NEWS AND UPDATES
Missing Wingman Trust Glendinning Scholarship
The Missing Wingman Trust received a sizeable bequest from the estate of the late SQNLDR (Rtd) Scotty Glendinning. With the family’s approval, this bequest will form the foundation of an educational scholarship in his name.
The scholarship is targeted toward students from Air Force families which have suffered due to illness, injury or death in the family. The aim of the scholarship is to support students pursuing tertiary education or equivalent trade training courses who demonstrate strong potential, commitment to their field of study, and alignment with the values of the trust. It is intended to reduce financial barriers and enable recipients to focus on academic success and personal development. Priority will be given to education in support of future employment.
Details of the scholarship and application requirements can be found at this link:
Applications for the 2027 scholarship close on 30 September 2026.
Help for Erin
Earlier this year we were advised that Erin, the daughter of an Air Force family, was in need of surgery to correct a condition that had made her life challenging and painful for several years. Because the specialist surgery was not available in New Zealand, the family had arranged for treatment in Australia, which came at considerable cost. To support the family in this trying time, the Missing Wingman Trust provided a grant of $20,000 toward the cost of treatment. The treatment was successful and saw immediate results. Erin is now looking forward to getting on with her life and is planning to study nursing.
Supporting our Air Force family - it’s what we do!
Volunteer Support Makes a Diiference
When an Air Force family received orders to relocate, what should have been a straightforward transition quickly became overwhelming. Their home needed to be prepared for sale, but the serviceperson was deployed overseas, and their partner was living with a physical disability. Tasks that many could complete easily —painting fences, tidying the property, getting everything ready for viewing—became significant obstacles at an already stressful time.
That’s where the spirit behind the Missing Wingman Trust came to life.
Understanding that pressure doesn’t just come from service itself, but from the challenges families face around it, the trust stepped in. In true Air Force fashion, they organised a group of service personnel to lend a hand. One morning, they arrived together—smiling, ready, and determined to help. What could have taken weeks was completed in just a few hours. Fences were painted, the property was tidied, and a heavy burden was lifted. More than just practical support, it was a reminder to the family that they were not alone.
This moment reflects the heart of the trust’s purpose: standing beside Air Force families in times of need, whether the challenge comes from service, separation, or life itself.
This story was shared by Kim Coates.
Fundraising Book
Our Chairman, WGCDR (Rtd) Ron Thacker, has written a memoir covering his 43 years of uniformed service with the RNZAF. All profits from this memoir will go to the Missing Wingman Trust. The book can be purchased from Amazon Books at the link below. Simply search 'Based on the Truth'.
Enjoy a good read and support the Trust at the same time!
Trustee Appointment
One of our trustees had made history by being appointed as the Deputy Air Commander Australia - the first Kiwi to take this post as part of a reciprocal command exchange. Congratulations to the recently promoted Air Commodore Susie Barns.
Susie has been a trustee since 2020 and has played a leading role in several recent fundraising initiatives.
We know she will do us proud in Australia, while continuing her support to our Air Force families through the Missing Wingman Trust. Nga Mihi Pai!
Mt Stewart Memorial Site
Volunteers from RNZAF Ohakea recently assisted the Manawatu District Council (MDC) with planting some 4,000 native plants at the Whakaari/Mt Stewart reserve. The reserve is being developed as a memorial site for fallen Air Force personnel, with the site design based on a 'missing wingman' formation as commonly seen at service funerals. This was the second major planting phase in this multi-year project.
The Missing Wingman Trust has partnered with MDC to design and deliver this project.
Merchandise Fundraiser
RNZAF personnel deployed to Australia recently to participate in Exercise Pitch Black, a large, multi-national military exercise. During social functions the team sold Missing Wingman Trust merchandise and raised $445 for the trust. Great work, team!
