Dedicated Service Recognised
W/O Philip Webley receiving the NZ meritorious service medal from CAF AVM Lintott. (WB-08-0119-25).
After 28 years of dedicated service to the RNZAF W/O Philip Webley was awarded the New Zealand Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) by the CAF AVM Graham Lintott during a visit to Base Woodbourne on 18 June. The medal is an especially high Air Force honour that can be held by only 15 RNZAF personnel at any one time. W/O Webley said he was particularly honoured and humbled to be personally given the medal by the CAF himself during an official parade.
CAF AVM Lintott said W/O Webley had contributed hugely to the Air Force, in particular his part in introducing successful training programme changes to the NCO course. ‘You will be a legacy for this Air Force,’ said AVM Lintott. ‘The medal is about service. Service and commitment are things we hold dear in the Air Force. For someone to give 28 years service to the Air Force and his country, and to have done it in such a distinguished fashion is a great achievement.’
Webley first joined the RNZAF in 1980 as a Firefighter and held various positions before being promoted to W/O in 2000. He was then appointed Flight Commander at Base Auckland’s Fire Flight. He received a CAF’s Commendation for strengthening ties between the RNZAF and the New Zealand Fire Service. A keen parachutist, W/O Webley represented New Zealand at international tournaments. After retiring from competitive parachuting he continued as cameraman for teams. The MSM is awarded to those who have performed good, faithful and meritorious service within the Air Force for over 21 years.
– Courtesy Marlborough Express