Eric joined the Royal Australian Air Force in 1967 as an Apprentice Armament Fitter. After 11 years of service, he completed his senior education and gained a commission as an Armament Engineering Officer. Eric served overseas in various localities including Vietnam, UK, New Zealand and the USA. After 20 years of service, he joined the Australian Public Service as a civilian in 1987.
Eric retired in 2009, after 42 continuous years of service with the Department of Defence, both in uniform and as a civilian.
He joined Legacy in 1981 during his Defence Service, in Wagga Wagga, NSW. He has served as Director, Vice President and President of Sydney Legacy. Eric was appointed as a Director to the Board of Legacy Australia in 2019 and served as Vice-Chairman from 2020-21. He served as Chairman of the Board of Legacy Australia from 2021-2023.
Eric has committed his life to volunteering and giving back to his community. He has held various positions in local community organisations including Treasurer, Secretary and Chairman/President and was a Scout Group Leader and active Troop Leader. For 35 years, he provided volunteer bus driver service to a local retirement village; and after the 2009 fires and 2011 floods in Victoria, he volunteered with ‘Blaze Aid’ rebuilding fences for farmers affected by the natural disasters.
Eric was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day Honours in 2021 for his service to Legacy widows and their families, devoting over 40 years to serving the families of veterans.
When he is not carrying out his duties as a Legatee, Eric enjoys gardening, fishing and reading. He lives in Emu Plains, NSW with his wife Sally, and has two children, Paul and Luke, and two grandchildren.
