It is with great gratitude that the RAF Association pays tribute to three outgoing National Standard Bearers as they approach the end of their respective years of service.
Sqn Ldr (Retd) Shawn Marston has been the RAF Association’s National Standard Bearer for a little over a decade, ably assisted by Paul Ellis (Deputy National Standard Bearer) and Glenn Connor (Reserve National Standard Bearer).
The trio have selflessly dedicated many hours of their time in order to proudly display the Association’s Standard at significant national events.
“It has been an immense privilege for me to represent the RAF Association as the National Standard Bearer at national level events,” Shawn commented.
“It has been a very busy tenure for me having attended the RAF 100 celebrations, the Queen’s funeral, a coronation and the dedication of the new National Standard.
“Those are the big four events so I’m immensely proud to have played a small part in such significant moments and I’m very grateful for the opportunity.”
Paul said: “I started standard bearing for the Calne and District branch over 20 years ago. Over that period, parading our branch standard at funerals and repatriations has been a very important part of the role.
“I have represented RAFA at Westminster Abbey, Runnymead, The National Memorial Arboretum, St Clement Danes, The Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall and Birmingham Tattoo at the NIA to mention just a few.
“During my years as Area and Deputy National Standard Bearer I was able to meet many branch members from all over the country, members of the Royal Family and senior military and government officials. I continue to carry out branch standard bearing, and hope to for a few more years.”
The new National, Deputy National and Reserve National Standard Bearers were chosen during the Association’s inaugural Area and National Standard Bearer Competition at Atlas House in July.
Sqn Ldr (Retd) Shawn Marston
Paul Ellis
Glenn Connor
