Valedictory Letters - Oh sorry, here's a certificate instead
Cunning Artificer
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or in my case "Now we'll never get back any of that stuff he had stashed in his garage." 
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PN
I remember seeing a photo in the RAF News a long while past of AM Augustus Walker on the tee as President of the RAF Golf Association. I noted he only had one arm and I believe his handicap was in single figures - most impressive!
It's a story I relate to other golfers when handing over the money having just been beaten - takes away some of the pain
I believe he lost his right arm and was naturally right handed - probably why you didn't get a letter?
I remember seeing a photo in the RAF News a long while past of AM Augustus Walker on the tee as President of the RAF Golf Association. I noted he only had one arm and I believe his handicap was in single figures - most impressive!
It's a story I relate to other golfers when handing over the money having just been beaten - takes away some of the pain
I believe he lost his right arm and was naturally right handed - probably why you didn't get a letter?
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
Oh, I got a letter. I wrote the bloody thing, that was I felt the hipocracy of the whole thing.
Now when my predecessor retired from the job I created a press release. I have known him on and off for about 15 years and picked up bits of background here and there and asked the odd pointed question. That was a surprise and he appreciated a press release rather more than a private letter.
Now when my predecessor retired from the job I created a press release. I have known him on and off for about 15 years and picked up bits of background here and there and asked the odd pointed question. That was a surprise and he appreciated a press release rather more than a private letter.
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Oddly enough, I was heavily involved in the writing of mine. I was the only scribbly on the stn and had to advise my CO what to do. It reads more like a promotion recommendation. It's just a minor pity that it starts: QR1021 Report! 
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I retired in June and received a letter in the following October saying that my AOC had only recently been made aware that I did not receive a Valedictory Lettr immediately on retirement. Needless to say I gave it a good ignoring.
I'm glad I cared for the guys that worked for me a lot better than my seniors cared for me.
I'm glad I cared for the guys that worked for me a lot better than my seniors cared for me.
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"Gus Walker"
Back in 1974 or 5, I was a Vulcan Nav Rad and was at RAF Waddington at a combined 50/61 Sqn Dining-In night with Sir Gus as the senior guest.
Two things stand out from that night, firstly no matter how long it is since one has lost an arm, the brain still thinks it is still attached! I say that because Sir Gus was for ever waving his empty right sleeve at his old mates trying to attract their attention. Secondly, the love and affection that only a real leader of men can engender in his subordinates.
I was sat on the middle leg of the table and was surrounded by an ex-50 Sqn Lancaster crew (bar one who had recently passed away) whom between them had 5 DSO's, 10 DFC's and a couple of DFM's. As Sir Gus rose to his feet to give his after dinner speech they, along with all the other wartime aircrew there, rose to greet him with shouts and cheers that went on for at least two minutes. My new aquaintences had tears rolling down their cheeks when they sat down to listen to him. After his speech, a lot of the younger diners also had tears in their eyes, I know I did.
Truly he must have been one of the very greatest of our RAF leaders.
RIP Sir Gus
3P
Two things stand out from that night, firstly no matter how long it is since one has lost an arm, the brain still thinks it is still attached! I say that because Sir Gus was for ever waving his empty right sleeve at his old mates trying to attract their attention. Secondly, the love and affection that only a real leader of men can engender in his subordinates.
I was sat on the middle leg of the table and was surrounded by an ex-50 Sqn Lancaster crew (bar one who had recently passed away) whom between them had 5 DSO's, 10 DFC's and a couple of DFM's. As Sir Gus rose to his feet to give his after dinner speech they, along with all the other wartime aircrew there, rose to greet him with shouts and cheers that went on for at least two minutes. My new aquaintences had tears rolling down their cheeks when they sat down to listen to him. After his speech, a lot of the younger diners also had tears in their eyes, I know I did.
Truly he must have been one of the very greatest of our RAF leaders.
