When Charles Reif enlisted in the Air Force in 1946 at 22 years old as an aircraftman electrical mechanic, he signed up for a lifetime of dedication to his country and service.
Now, at 101 years old and with 31 years of service in the Air Force under his belt, his service has been recognised by the Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, not once but twice.
Charles and his wife Gwen were visited in their home in Canberra by Air Marshal Chappell on October 24. Air Marshal Chappell presented Charles a custom Aussie Hero Quilt, thanking him for his service from 1946 to 1978. After quickly hitting it off, they discovered a few similarities across their lives - Charles and Air Marshal Chappell had both served in 1 Squadron, just a few decades apart.
Sharing stories with Air Marshal Chappell, Charles spoke about his days in the Air Force. He reminisced about the time he spent reconnecting electricity in Japan, to navigating the crew of a 22-tonne Canberra Bomber from Darwin in the Northern Territory to Edinburgh in South Australia with just a handheld compass due to complete navigational malfunction.
Tracey Sims is Charles' youngest daughter. She said: "It was a privilege to see my dad so engaged and animated as he shared stories with someone who understands the significance of service."
'Watching my dad stand so proudly, honouring his country, and the moment that had been so thoughtfully shared with him has created a lasting memory that he will carry with great pride.'
What was already a special moment for Charles and his family quickly turned into another opportunity for recognition as Air Marshal Chappell invited Charles to attend the Last Post ceremony at the Australian War Memorial. There, Charles met with New Zealand's Chief of Air Force Air Vice-Marshal Darryn Webb, along with Air Marshal Chappell.
Charles was humbled and proud to be invited to lay a wreath and was particularly touched when his service was recognised during the ceremony.
His daughter said it was deeply emotional for him.
"Watching my dad stand so proudly, honouring his country, and the moment that had been so thoughtfully shared with him has created a lasting memory that he will carry with great pride," Tracey said.
Charles' career in the Air Force included 33 postings, 137 operational missions, 20 attachments, eight promotions and 15 honours and awards, including one citation with a Mention in Despatches for carrying out the duties of bomb aimer in the Malayan theatre. He completed deployments in Japan, Singapore, Malaya, United Kingdom, Malta, Vietnam, Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Hong Kong and Laos over the length of his career.
After 31 years of service in the Air Force, Charles reluctantly retired in 1978 and took up studying computers at university before joining the Department of Defence as a civilian. He hung up his boots fully in 1989.
Charles still lives in his own home with the love of his life Gwen. A remarkable man with a remarkable life and at 101 years old, insists his number has not been called yet to leave this world.
