SAAFA president impressed with vibrant local branch
Members of the association enjoyed an afternoon of banter and reminisced about high-flying days of old.
The South African Air Force Association (SAAFA) East Rand branch was lauded as one of SAAFA’s most vibrant branches by its national president.
Colonel Mike Louw, a guest at the monthly chairman’s lunch at the Benoni Country Club on May 19, shared stories of old with the “chopper boys and hooligans”, a term used to describe the boisterous East Rand members.
“We are celebrating our association’s 78th anniversary this year. However, since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, it had been in limbo.
“Many branches still battle to gather its members for regular meetings,” he said.
“However, looking along the stretch of tables, seeing so many active members enjoying each other’s company is a pleasant sight.
“These members embody all that SAAFA stands for, a place where Air Force members, those who have worked in the industry, and aeronautical enthusiasts can meet.
Boasting 46 full-time members, the association is growing steadily, with younger members joining its ranks.
A new recruit, Nick Cardases, and his son Devon attended their first meeting, which saw an informal reunion between Nick and Louw.
Devon, a private pilot, grew up listening to stories about his father’s career and antics in the Air Force.
These stories piqued Devon’s interest in soaring through the skies and prompted him to sign them both up as SAAFA members.
Sharing a crisp handshake, the two former airmen smiled and said they had last seen each other in 1967 when serving as second lieutenants at the Ysterplaat Air Force Base in Cape Town.
“What a privilege to see Colonel Louw after so many years,” said Nick.
“After I departed from the Air Force, I thought our paths would never cross again.”
A dedication to one of the founding members of the Harvard Club, Gavin Brown, was made before the festivities started.
“Gavin, a proud member of SAAFA and dedicated airman, was called to higher service,” said Roelf Rossouw, the East Rand chairperson.
“His legacy and love for flying high will forever live on.”
SAAFA meets on the third Friday of every month at Tino Cucina and Griglia.
For more information, call Rossouw on 073 186 7761 or email rossouwrj1@gmail.com,
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