Andrew Farewells Wondai Cadets

March 19, 2021

Wondai’s 135 Army Cadet Unit now has a new commanding officer with Captain (AAC) Andrew Sampson officially stepping away from the role.

Andrew has been a familiar face at events around the South Burnett for years, shepherding cadets at formal ceremonies.

In fact, he’s been part of the military since 1983, when he joined the Army Reserve as a private in Kingaroy.

Over the years, he has been deployed with the Reserves overseas on multiple occasions – including as part of the RAMSI mission to the Solomon Islands in 2007 and at Butterworth Air Force Base in Malaysia. He also served in Hawaii, New Zealand and Singapore.

He gradually rose through the ranks to reach Sergeant.

In 2008, Andrew was posted to the Wondai Cadets to give them a hand.

Nine years later, he retired from the Army Reserve and was appointed commanding officer at the cadet unit.

It’s been a hectic 38 years for Andrew, who also works full-time at the South Burnett Regional Council.

But Andrew isn’t stepping away from the military lifestyle completely. He has taken over a role at “headquarters”, helping out with other cadet units as required.

Andrew told southburnett.com.au the change meant a drop in his honorary rank back to Lieutenant (AAC) but it also freed up more time for him to assist on the family farm.

Lieutenant (AAC) Lynda Jones officially took over from Andrew last weekend.

She has been transitioning into the commanding officer role since the beginning of the year, including organising the recent open day at the unit.

  Wondai