GOVERNOR General Sir Patrick Allen has hailed the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) Jamaica for 70 years of invaluable service to the country’s ex-servicemen.

He was addressing the launch of the RAFA’s Wings Appeal 2016 at King’s House last Wednesday.

The governor general said the work of the organisation is a demonstration of selfless commitment to civic service.

“I want to commend your association for 70 years of solid, hard work and commitment… we cannot underestimate the work and the reasons for this type of service which is being given through RAFA,” he said.

The governor general also urged members of the public to support the Wings Appeal, which raises money to support former service personnel and their families.

The fund-raising campaign will run from March to December. Over the same period, RAFA Jamaica will be hosting a series of activities in celebration of its 70th anniversary on August 16.

Among the activities will be an exhibition at the Jamaica Defence Force’s (JDF) headquarters at Up Park Camp, St Andrew, in honour of the soldiers who fought in World War I. A mobile component of the display will be taken across the island in November.

Other events include the annual church service at Garrison Church, Up Park Camp; wreath laying service at the Cenotaph, National Heroes Park; and a Reunion Dinner at the headquarters of the Jamaica Legion, Curphey Place, Kingston.

Proceeds from the dinner will go towards supporting the 12 veterans of Curphey Place and the Wings Appeal.

RAFA Jamaica (580 Branch) was established in 1946 and is a division of the United Kingdom (UK)-based charitable organisation that was set up in 1943.

RAFA Jamaica provides care and support to serving and retired members of the Royal Air Forces as well as retired members of the Jamaica Defence Force Air Wing.