Lookout

Getting to know...
FLIGHT SERGEANT GOODALL,
Physical Education Flight
Flight Sergeant Colin Goodall recently arrived at RAF Boulmer from RAF Akrotiri, just in time
to re-acclimatise during the English summer! He is responsible for overseeing business in the
Station’s busy Physical Education Flight. Here we grill him with some of life’s most pertinent
questions to get to know him a bit better…
WHAT PART OF THE COUNTRY ARE YOU
ORIGINALLY FROM AND WHY IS THIS THE
BEST PLACE EVER?
I’m originally from Herne Bay in Kent,
however my father was in the RAF so
we moved quite frequently. I have fond
memories of living in Germany, Cyprus and
Northern Ireland.
WHAT WAS YOUR PROFESSION PRIOR TO
JOINING THE RAF AND WHAT DID THIS
ENTAIL?
I lived at Aldergrove before joining up on
completion of my A Levels, I worked as a
barman, gardener, groundsman. This paid
for my appetite to learn to fly, drive and
enjoy the Guinness!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE
SPORT AND TEAM?
Some might say - considering my job - I
am not the keen sportsman you might
expect. I tend to agree, I enjoy watching any
sport however I am more of an individual
sportsman. Whilst in Cyprus I took up
triathlon, completed my first half Ironman,
completed the Limassol Marathon twice
and played a bit of football. I enjoy following
The Potters and take my son to see them
when I can.
WHO WOULD PLAY YOU IN
A MOVIE OF YOUR LIFE?
Hugh Jackman!
“
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST
ABOUT THE RAF?
The vast amount of opportunity. While in
Cyprus I found myself in Beirut on expedition
competing in the Raid Des Cedre, a cross
country skiing race against the Lebanese Army
and thousands of civilians from all over the
world.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE
TV SHOW AND WHY?
I do not tend to watch that much TV on a
regular basis; however Peaky Blinders is my
favourite series.
WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE
TV CHARACTER AND WHY?
Joey Tribbiani – he is hilarious, always trying his
luck. A cheeky chappy!
I work with a great team in the Physical Education Flight. When
offered a job at RAF Boulmer I found myself happily agreeing
to the offer. I joined the RAF in 1995, completing tours at
RAF Brampton, Wyton, Cosford, Halton, Aldergrove, on HMS
Raleigh, Akrotiri in Cyprus, and Recuit Training. Add to that a
couple of overseas detachments to the Falklands, and several
expeditions overseas including France, Canada, USA, Germany
and Lebanon.
“
IF YOU HADN’T JOINED THE RAF, WHAT
WOULD YOU BE AND WHY?
A job that involves fresh air - perhaps
a gamekeeper.
IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT
THE RAF WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
I’d make it easier to organise Adventurous
Training expeditions. They are great and
achieve so much.
WHAT FACT DO PEOPLE NOT KNOW
ABOUT YOU… UNTIL NOW?!
I could fly a plane before I could drive a car…..!
IF YOU WERE MAROONED ON A DESERT
ISLAND AND COULD ONLY WISH FOR 3
THINGS WHAT WOULD THEY BE AND WHY?
A knife - all sorts of uses. A plastic bag so I could
make drinking water. A solar panel to charge
my phone!
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS?
Still in the RAF creating opportunities and
making waves! I would like to be a Station
Warrant Officer, ideally at Akrotiri in Cyprus.
WHO IS YOUR HERO?
My late father is my hero. He inspired me to
achieve and stay grounded. It was his idea to
join the RAF too, wouldn’t change a thing…..
THE LOOKOUT 23