When Aircraftwoman Kiera Proctor stepped onto the parade ground for her final salute at the Air Force passing-out ceremony on March 4, she wasn't the only Gympie local feeling a surge of pride.
Watching from the reviewing stand was Commanding Officer of 1 Recruit Training Unit (1RTU) Wing Commander Jodie Mason, another proud product of Gympie.
For Aircraftwoman Proctor, graduating from the rigorous nine-week training course at RAAF Base Wagga is the culmination of a lifelong dream.
The James Nash High School graduate will now take the next step in her career, heading to Victoria's HMAS Cerberus for chef training - a vital role that keeps Air Force personnel mission-ready, wherever duty calls.
"It's been a great course and I am loving the culture, the challenge and picking this career - it's been fantastic," Aircraftwoman Proctor said.
"I couldn't wait to see Mum and Dad to celebrate this achievement with them."
In a rare small-world moment, Aircraftwoman Proctor met Wing Commander Mason during a late-night field exercise when the senior officer was checking on the recruits.
"She asked me where I was from and when I said Gympie, she laughed out loud. Turns out a friend of my dad's had asked her to look out for me," Aircraftwoman Proctor said.
Wing Commander Mason, a former St Patrick's College student, took command of 1RTU in January, marking a special milestone in a career that began in the enlisted ranks in 2000.
After commissioning as a personnel capability officer in 2003, she served in postings across Australia, the United States and Malaysia.
"I have the best job in Air Force," Wing Commander Mason said.
"We are shaping the future of our Air Force capability here and I want to make sure every aviator has the opportunities I had.
"To bump into someone from Gympie is a real treat for me - I certainly wouldn't be where I am today without my mum, St Pats, or Gympie."
She was equally thrilled to see Aircraftwoman Proctor join the ranks.
"Kiera has made an impressive start to her Air Force career - it's great to have her on the team. I'm excited to serve alongside her."
Aircraftwoman Proctor's parents, Rob and Mel Proctor, made the journey from Gympie to Wagga Wagga for the graduation parade, eager to celebrate their daughter's achievement.
"She set a goal to join the Air Force and worked toward it - we are so proud of her achieving her dream," Mr Proctor said.
"Home is a lot quieter without her, but when she calls, the excitement in her voice is infectious."
With a career full of opportunities ahead, Aircraftwoman Proctor is set to make her hometown proud.
If history is any guide, Gympie's connection to the Air Force will continue to soar.
