The RAEME Association Queensland extends its congratulations to outstanding members of the Australian Army RAEME family who have been recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours. These honours celebrate distinguished service, exceptional leadership, and tireless commitment both in uniform and within the broader community.
Warrant Officer Class One Tony Croft – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), Military Division
WO1 Tony Croft has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (Military Division) for meritorious service in support of Australian Army Aviation. Over a remarkable career spanning more than 40 years, WO1 Croft has delivered exceptional service in technical, maintenance and sustainment roles. His leadership, deep technical knowledge and unwavering professionalism have been instrumental in enhancing the operational effectiveness of Army Aviation’s rotary and fixed wing assets. .
Major David Bernard Melandri (Retd) – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), General Division
Above: Advocacy and Pensions Officer, David Melandri and Commandant of Army Aviation Training Centre Colonel David Lynch light torches at the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay at Toowoomba, Queensland.
Major David Melandri (Retd), of Highfields QLD, has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (General Division) for service to veterans and their families, and to the Toowoomba community. A RAEME veteran who served from 1966 to 2004, Major Melandri has continued to serve long after his military career ended, notably through Toowoomba Legacy and the Salvation Army. His leadership across multiple terms as Legacy President, and his ongoing roles as pensions officer, youth mentor and community volunteer exemplify selfless service.
Warrant Officer Class Two Andrew John Harvey – Commendation for Distinguished Service
Above L-R: Maintaining an Army Chinook helicopter in Afghanistan, CFN Darren Speck and Megan Rutherford work on replacing a swash plate with CPL Andrew Harvey keeping a close eye on progress. Operation Slipper 2006.
WO2 Andrew Harvey has been awarded a Commendation for Distinguished Service for his actions during warlike operations as a CH-47D Chinook Aircrewman Technician with Task Group 633.7 on Operation SLIPPER. During the tragic crash of Chinook A15-102 on 30 May 2011, WO2 Harvey demonstrated extraordinary courage and leadership, risking his life to assist his comrades. His actions reflect the highest traditions of the Australian Army and of our Corps.
Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Anthony King – Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC)
Above: CO 7CSSB, LTCOL Daniel King, paid an official visit to the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Logistics Support Unit 16 April 2025 at Queen Elizabeth Barracks (QEB) in Nabua FIJI.
Lieutenant Colonel Daniel King has been awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross for outstanding achievement as the Staff Officer Grade One Sustainment at Army Headquarters. His leadership, initiative and strategic insight have had a profound impact on Army’s sustainment capability. LTCOL King's work addressing funding challenges and improving Defence-wide governance has strengthened Army’s operational readiness.
Lieutenant Colonel Liam Cunningham – Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC)
Above: Left LTCOL Liam Cunningham Apache Helicopter Program Manager including COL Miles Irving Director Apache Helicopter Program.
Lieutenant Colonel Liam Cunningham – Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC) For outstanding achievement as the UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter acquisition Project Manager. He demonstrated exceptional leadership, project management and stakeholder engagement to deliver UH-60M capability on an unprecedented schedule. He enabled rapid approvals and ensured robust support for operations. LTCOL Cunningham built key relationships with the US Army, Security Assistance and Australian Defence Industry. His efforts enhanced Army Aviation and utility helicopter response options for Australia.
On behalf of all members, the RAEME Association Queensland congratulates these exemplary individuals on their well-deserved honours.
Arte et Marte
