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P o s t b a g Postbag Good Evening,


I have just read some of the articles in Envoy, Winter 09 and one that grabbed my attention was ‘It Takes Two’. I thought I may have interpreted it wrongly, so without making any comment asked my wife to give me her view. She was of the same opinion as me; this is not typical of married serving member of the RAF departing for a four month detachment.


I would think this couple represent an extremely small proportion of married members of the Air Force. I could understand it more if they were newly-weds or a couple who had little time within the Air Force, but they have been married for twenty years. The fact that Mrs Wilkins had almost no knowledge of Brize Norton and Mr Wilkins comments regarding ‘putting the helmet and body armour on for the first time’ leads me to believe Mr Wilkins is one of the extremely small number of people who does not deploy regularly.


These facts, along with the comment regarding the ‘nominated unit officer was a personal friend’ makes me feel Mr Wilkins is a commissioned officer who has very little experience of the Air Transport (AT) Fleet. He says that the ‘strategic airbridge worked flawlessly’, which is often the case; however, those who use (and work with the ageing AT fleet) know that there are often delays and cancellation owing to unserviceability, logistical problems, compassionate cases and medical emergencies. I feel he paints far too rosy a picture.


I understand your magazine has an


extremely wide audience and you have to represent a cross section of the readers, but surely publishing an upbeat article about a couple with no children, where it appears the husband does not go away very often and when he does, everything seems to go according to plan is not going to ring true or appeal to many. I would have thought the Editor should have tried to steer this article towards a more relevant couple. Sergeant Steve Ackland, Lyneham


Reply from the Editor:...I was very interested to read your comments. And whereas I do take your point that this is perhaps not a typical viewpoint, it is however a genuine one. We obviously do like to appeal to the majority, with most of our magazine content but sometimes it is necessary to be mindful of those within the RAF who do not fit the ‘norm’ or ‘mainstream’, for want of better words. I would also add that this same couple do have issues and concerns with other aspects of RAF life/policy, so it is not a case of everything in the garden being rosy. And perhaps it is heartening to hear that the system does work, for some of the people, some of the time (?).


If you have a different experience you would like to share and feel fits the bill more universally, then do please feel free to write, I should be very receptive to your thoughts…


BRITISH LIMBLESS EX-SERVICE MEN’S ASSOCIATION


BLESMA supports all those ex-Service men and women who have lost limbs, the use of their limbs, or one or both eyes. At the outbreak of World War II and all conflicts since, many Members of BLESMA went to War young and whole. They came home disabled for life. The Association offers them the fellowship of shared experience, the welfare support they need and have fought for their interests over all the long years.


Whilst we do not wish to receive new Members, due to the present situation and conflict in Afghanistan and as service life takes its inevitable toll, it is unavoidable that we shall do so. It is very important therefore that we are here to assist them in their recovery and rehabilitation from their injuries.


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