JACOB THE PILOT...
W
e had the pleasure of hosting special guest Jacob the Pilot at the home of RAF Force Protection here at RAF Honington on Thursday 24 February 2022. Station Commander Group Captain Dutch Holland said: “We are delighted to welcome Jacob here to RAF Honington today. At the home of RAF Force Protection, the RAF Regiment and the RAF Police, we value determination, courage and selflessness in the face of adversity above all else, and Jacob demonstrates these qualities every day. We’ll provide him a fun day of new experiences to stretch and challenge this most impressive of young men!” As he plans his latest fundraising venture for both the RAF Benevolent Fund and St Gemma’s Hospice, Team Honington put Jacob (8) through his paces in preparation for his arduous challenges ahead. Jacob likes an assault course and we thought it was only fair to show him the best one in the Royal Air Force; the RAF
Regiment Assault Course, of course. Physical Training Instructor Corporal Bovington shouted the orders and kept a watchful eye on Jacob as he shouted ‘Clear!’ after completion
of each obstacle, with a little help from some fellow RAF Regiment Gunners occasionally. In Jacob’s own words he ‘smashed it!’ Jacob also got to sample the Virtual
Reality training as is currently being trialled at both the RAF Regiment Training Wing and Force Protection Centre here at Honington. Lunch was ‘rationed’ as Jacob tried the many delicacies of the ration pack. He also met a few of the armoured vehicles used by the RAF Regiment including one that was much nearer to his size. To finish the day Jacob got to meet the Paramotor Club as they demonstrated a rather different way of flying in the Royal Air Force. In May, Jacob will take on his 25km Dunkirk challenge as he continues to raise vital funds for his chosen charities. Lisa Hunt, Regional Fundraiser at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: “Jacob has been fundraising on our behalf since 2019 and it’s heart-warming that his passion for all things RAF remains sky-high three years on. Later this year, Jacob will be completing a 25km walk to Dunkirk in aid of the Fund and St Gemma’s Hospice, so it’s wonderful to see the serving community here at RAF Honington sharing his enthusiasm.” We look forward to seeing Jacob again perhaps when he joins as a new recruit. Only question is, have we changed his mind on which career path to take in the RAF… Pilot? Or Gunner?!
HONINGTON HERALD 13
