This week Wing Commander Graham Banks, an RAF Reservist from Number 4626 Squadron, has received a prestigious award for his work with the Estonian military.
Wing Commander Banks worked with the Estonian reserve forces for almost 3 years as part of his role in the Interallied Confederation of Reserve Officers (known as the CIOR). 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.
Graham 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 Toomas Luman, Senior EROA member presented him with an Estonian Reservist Cross of Merit. After receiving the award, Graham said:
"Whilst announced in December 2020, it has been a patient time of waiting for COVID 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 Graham Banks
Officer Commanding No. 4626 Squadron
Graham is also the Commanding Officer of No. 4626 Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air Force, for medical personnel who work in support of RAF aeromedical evacuation, in times of conflict or crisis. Reflecting on his RAF career he said:
"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 Graham Banks
Officer Commanding No. 4626 Squadron
Graham 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.
