Regarding the NFU personnel, perhaps other RAF Stations could do what RAF Odiham did earlier in the summer (that less cold part of the rainy period). Whilst the term "Heroes Parade" is probably a bit much, gathering together a broad range of ranks and trades, all of whom have deployed to one of the 2 main theatres, and have them march through the local town is certainly a very pleasant and touching gesture and engenders very good relations with the local community. Not sure if other stations do it too, but in my opinion, very worthwhile.