Well, I'm back at work now, and it’s good to back somewhere familiar, though it isn't going to last long because I'm off on Posting to RAAF Townsville in a few weeks. It feels really strange to leave a place that I very much call home, but that's typical of military life isn't it...
Given the last three years that I've been here, I find myself reflecting on the things I've done - and it’s a lot!
I've only recently returned from Active Service in the Middle East. I had promised myself, beforehand, I would do some professional development reading. As a Defence Chaplain I find that by the time I get home, the last thing I want to do is professional reading. - But not this time; I had taken with me three books I very much wanted to read. Given that I was in the desert, I figured the environment would create a 'feeling' for the promised reading.
The first book was about Nicky Barr; I couldn't put it down. I was captivated. The second was about Clive Caldwell, again I just couldn't put it down. The third was another about the Desert War in general and it just seemed to put a completely different perspective on what took place there. It enabled me to gain a very deep appreciation and pride to be part of our Squadron's impressive and extraordinary history.
As I travelled throughout the Middle East I was conscious of my own fore-fathers - not just our Lord (!), but the famous Three Padres who made history themselves, setting a standard I take pride in. I often found myself thinking about them and wondering what they'd do if they were with me, as I journeyed and experienced what war was all about.
Even when it got difficult (and at times it did…) I was often reminded that for the Three Padres - and both Clive and Nicky - it was 'their own people', the people they led or cared for, that came first. This same ethic was why I was here in the Middle East in the first place. It was a very real privilege to serve our people in those places.
Coming home was interesting. Going to War changes you and it's not until you come home you realise this fact. I took some time off, but I couldn't really wait to get back to work. I missed the Squadron - especially the noise and the dramas!
Once again, it was back to Richmond for the pre-ANZAC Day Service and the pride of my working career was marching in Sydney with the Squadron and the last of our WW2 Veterans. I thought at one point that the Three Padres were there, marching alongside. A Padre rarely gets to march, and this was a day I was going to remember for the rest of my life.Our CO granted me a passenger ride in an FA18 and the Pilot was DEVO - someone I admire greatly. I couldn't believe it!
- If only “The Three Padres” could have seen it! Yep, I'm back at work, but I'm sad I'm leaving a Squadron that I feel extremely proud of. They have always been there both at the highs and the lows.
I think my heart will always belong to 3SQN. It's odd, but there is something about having been a part of something so unique. It’s more then a fighter squadron - it's family.PADRE CAMPBELL CARROLL
UNIT CHAPLAIN 3SQN WILLIAMTOWN
