Receiving her Federation Star is an experience Warrant Officer Kylie Terry never thought would happen.
The Federation Star, the fifth clasp for the long service medal awarded for 40 years of service, was awarded to Warrant Officer Terry by Chief of Staff Combat Support Group (CSG), Group Captain Melissa Neilson.
Warrant Officer Terry, a personnel capability specialist, spent the majority of her career in personnel-related roles, assisting aviators across all musterings and categories.
After serving 30 years in the permanent Air Force, Warrant Officer Terry has now transitioned to reserves, where she continues to serve Air Force and, in particular, Headquarters CSG.
Thinking back to the start of her career, Warrant Officer Terry said it was her grandmother who gave her the idea to join the ADF.
"I graduated high school without a career plan and my grandmother heard on the radio that the Army were hiring, so she suggested I apply," Warrant Officer Terry said.
"I went along and spoke to Navy and Air Force, settling on applying to be an education assistant with the Air Force.
"I think Grandma ended up regretting suggesting it as she never expected me to leave Adelaide.
"I will forever be thankful, though. I joined in 1982 and I have had a great career so far, the number one highlight being I met my husband, who also served."
Warrant Officer Terry said throughout her 40 years' service, she has enjoyed every opportunity thrown at her. She has also made strong friendships that have helped her overcome major personal hurdles.
"In 1993, at just 28 years old, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, then in 2007 while I was on a Warrant Officer promotion course in Wagga, I was diagnosed with a recurrence after finding another lump," Warrant Officer Terry said.
"I thought my diagnosis would be the end of my career, however my Air Force medical team were really supportive and I even deployed on operation between the two diagnoses.
"Now I still have a successful career in the Air Force, I am a double breast cancer survivor, a National Breast Cancer Foundation Community Ambassador and I provide support to other serving females who have also survived through the Facebook Group 'Defence Chicks With Breast Cancer'."
