FOR the fifth year, RAAF Base Williamtown’s 4 Squadron has held The Warrior Workout,a charity event to raise much needed funds for the Commando Welfare Trust Fund (CWTF).

Held on Thursday, 23 June funds raised provide ongoing support to Special Operations Command soldiers and their families in situations whereby other organisations cannot.

The workout consisted of two competitive physical workouts for approximately 100 competitors made up of civilians and serving members of the Australian Defence Force.

Commanding Officer Number 4 Squadron, Wing Commander Harvey Reynolds said The Warrior Workout is an important event in the Squadron’s calendar, telling Medowie News Of The Area, “4 Squadron is again proud to host the Warrior Workout for 2016, in acknowledgement of the Squadron’s enduring connection and commitment to supporting the Commando Welfare Trust Fund – and the important support it provides to families of personnel from Special Operations Command units that have been either killed or wounded while serving their nation.”

With the close working relationship 4 Squadron has with other parts of the Australian Defence Force, the funds in particular support soldiers from the 2^nd Commando Regiment and the Special Operations Engineer Regiment (SOER).

Unfortunately a number of soldiers from these units have been lost or wounded in action while on operations.

The first event, held in 2011, was scheduled to coincide with the first anniversary of the loss of three Commandos, Tim Aplin, Ben Chuck and Scott Palmer, who were killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan on 20 June, 2010.

This year’s event was dedicated to the memory of Sergeant Gary ‘Frankie’ Francis who died in 2014,aged 44, in a non-combat related incident while on a training exercise on Mount Cook, New Zealand.

This years’ event attracted a record number of teams participating.

The event concluded with a social BBQ for all participants and the cheering audience.

The Warrior Workout raised approximately $850.00 on the day for the Commando Welfare Trust Fund.

To support the work of the Trust Fund by making a donation, email the 4 Squadron Warrior Workout at WLMWarriorWorkout@defence.gov.au

 

By Heather SHARP