First Polish National Reservist Graduates from Recruit Training Squadron

Acting Defence, Military, Naval and Air Attaché for the Polish Embassy in the UK, Lieutenant Colonel Dorota Kawecka, attended the passing out parade of the first Royal Air Force Reserve British Pole to graduate from Recruit Training Squadron at Royal Air Force Halton near Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire on 20 Sept 2016.

Lt. Col Kawecka began her visit by attending the Graduation ceremony for regular recruits who have completed their basic training. The graduation parade included Senior Aircraftman (SAC) Agnieszka Rudel, a Reservist from 7644 RAuxAF (Media Reserves) Squadron who works as a producer/videographer for Yell.com in her civilian role.

As a Reservist, SAC Rudel, who became a British Citizen in 2012, has worked on a wide variety of tasks; from videoing air-to-air refueling, covering RAF and tri-service exercises to working with RAF Police dog-handlers telling their story through video. SAC Rudel said: “I am so proud to be graduating today, it was very special to have my father here to be a part of the occasion”.

Lt Col Kaweka and SAC Rudel also laid a wreath at the Polish Monument to remember Polish Apprentices who were at RAF Halton during World War Two.

The graduation parade also included 7644 Squadron’s Warrant Officer, WO Kenneth Watson as Colour Warrant Officer, the first Reservist to have that honour. WO Watson joined 7644 RAuxAF (Media Reserves) Sqn in 2015 after retiring from his role as Station Warrant Officer at RAF Coningsby. WO Watson said: “I always wanted to be Colour Warrant Officer when I was a regular but never had the opportunity. It was a great honour to be able to do so when one of our Squadron was graduating”.