RIP Sir Gus
3P
Gentleman Aviator
Got my wings from Sir Gus as I was on the penultimate course to graduate from Syerston (and so the last with a decent parade).
Lessons remembered from that day:
1. Get the briefing right #1 - all us studes were briefed to present left hand for shaking on receiving wings, but Sir Gus turned his left hand thumb down - his normal practice to shake people's right hand to avoid embarrassing them.
2. Get the briefing right #2 - the then young lady accommpanying one parked her handbag on her right arm expecting Sir G to shake left. After vigorous shaking of her hand by Sir, APO Teeters watches young lady's bag bounce down her arm and onto his!!
3. Keep to timings - Sir G's speech on the parade went on and on and on (but was great) - however, it meant that the JP 9-ship flypast came over on legal minima
and landed on the fumes.....
..... what a great bloke indeed....
Lessons remembered from that day:
1. Get the briefing right #1 - all us studes were briefed to present left hand for shaking on receiving wings, but Sir Gus turned his left hand thumb down - his normal practice to shake people's right hand to avoid embarrassing them.
2. Get the briefing right #2 - the then young lady accommpanying one parked her handbag on her right arm expecting Sir G to shake left. After vigorous shaking of her hand by Sir, APO Teeters watches young lady's bag bounce down her arm and onto his!!
3. Keep to timings - Sir G's speech on the parade went on and on and on (but was great) - however, it meant that the JP 9-ship flypast came over on legal minima
and landed on the fumes.......... what a great bloke indeed....
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
Well Melchett, jury seems out on the usefulness of certificates but there is a number that don't think too much of the letter!
Thread Starter
Well Melchett, jury seems out on the usefulness of certificates but there is a number that don't think too much of the letter!
Seems a fair exchange to me!
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Relieved to hear I'm not the only one with an "I Love Me" wall - although I didn't know that's what it was called until now.
Forget certificates etc, you can get £10 on eBay for the Veteran's Badge that you get from the discharge clerk!
N Joe
Forget certificates etc, you can get £10 on eBay for the Veteran's Badge that you get from the discharge clerk!
N Joe
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
Joe,
First I love Me wall that I saw was in the US in '65. I will name names.
It belonged to a Maj Harry Bendorf and it epitomised everything that was different between an American and an Englishman.
Can you imagine hanging a photograph of self plus Glenn Torpy "To Joe kindest regards, Glenn" and sundry others? Yes, he had one from CinC SAC and possibly politicians too.
I named him not because it was so long ago but that he was a great bloke actually not too different from Gus. He rose to become Inspector General of the Air Force.
First I love Me wall that I saw was in the US in '65. I will name names.
It belonged to a Maj Harry Bendorf and it epitomised everything that was different between an American and an Englishman.
Can you imagine hanging a photograph of self plus Glenn Torpy "To Joe kindest regards, Glenn" and sundry others? Yes, he had one from CinC SAC and possibly politicians too.
I named him not because it was so long ago but that he was a great bloke actually not too different from Gus. He rose to become Inspector General of the Air Force.
Goodbye
I didn't get a letter or a certificate (in 1969). Did get an interview (with coffee) by the Staish.
Would I consider signing on for a further x years and get a pension, wonderful service, etc.
Replied "Thank you Sir, but 9 years is probably sufficient to be told how to do my job by people who don't know how to do theirs".
Interview terminated.
Would I consider signing on for a further x years and get a pension, wonderful service, etc.
Replied "Thank you Sir, but 9 years is probably sufficient to be told how to do my job by people who don't know how to do theirs".
Interview terminated.
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Ethos - core values??
There's a group, recently established at Cranwell, to study ethos and core values and how they may be introduced or taught to OACTU(DIOT for the elderly) - noduf . . . . words defy me 
Next time you're being preached at by some starred pillock about the ethos and core values of the RAF you might like to raise this issue, along with promotion letters (now replaced by JPA workflow notification and perhaps an email) or the RAF list (JPA doesn't know who/where/how many are in the RAF).
