Our People in QLD
Joe Bove - Heavenly Support
Normally based at RAAF Townsville, Joe is now on a tour of duty with the 170-strong RAAF Orion contingent in the Persian Gulf. They are responsible for surveillance flights over Iraq and the Gulf.
In addition to providing religious support, Joe is a one-stop welfare shop.
“If the troops are able to talk about what ever they’re experiencing then they can better deal with it and get on with the job at hand.
“If it means I’m busy, then at least people are getting the opportunity to deal with issues — rather than allowing the problem to get worse and ultimately affect their job and the mission.
“We get involved in all sorts of things. It makes it very busy, but it’s rewarding.”
“My life experiences help me relate better to others. I’ve seen better ways to do things, having done some of them the wrong way myself!”
Joe is also keeping life interesting by posting up excerpts from the Aussie Bible. “It’s written by journalist Kel Richards and it’s endorsed by the Sydney Anglican Church — the book has taken some bible passages and translated them into Aussie speak.
“Our people can relate to it — they think it’s fantastic. I try to update the excerpts weekly and I’ve ordered a number of copies of the book from Australia.”
Joe always felt a calling from God but he entered the priesthood later in life after ten years as an Army engineer. The father of four still maintains his passion for motorbikes and has recently upgraded to a CBR 1100 Blackbird motorcycle. “I love my motorbikes,” he said.
Joe is one of some 1400 members of the Australian Defence Forces who are now on duty in the Middle East as part of Operation Catalyst, the Australian Government’s contribution to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq. Working with the Iraqi Government and coalition forces, Australian military personnel are continuing to work for a more secure environment and assist with national rehabilitation programs.