End of an Era
July saw the end of an era with the retirement of General Service Hand Doug Lee from Auckland’s Maintenance Support Squadron.
GPCAPT Andy Woods presents GSH Doug Lee with his award.
A remarkable 72 years young, GSH Lee’s departure coincided with the presentation of the clasp to his Air Efficiency Award marking 20 years unblemished service to the RNZAF.
GPCAPT Andy Woods, Commander Logistics Group, and a former OC MSS, was on hand to present GSH Lee with his Award. GPCAPT Woods described the tremendous contribution GSH Lee had made to the working environment of the Squadron, his dedication, friendship, and constant good cheer, describing him as ‘simply a gentleman’.
In reply, GSH Lee explained that he had always thought of the Air Force as a family, and he had merely treated all he worked with as he would treat any family member. Only leaving to move closer to children and grandchildren, he left with some regret for the friends and workmates he would miss.
Having spent the first 50 years of his life as a civilian, and the past 20 in the Air Force, his parting advice was, ‘appreciate what you have here in the camaraderie of the Service. It’s not like that out there in civvy street!’.