CONTRIBUTING BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY

As one of the pioneers who helped to build units from scratch in the late 1980s, Major (MAJ) (NS) Ong Chew Hoon has seen the Air Force grow from strength to strength and continued to contribute to its development years after completing his National Service.

He had jumped at the opportunity to take up the Reservists on Voluntary Extended Reserve Scheme (ROVERS) when the opportunity arose and has served six years as the Deputy Commanding Officer of 608 Squadron of the Republic of Singapore Air Force, previously known as the Field Defence Squadron at Changi Air Base.

MAJ (NS) Ong was among the 95 outgoing Key Appointment Holders, ROVERS and Volunteers whose contributions towards NS were recognised at an appreciation dinner held at Prive Restaurant on 19 Jan.

ROVERS are Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) who serve beyond their NS training cycle but are still within their statutory age ceilings (40 years old for NS Warrant Officers and Specialists and 50 years old for NS Officers) under the Enlistment Act.

Volunteers are NSmen who serve beyond their statutory age ceilings.

Said MAJ (NS) Ong, a Marketing Director (Asia) at AVX/Kyocera (Singapore) Pte Ltd, of his NS experience: "It was rewarding to grow with the squadron and see it expand and transform in its capabilities.

"Through the numerous exercises, I saw how we adapted to the new and challenging environments, overcame what seemed impossible at first and completed our missions. 608 SQN has come a long way... Looking back, it was indeed an honour to serve in it."

Paying tribute to the servicemen who had shown great dedication towards defending the nation, Chief of Army Major-General (MG) Ravinder Singh said: "Everyone of you has stepped forward to serve and lead in areas that have enhanced the operational readiness of the SAF (Singapore Armed Forces)... Without each and everyone of you, the SAF cannot fulfil the promise it makes to all Singaporeans - to provide peace and security to our nation."

In his address, MG Singh noted that the ROVERS and Volunteers programme had grown in strength with each passing year. There are about 800 participants at present, an increase of 30 percent over the last five years.

"It is heartening to know that more NSmen are stepping forward to serve in the senior appointments," he commented.

MG Singh also thanked the families and employers of the servicemen for their support towards NS.

MAJ (NS) Stanley Tok, who served as a Deputy Head of Manpower Branch, FLEET, at the Republic of Singapore Navy, was grateful to his wife for taking over the responsibility of attending to the needs of their three children when he had to be away for In-Camp Training (ICT).

"I'm glad she managed it well," said the Vice-President for Human Resources at MediaCorp Pte Ltd.

A Volunteer in the SAF for 28 years, Captain (CPT) (Vol) Serene Wong found her time spent as a nursing officer at the SAF Medical Corps very meaningful.

Not only did she get to share the medical knowledge she acquired during the course of her work as a staff nurse at the Health Promotion Board, she also learnt life-long skills during her period of Voluntary service, which aided in her personal and career development.

"Working with people from different backgrounds in the Army allowed me to hone my communication skills. I also find myself managing time better, as I have to balance NS, work and family commitments," said the 54-year-old.

For freelance musician Lance Corporal (NS) Mike Chiang, it was his passion in sharing his knowledge and expertise in music which spurred him to volunteer six years of service at the Music and Drama Company.

"Although I have relinquished my duties, I would be happy to return and help out whenever I am needed. It's my way of contributing back to the unit," he said.

The dinner was also attended by senior SAF commanders including Chief of Air Force MG Ng Chee Meng and Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Ng Chee Peng.