Wing Commander Banks, an RAF Reservist from 4626 Royal Auxiliary Air Force Squadron, has received a prestigious award for his work with the Estonian military.
Wing Commander Banks worked with the Estonian Reserve Forces for almost three years as part of his role in the Interallied Confederation of Reserve Officers. This is an international organisation for Military Reservists, which shares best practice and promotes the roles of Reservists, within and outside of NATO, to maximise their operational output.
He helped develop the Estonian’s understanding of the role in preparation for them taking over the presidency of the organisation in August 2022. In recognition of his extraordinary contribution Lieutenant Colonel Luman, Senior Estonian Reservist member presented him with an Estonian Reservist Cross of Merit.
"Whilst announced in December 2020, it has been a patient time of waiting for COVID-19 constraints to ease such that I could be in Estonia to have this Award presented. It has been a privilege to work alongside and support our Estonian colleagues, their professionalism and commitment has made the effort so very enjoyable."
Wing Commander Banks
RAF Reservist, 4626 Squadron
Wing Commander Banks is also the Commanding Officer of 4626 Squadron, for medical personnel in support of RAF aeromedical evacuation in times of conflict or crisis.
"With some 46 years in the Regular and RAF Reserves, it has been the people and their support to me, and the RAFs investment in me, that has seen it the best career choice I made."
Wing Commander Banks
RAF Reservist, 4626 Squadron
Wing Commander Banks is currently in Estonia for the Annual Baltic Conference on Defence, and to interact with the Estonian Reserves leadership to explore further opportunities for UK Reservists to develop common strategies and to interact with their allies and partners of Estonia and the Baltic regions.
This week he also attended a Remembrance event at the Estonian military cemetery, where over 100 UK military personnel are either commemorated or buried. Estonia and the UK have been close allies ever since the UK supported them in their War of Independence in 1919.
