RAA Liaison Letter – 2025 / 2026 Edition 50 EWEN & MATTNER AWARDS EWEN AWARD FOR RAA JNCO OF THE YEAR 2025 Bombardier Zachary Mark Eilola – School of Artillery Bombardier Eilola possesses an exceptional depth of knowledge in all round Gunnery excelling in his role as an Artillery Command Systems Operator, which he consistently delivers with clarity, precision, and confidence. His ability to communicate complex concepts in an accessible and practical manner ensures trainees gain a thorough understanding of what each role within the broader artillery has to offer. This high achievement as an instructor and mentor to brand new RAA Gunners directly contributes to the enhancement of the operational capability of the Royal Australian Artillery, as it produces well informed and prepared soldiers who are confident, and ready to contribute to their Regiments from day one. Throughout his tenure at the School of Artillery, Bombardier Eilola has been the acknowledged example of a confident and dependable instructor for new soldiers at the very commencement of the RAA careers. Delivering expectations and instruction with a commanding presence, he engenders confidence in his trainees and has noticeably improved the toughness and resilience of Army’s newest Gunners over his two years as an instructor within RDS Wing for what is arguably one of the most physically demanding set of roles within the Army. Bombardier Eilola has consistently delivered exceptional training outcomes, adapting quickly to shifting timelines and maintaining a consistently high standard of mentorship and instruction. His ability to persevere through sustained workloads and overcome logistical and instructional challenges with absolute composure and professionalism is a testament to his resilience, dedication, and strong sense of duty. His efforts have ensured seamless course and trade allocation delivery/outcomes and have had a lasting impact on the training outcomes of all soldiers under his instruction. Bombardier Eilola has consistently demonstrated the highest of achievement as a mentor and instructor renowned for his unwavering professionalism. His subject matter expertise, combined with a clear and confident delivery style, ensures trainees develop the skills and understanding required to contribute meaningfully to artillery capability. Bombardier Eilola has demonstrated a remarkable ability to solve problems and develop effective training strategies, even under highpressure and rapidly changing conditions. Through his resilience, adaptability, and physical presence and impact, Bombardier Eilola has played a key role in strengthening the preparedness and operational effectiveness of the Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery. Citation THE EWEN AWARD Major John Can Ewen MC, DCM, MM ROYAL AUSTRALIAN ARTILLERY JUNIOR NON COMMISSIONED OFFICER OF THE YEAR 2025 BOMBARDIER ZACHARY EILOLA SCHOOL OF ARTILLERY Bombardier Zachary Eilola, Royal Australian Artillery, is awarded the title of the RAA’s JNCO of the Year for Exemplary Service as a Bombardier mentor and Instructor while posted to the School of Artillery. Your exceptional mentoring and instructional skills, strong work ethic, and ability to ‘be the example’ for your trainees have made you a highly influential Instructor at the School of Artillery. You have delivered high quality, engaging training to large groups of trainees, often in conditions that demand flexibility and initiative. Your calm, confident approach and meticulous preparation reflect a deep commitment to excellence and ensure that your instruction and leadership has consistently exceeded expectations. You demonstrate strength in identifying and resolving problems quickly and effectively— whether in the classroom, in the field, or during course/trade allocation development. Your analytical thinking and ability to adapt under
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