Thomas completes 20 years’ service

Stationed at the Richmond RAAF Base, NSW Thomas has served almost the entire period with 37 squadron and the C130 Hercules Aircraft.

During this time, he has been deployed to the Middle East six times, together with many other overseas missions and training exercises around the globe.

Thomas’ initial training was with the various maintenance programmes of the C130 Hercules but has now moved onto more indepth data management of this same aircraft.

He feels after 20 years working with this famous aircraft at many levels, he has a thorough knowledge of it and even though it is aged, the latest version is vastly improved from the initial aircraft used in the Vietnam conflict and earlier.

The C130 has proved to be very reliable and versatile especially in the harsh conditions of the Middle East.

Thomas has mixed feelings of the ADF reduction of presence in Afghanistan. He is proud of the work that he has been involved in and the importance of his Squadron’s support in this conflict and especially in its humanitarian roles around the world.

Thomas’ father Bruce Pigdon OAM said “My family and I are very proud of Thomas and the service he has given his country over 20 years.

“I, like all fathers who have children serving in active war zones, have been anxious at times during his deployment but must compliment the RAAF for the active role they played supporting families and loved ones back home.”

Thomas’ grandfather James also served in the RAAF during WWII.

Thomas believes the RAAF offers a wonderful career choice to young people who want to serve their country and learn unique skills that generally cannot be offered outside military life.

Married to Emily and having two sons, Thomas looks forward to returning to Yarrawonga, his hometown, to see family and friends in the next 12 months.

Sergeant Thomas Pigdon has recently completed 20 years’ service in the RAAF.