The role of the HAC is really
to be an ambassador in every possible way and to provide the connections
and the wider partnerships that the RAF is looking for.
And you can only do that by connecting with real people out there
in the civvy street as I would say and also sharing different skills.
So we have people who are very involved in business,
people who were involved in policing, academia
and communities and people and the stuff that I do as well.
So there's a real, broad
skills base that has been brought to the RAF
by by the formation of the Honorary Air Commodores role.
And we all get together and also have a lot to say about what
we think the RAF could do and should do and improve, and also
how we can then promote some of the work that the RAF wants us to promote.
I remember being asked if I would consider
taking up the role, which was back in
2018, and I just was a bit
shocked and surprised.
But at the same time,
hugely honored to have been asked to hugely.
I felt privileged, obviously, to be honest,
I just felt very privileged to be in a position
where I could then start thinking about the world in a different way.
Of course, that's challenging because you think I can't do that.
You know, that's not something I can do.
I don't have the skills for this.
And at the same time, you know, once you get your head around it, you
then realize actually, that's why they've asked you because you can do it.
It feels like it's not just about me.
This is about lots of other people and how they can use the opportunity
to talk to me about the military and talk to me about the RAF,
but also share in the pride that I feel with being in that role as well.
And I think that's probably the best thing about it, to be honest.
It's it's a connection with other people that I love best about it
and which is why I do it really, to be honest.