But it showed a token of its appreciation on Saturday night, hosting a surprise dinner at the Loan and Merc, to celebrate Mr Beveridge’s 35 years’ service to the Squadron 26 (Oamaru) Air Training Corps.
Mr Beveridge (76) was stunned when he arrived in Harbour St to his squadron performing a guard of honour and a haka to welcome him, before the skirl of the bagpipes led him into the building.
"Flabbergasted. I’m surprised," Mr Beveridge told the Otago Daily Times about the dinner.
More than 40 people attended the function, including Air Training Corps members from throughout New Zealand, and Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher.
Mr Beveridge, who has been the squadron’s commander since 2003, was as humble as ever about the recognition.
"One does what one does because someone has to do it."
Flight sergeant Mike Innes said the corps required officers to complete 160 hours per year — Mr Beveridge’s hours for 2022 already came to 491.
In the past 35 years, Sgt Innes estimated Mr Beveridge had put in 43,000 hours just for the cadet force — not including the work he did with the police, scout groups, and the Waitaki Safer Community Trust.
Mr Beveridge became involved in the corps through the police, hosting fire arms training for the squadron. After having his arm twisted by former commander Andrew Wilson, and a few others, he joined the squadron in May 1986.
He progressed through the various ranks and in May 1998 he was awarded the cadet forces medal, and received medal clasps in 2006 and 2014.
In 2003, Mr Beveridge took over from Mr Wilson as commander, and in 2006 he was awarded the New Zealand Cadet Forces commandant commendation. In 2014, Mr Beveridge received a Queen’s Service Medal.
Mr Kircher thanked Mr Beveridge, and his family, for his service to the community.
"We’re a better community for the work that you’ve done," Mr Kircher said.
"It doesn’t happen without people like you."
