KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – Governor-General, Sir Patrick Allen, has lauded members of the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) Jamaica 580 Branch for their tireless efforts and commitment to raising funds through the Wings Appeal campaign to care for veterans of World War II.

Wings Appeal is the primary fundraising engagement undertaken annually by branches of the Royal Air Forces Association in Commonwealth countries to support current and former RAF personnel and their families deemed in need of assistance.Speaking at the launch of the 2017 renewal at King’s House on Tuesday, Allen said RAFA Jamaica was symbolic of the courage displayed by the more than 5,000 Jamaicans risking their lives in service of their country during World War II from 1939 to 1945.“I am pleased with RAFA for your indefatigable efforts through the Wings Appeal and other initiatives that you undertake to support the veterans, ex-servicemen and other individuals who are deserving of care. Through the Wings Appeal, we show our gratitude for the patriotic service that has been given, not only in the great wars but also to our country,” he said.Allen also commended members of the Jamaica Combined Cadet Force (JCCF), whose partnership with the RAFA Jamaica over the past three years to introduce the Wings Appeal in schools, particularly those with cadet units, has assisted in generating significant donations while heightening awareness about the worthy cause among youngsters.Units compete to raise the most funds while vying for the coveted Governor-General’s, President’s and Chairman’s trophies.Tuesday’s ceremony entailed the ceremonial pinning of the Governor-General as well as presentation of the Wings Appeal 2016 trophies to the winning JCCF battalions.The Combined Third Battalion of St Mary, St Ann and Portland emerged the winner to cop the Governor-General’s trophy.Second was the First Battalion of Kingston and St Andrew, which was awarded with the President’s Trophy, while the Sixth Battalion, comprising St Catherine, received the Chairman’s Trophy for third place.President of RAFA Jamaica, Major General (ret’d) Robert Neish, thanked the Governor-General for supporting the Wings Appeal, noting that the initiative continues to be a symbol of the Royal Air Forces Association’s recognition of WWII veterans, particularly those who fought in the Battle of Britain.In Jamaica, the Wings Appeal is launched each year by the Governor-General, who is the Patron of the RAFA 580 branch, and sees collection tins being strategically placed to facilitate contributions from the public. 

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