Growing up on a citrus orchard in small town Palmwoods behind the Sunshine Coast, Warrant Officer Graeme Paroz never dreamed his decision to join the Air Force at 15 would lead to receiving his second Federation Star.
Reflecting on more than 45 years of long service, he said the time had 'flown' by - pun intended.
"I joined as an apprentice engine fitter 11 days from my 16th birthday," Warrant Officer Paroz said.
"The day after I signed on the dotted line with recruiting at Brisbane, I was flown down in a C-130 to the RAAF School of Technical Training at RAAF Base Wagga.
"I had to look up on a map where RAAF Base Wagga was."
It was big change from farm life, but following a long line of relatives who had served in the Army and Navy, including both world wars, Air Force felt like the right fit.
"I had always liked aircraft and wasn't overly fussed on boats, so I decided to join the RAAF," Warrant Officer Paroz said.
During his career, he was posted to RAAF Bases Williamtown, Butterworth, Sale, Glenbrook and Richmond, where he worked on a variety of aircraft such as the Mirage, Caribou, P3 Orion and C-130 Hercules E, H and J models, in a number of positions including aircraft technician, warrant officer engineer and instructor.
"The C-130 would have to be my favourite - the versatility of the aircraft to support operations, going to places not normally visited by ADF personnel, and the interaction between aircrew and maintenance."
"While working as a sergeant instructor at the [then] 503 Wing Field Training Flight, I instructed new aircraft technicians," Warrant Officer Paroz said.
"A lot now hold senior positions within squadrons, influencing and guiding the junior maintenance technicians. I hope I was able to provide a positive contribution to their career."
Some of Warrant Officer Paroz's most memorable experiences were travelling with the Roulettes to air shows, being a flag escort for the 486 Squadron disbandment and flying to Norway in a C-130J to participate in an extreme cold weather exercise.
Having served 40 years of permanent service and six years reserve service, RAAF Base Richmond holds a special place in his heart.
"24 years of my permanent service were spent at RAAF Richmond," Warrant Officer Paroz said.
"And it was in my role as warrant officer engineer that I really gained an appreciation for how quickly the maintainers could react to short notice tasking and changing circumstances."
"The C-130 would have to be my favourite - the versatility of the aircraft to support operations, going to places not normally visited by ADF personnel, and the interaction between aircrew and maintenance."
"I still enjoy turning up for work each day and always try and get in a good laugh with my workmates."
Receiving his second Federation Star and sixth Clasp to his Defence Long Service Medal for 45-plus years of service felt "surreal" to Warrant Officer Paroz.
"My initial sign-on was for nine years, which seemed a long time when I was a 15-year-old," he said.
"A career in the Air Force can be quite rewarding and it can equip you with skills and experiences not easily found in civilian life.
"I still enjoy turning up for work each day and always try and get in a good laugh with my workmates."
Warrant Officer Paroz is grateful for the support of his family through the years and intends to remain a reservist with 37 Squadron and Air Lift Systems Program Office in the coming years, where he humbly believes he can still make a positive contribution.
