paid tribute to his wife, Melissa, and their sons.
“Melissa has done the hard things and has done them exceptionally well,” WOFF-AF Clifton said.
“She and my boys have been my rocks and the glue that has held our family together. I would not be here today but for their continued love and support."
For the next generation of aviators, WOFF-AF Clifton offered simple but powerful advice.
“The only person who will limit the opportunity and potential of your career is you,” he said.
“Seek the goodness in everything you do and value the relationships you build, because they will last a lifetime.”
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