During WW 11 as we took protection within the Anderson shelters we were aware of German planes flying overhead dropping bombs on strategic targets and in some cases private dwellings. As news came in that Germany had been defeated we came out of our underground shelter with lots of hope that this type of conflict would never be repeated. The scale of loss of human life and severe injuries suffered by our aircrews and others I think took some time to fully comprehend from this scenario RAFA emerged as an organisation to provide support to airmen and their families that had been impacted by this war. Since WW 11 we seem to be involved in a non stop series of conflicts around the globe including Korea, Northern Ireland, Falklands, Gulf Wars, Bosnia,Iraq, where aircrew and ground crews are killed or seriously injured either by aircraft malfunction or by enemy fire. Within the RAF many lasting friendships were made as everyone worked with the mission to minimise casualties, that spirit survives to this day and is conspicuous by its presence within RAFA providing comradeship and support to those that have been affected by hostile action or technical malfunctions or health reasons. The mission is still as valid today as it was at the end of WW 11. You can have the opportunity of supporting RAFA by joining your local branch where you can meet and talk to old (and not so old) comrades and support the overall mission objective of raising funds for those in need. A popular misconception exists that you must either be of retirement age or have been involved in WW 11 . Basically all that is required is prior or current service with the RAF. So come join us now, we are looking for new ideas for charity fund raising initiatives. | 
