Don's life of service and adventure

Don Benger was born in Adelaide in 1938. His connection to the air force began early when he became a high school air cadet. 

While he was training to be a teacher at Wattle Park Teacher’s College, Don also completed six months of National Service.

In 1961, Don married Julie. The couple worked as teachers for a time while they raised their three boys. Don’s career took an exciting turn in 1967 when he joined the Royal Australian Air Force. His first posting took the family to Darwin, where he served as a Pilot Officer in radar and air defence.

Don and his family enjoyed travelling across Australia and overseas as his career progressed. He moved to various locations to train radar operators, including Darwin, Amberley in Queensland and Butterworth in Malaysia. Don also travelled to the USA to work as an instructor at the Interceptor Weapons School in Florida. Later, he studied at the Staff College in Canberra and worked at the Williamtown Base in New South Wales.

Don’s dedication led to a promotion to Wing Commander. In this role, he served as the Commanding Officer of the Lee Port Controlling and Reporting Unit in Darwin. He later moved to Woomera to work as the Australian Defence Force Representative at Narrungar Base. Don finished his impressive career at the Russell Office in Canberra, where he was the Deputy Director of Air Defence.

Throughout his life, Don has been lucky enough to visit many incredible places, from Alaska and Israel to France and Italy. While he loved the travel, Don said it was the "camaraderie with his colleagues" that he enjoyed the most.

After retiring in 1991, Don and Julie moved to Mintaro in the Clare Valley. They stayed busy running a 12-acre vineyard and a Bed and Breakfast. Don also gave back to his community as a Local Area Councillor and a volunteer Legatee. In this role, he supported the families of those who gave their lives or health in service to their country.

Just over a year ago, Don moved into Mount Carmel Residential Care. As a member of the RSL, he has spent many years helping to organise local ANZAC Day ceremonies. The day is still very special to him. "It means a hell of a lot," Don said. At Southern Cross Care, we are proud to support people like Don who have given such great service to our country and community.