Bio – Joe Iervasi, AM, CSC Air Vice-Marshal (retd)

Joe Iervasi joined the RAAF in 1985 and completed almost 38 years of service, retiring in September 2022. During his RAAF career, Joe served as a fighter pilot both in Australia and on exchange with the RAF in the mid-90s. Joe completed numerous staff and command appointments including Commanding Officer No 3 Squadron, Officer Commanding No 81 Wing, Commander Air Warfare Centre, USAF Central Command CAOC Director, Director General Air Operations, Commander Joint Task Force 633, and his final post as Air Commander Australia.

During his RAAF career Joe accumulated over 3000 hours flying fast jets. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree, a Masters of Management in Defence Studies, a Graduate Diploma in Strategic Studies and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. For his service he has been awarded the Medal in the Order of Australia (2009), Australian Active Service Medal (Balkans and ICAT Clasps), Afghanistan Medal, Defence Long Service Medal with Fourth Clasp, and the Australian Defence Medal. He was appointed as a Member in the Order of Australia in 2016 and in June 2020 was awarded a Conspicuous Service Cross for outstanding achievement as the Commander Joint Task Force 633.

Since leaving the RAAF, Joe has undertaken consultancy work with Atturra, is a member of the Acacia Systems Advisory Board, and continues RAAF Reserve work primarily as a senior mentor. Most significantly, he and his wife Donna have recently become first-time grandparents! Joe remains committed to the veterans’ community and is privileged to serve as the Vice President RAAFA NSW.