A local girl from the Forbes Estate in Warwick has retired as the Station Warrant Officer at RAF Waddington after an "extraordinary" 35 years of service of distinguished service in the Royal Air Force.

A former pupil of Westgate, Newburgh and Aylesford schools, WO Michelle Rees-Martin's (nee Martin), journey from Warwick to the pinnacle of her RAF career is a remarkable story of dedication, professionalism, and inspiration.

From her beginnings as a Logistics Supplier in March 1991, she rose through the ranks to become the Station Warrant Officer at RAF Waddington, one of the most prestigious roles in the RAF.

She has served at numerous stations across the UK and overseas, completing multiple detachments around the world, consistently demonstrating exceptional commitment and leadership.

Reflecting on her career, WO Rees-Martin said: "I am deeply honoured to have concluded my service career as the Station Warrant Officer at RAF Waddington. While I am extremely sad to leave, serving for 35 years has been an incredible journey, and this role has been a truly fantastic culmination to my career.

"I now look forward with great excitement to the opportunities and ventures that lie ahead.

"My roots will always lie with Warwick; my older brother Andrew is still in the area and lives with his wife Jeanette in Hampton Magna."

Her career has been marked by significant achievements, including being appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King's Birthday Honours List in 2024. This prestigious award was presented in recognition of her outstanding service to the Royal Air Force and her significant contributions to the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA).

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She was further recognised in 2025 with the prestigious Meritorious Service Medal (MSM), awarded for good, faithful, and meritorious service, with irreproachable character and conduct. The MSM is a rare honour, with only 60 awarded to RAF personnel annually.

WO Rees-Martin's leadership and unwavering dedication have left an indelible mark on the RAF and inspired countless colleagues throughout her career. From her roots in Warwick to her distinguished career in the RAF, WO Rees-Martin's story is a testament to hard work, resilience, and excellence.

WO Rees-Martin has now settled in Lincoln with her husband Wyn (ex RAF Police). Their eldest son, Steffan, resides in London, while their youngest son, Corbyn, has followed in his parent's footsteps and recently begun his own RAF journey at the Recruit Training Squadron at RAF Halton.