It goes along the same lines as 'our most valuable assets are our personnel' drivel that is so beloved of those that wouldn't know leadership if they tripped over it.
Perhaps a little look at this kind of petty, couldn't give a toss about those that work for me/serve their country attitude might go some way towards explaining why we even need to study what our 'core values' are.
/Rant/
Next time you're being preached at by some starred pillock about the ethos and core values of the RAF you might like to raise this issue, along with promotion letters (now replaced by JPA workflow notification and perhaps an email) or the RAF list (JPA doesn't know who/where/how many are in the RAF).
It goes along the same lines as 'our most valuable assets are our personnel' drivel that is so beloved of those that wouldn't know leadership if they tripped over it.
Perhaps a little look at this kind of petty, couldn't give a toss about those that work for me/serve their country attitude might go some way towards explaining why we even need to study what our 'core values' are.
/Rant/
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In my last 7 years of service as a WO I wrote my own assesments 6 times and had only one written by my, then Wg Cdr, boss. I accept that my last years were a tad unusual but it brought home to me that there are times in your life when write ups matter and times that they don't. If the final eulogy was sincerley meant by a boss that knew you and meant what he/she said then it would be worth something. The current letter is formulaic, probably self written, and comes across as just that. By the time you leave the mob you will know in your own mind how good a job you've done and if you need a valid write up for a future career then write it yourself with a clearer idea of what you need to say to impress your future employer. Sign and date it with an old bosses name (cal him first if you suffer from a conscience) and get on with your life.
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I've just read the bit about all the bits of paper I will receive when I leave; in my 'what happens when you leave' packup. Can't say that it fills me with joy - it would be nice to hang on to my watch (just about the only thing that has worked constantly - as well as the headover) As most of the other posters have mentioned there is probably little hope of the system making a decent stab at a summary of what one has contributed; unless it is very carefully briefed ie: do it yourself.
Music Quizmeister
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N Joe - well, I don't have an entire wall 
.......just a small area "I Love Me" area 
,(Staff College Grad Certificate, Certificate of Service, and my Commission Certificate if I ever find it.....
) that also has a couple of interesting aircraft shots I've taken over the years.......
.......just a small area "I Love Me" area ,(Staff College Grad Certificate, Certificate of Service, and my Commission Certificate if I ever find it.....) that also has a couple of interesting aircraft shots I've taken over the years.......
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
Endplay, very true.
An ex-major now civil servant boasted that he had had a bonus every year and even an enhanced bonus. He had written his bonus recommendation every year. He hasn't said anything this year; his boss wrote it.
An ex-major now civil servant boasted that he had had a bonus every year and even an enhanced bonus. He had written his bonus recommendation every year. He hasn't said anything this year; his boss wrote it.
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Valedictory Letters - Yet More Erosion
Imagine the surprise and resignation of 'a mate', who, on returning from a brief period away from their desk was greeted by the news that they will no longer get a Valedictory Letter, but a Certificate instead.
'They' were also equally dismayed to be told that:- "The Valedictory Certificate could (should) be presented to retirees just before their departure, which will add status to the associated 'thank you' to the individual", to which 'they' responded with a resounding "B****cks it will, and if they think I'm coming back off resettlement for it, they can **** ***" (or words to that effect)
'They' also took great delight in red-penning the poor DW that was witnessed in said announcement.
'They' were also equally dismayed to be told that:- "The Valedictory Certificate could (should) be presented to retirees just before their departure, which will add status to the associated 'thank you' to the individual", to which 'they' responded with a resounding "B****cks it will, and if they think I'm coming back off resettlement for it, they can **** ***" (or words to that effect)
'They' also took great delight in red-penning the poor DW that was witnessed in said announcement.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
You may wish to see what has already been said on this matter.
From my POV as I wrote mine !!!!!!!!
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthr...ictory+letters
From my POV as I wrote mine !!!!!!!!
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthr...ictory+letters