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Chaplains
help those struggling with grief
TWO
Air Force Chaplains have helped provide care and inspiration amid
the horror of the recent tragedy in Bali.
While families mourn the loss of loved ones and others rejoice at
finding those once missing, Squadron Leaders Ian Whitley and Peter
Harvey, of the Australian Defence Force Chaplaincy service, have
been working hard to provide care and counselling.
SQNLDRs Whitley and Harvey were two of four ADF Chaplains deployed
to Bali to provide emergency ministry to victims and chaplaincy
support to No. 86 Wing personnel and medical staff involved in the
Aero-Medical Evacuation teams.
They were supported by Richard Thompson (Navy) and Captain Haydon
Swinbourn (Army).
All four are trained and prepared for this type of work, playing
a vital role in such an environment.
The chaplaincy presence, ministry and pastoral care are an important
part of the human and professional response in times of tragedy,
according to Director General of Chaplaincy Services-Air Force Air
Commodore Peter O’Keefe.
Given the high workload and its intensity, the Australian Embassy
in Bali had requested the chaplains remain in the country to provide
support to families searching for loved ones and those involved
in identification at the morgue.
AIRCDRE Peter O’Keefe said he appreciated that ADF Chaplains
had been called on to assist in the national tragedy.
“As the newly appointed Director-General of Chaplaincy Services
I feel a sense of pride, even in the midst of sadness, that our
chaplains in Bali, Darwin and Richmond are giving of themselves
totally in the care of families and ADF personnel who are part of
Operation Bali Assist,” AIRCDRE O’Keefe said.
“The work these guys are doing is a source of inspiration to
many of the chaplains at home.
“Their actions plainly sum up who we are and what we are about
in the ADF. I am immensely proud of ADF chaplaincy across the three
services.”
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