ALOR STAR: “IT’S good to be back.” These were the words of Capt (Rtd) John F. Woodard, 83, the first commanding officer (CO) of Royal Malaysian Air Force’s 1 Flying Training College when he attended the college’s 50th anniversary recently.
It was an emotional return for Woodard, who was joined by the college’s first Malaysian CO, then-squadron leader and later, the first Malaysian chief of the RMAF Gen Tan Sri Sulaiman Sujak.
The duo had much to catch up as they reunited with other retired officers and personnel who had served at the college.
The event was officiated by RMAF chief Gen Tan Sri Rodzali Daud.
Woodard, who was seconded from Britain’s Royal Air Force to oversee the setting up of the training centre in 1964, remembered vividly his days at the college.
“I was posted here in Alor Star in 1964 and have fond memories of my stay.
“This was when the college was relocated from Kuala Lumpur due to space constraints. I worked here for 18 months,” he said.
After serving at the college, Woodard returned to Kuala Lumpur to a desk job before leaving the country.
Hailing from Redding, in Britain, Woodard said that he had served in many countries in the course of his career such as Canada, Germany, Malta, Cyprus and the United States but he liked Malaysia the most.
“It is also where I have some of my happiest memories including the birth of my youngest daughter, Frances, in Assunta Hospital in Petaling Jaya,” he added.
Woodard said he was amazed by the development in this country.
“Since then, the college, the city and Malaysia have changed so much. You have so many beautiful buildings and so much development now with skyscrapers and many new things.
“It is marvellous to be back here again with my wife. Malaysia has indeed come a long way since I was here and I wish all Malaysians a happy Independence Day and the very best for your country,” he said.
