by Greg Martin

After almost six decades working at RAAF Base Richmond, Tony Simpson is finally flying the coop.

The 77-year-old has spent 58 years at the base 20 as an airman and another 38 in security, working for the RAAF and later private contractors Serco Group and MSS Security.

Tony has certainly “lived a life”: airman, security guard, world traveller, Harley-Davidson enthusiast, keen golfer and devoted grandfather to three grandchildren.

Now, after a long absence from the fairways, he intends to get back into the swing of golf.

“I have played the game since my early teens, spending most of my playing time as a member at Windsor, where I managed to reduce my handicap to a respectable 18,” Tony said.

“If I was to wield a golf stick at the moment, my handicap would be far greater, but that is definitely something I’ll be working on.”

He also plans to spend more time cruising around “our picturesque Hawkesbury” on his treasured Harley-Davidson.

And when it comes to cruising, Tony is something of a veteran. His holidays aboard 30 cruise ships have taken him far and wide, including the Pacific Islands, Hawaii, Japan, Canada and South-East Asia.

Crikey, the only vessel he hasn’t been aboard is the Good Ship Venus!

Away from the ocean swells, Tony has visited most European countries. In 1994, he was also part of a tour group that followed the Kangaroos rugby league team through Great Britain and France.

But let’s return to where he spent much of his working life: RAAF Base Richmond.

“I grew up in Denistone East, enlisting in the air force at 18 and having my first posting to Edinburgh base in Adelaide, where I completed three months of basic training,” Tony said.

“Then followed six months completing a logistics course at Wagga before finally arriving at RAAF Richmond at the end of 1968 and joining 38 Squadron (Caribous) as a supply clerk.

“I earned a promotion to corporal with the 38th, and then in ’74 I was moved on to link with 486 Maintenance Squadron, earning a promotion to squad sergeant.”

In 1977, Tony joined 36 Squadron, working with Hercules aircraft before eventually retiring from the RAAF as a flight sergeant in 1988.

During his 20 years as an airman, he served on numerous detachments to Papua New Guinea and RAAF Base Butterworth in Malaysia. He also worked as a load coordinator on defence force exercises throughout Australia.

“I was fortunate to avoid going to fight in the Vietnam War after Gough Whitlam’s Labour Party came to power, ending conscription and bringing to an end Australia’s involvement in the campaign,” Tony explained.

Retirement from the air force didn’t mean leaving Richmond. Tony remained at the base as a public servant working in security until he and his colleagues were made redundant in 1999, when private contractors took over the service.

He was immediately employed to continue his security work, spending another 27 years at the base before finally retiring in September.

With more time for family, golf, travel and his beloved Harley, Tony has plenty to keep him busy.

Tony, thank you for your service to your fellow Australians and for providing yours truly with an interesting yarn for our readers.