BEQUEST
The family of the late SQNLDR (Rtd) Scott Glendinning recently gave the trust a bequest from his estate. The bequest was presented to trust chair WGCDR (Rtd) Ron Thacker by family members, two of whom are serving aviators.
The trustees are looking to establish an enduring educational grant in SQNLDR Glendinning's name, which will support Air Force families now and into the future.
MT STEWART DEVELOPMENT
On 9th October the Chair of the Missing Wingman Trust joined the RNZAF Ohakea command team, Manawatu District Council mayor Helen Worboys, and members of the MDC Parks and Property team in marking Phase 2 of the Mt Stewart development with a ceremonial planting. The development incorporates a design that reflects one of the aims of the Trust - remembering those we've lost - and is based on a 'missing man' formation.
The Trust, supported by volunteers from Ohakea, will continue to support this development over coming years.
Veteran's Forum 2023
On 27 June, Ron Thacker (Chair) and SQNLDR Heather Peart (Ohakea Rep) represented the MWT at a forum for veterans at the Barber Hall in Palmerston North. As well as providing an opportunity to connect with recently retired RNZAF personnel, it was a great opportunity to network with like minded organisations, including the RSA, the Ranfurly Veterans Trust and Veterans Affairs.
Harcourts Donation
In July 2022., Dave Wray (RNZAF officer and part-time Harcourts real estate agent) presented the Missing Wingman Trust with a cheque for $500, drawn from the commission he made on property sales. Accepting the cheque is trust Chair, Ron Thacker. Thanks to Dave and the Harcourts team for their support!
Ohakea Memorial Garden
In late 2021, the MWT commissioned a bench seat for the memorial garden adjacent to the chapel on RNZAF Base Ohakea. The seat was constructed by W/O (Rtd) Mac McCormack and installed with the help of base estate contractors. The memorial garden features an array of plaques honouring deceased aviators and provides a peaceful location for private reflection.
Raumai Memorial
One of the things that can be really important to a number of our Wingman families is still feeling connected to the Air Force after a loved one has died. There are many ways we remember these families and their loved ones and it's an important part of what we do. This new memorial to mark the location of the final flight of NZ1990 is another example of this. It has just been made and installed on the coast at Raumai, in time for the anniversary in January. We will remember them.
RNZAF Air Tattoo
We had a fantastic time at the 2017 Air Tattoo. Not only did we raise around $10,000 for the trust, but we had the opportunity to talk with a wider range of the NZ public about what we do and how they can help. And if was great to launch our new range of hats and caps at the same time. They look great! You can get your own one here.
3 Squadron Book Fundraiser
Copiers of Paul Harrison's official history of No. 3 Squadron RNZAF is available for sale through trhe Missing Wingman Trust, with all proceeds going to the trust. This 600 page, fully illustrated book tells the stories of the men, women and machines that have been a part of the squadron for its first 86 years. For the price of $50 (plus postage) you can support the trust and obtain a great read by ordering through our 'Shop' page.
Wings Over New Zealand Podcast
Checkout Episode 110 of this kiwi aviation podcast from 31 July 2016. It features Tim Costley, founder of our charity, and gives you a bit of an insight into the trust in the lead-up to the Wingman Brunches in August.
The WONZ forum can be found here, or you can visit the Cambridge Air Force page here.
Museum Trip.
In July 2016 we took two trust families to the RNZAF Museum in Christchurch, at the former Base Wigram. A fantastic and emotional day for both families. For one family (pictured) it was the very first flight (on the Air Force 757) for three of the boys. So cool that we could be a part of that, and a special connection for them with their dad's old job.
We only play a small part, but it's great to maintain the connection with the families of those we've lost, and remind them that we still remember and they are still a part of us.
Thanks also to the RNZAF for helping us get them there.
Scholarship Awarded
Fantastic to be able to award another teritary scholarship to the daughter of a former serviceman. This is initially a two year award to give her some certainty during the first years of her study. Great to be able to help, and wishing her all the best for the year ahead!