Senior prize for chaplain

Chaplain John Blight with his ACT Senior Australian of the Year award. Photo by CPL Mark Eaton

AN Air Force Reservist who has made significant contributions to the ADF and the wider community has been awarded Senior Australian of the Year for the ACT.

Chaplain (Squadron Leader) John Blight – who served with the Permanent Air Force for 15 years and has been a Reservist for the past year – was recognised as a man with exceptional qualities.

These qualities include giving much of his career and personal time to assist service personnel and civilians through their troubles and supporting them in their moments of need.

In a ceremony at the Australian National Museum in Canberra, Chaplain Blight, 57, was formally acknowledged for excellence for his efforts as a chaplain, military historian, volunteer and charity worker.

What makes Chaplain Blight even more remarkable is the fact he continues to work in a Reserve capacity for the Air Force and contributes to local charities and church groups despite being diagnosed with a debilitating chronic illness, Giant Cell Arteritis – an inflammation of the temporal arteries. The condition, which he contracted more than three years ago, frequently incapacitates him.

In receiving the award, he acknowledged the tireless efforts of his colleagues who worked largely behind the scenes “where all the real work is done”.

“I’m greatly honoured to have received this award on behalf of all chaplains for the work they do in the community. I’d also like to thank my son who thought enough to nominate me,” he said.

“I still haven't realised the full impact of this and didn't realise people like me got this type of recognition. For once in my life I'm lost for words.”

Chaplain Blight will represent the ACT in a national award ceremony in Melbourne on January 25.

 

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