soulgifts – Telling Tales

Today was a day of rest. Until 3pm when we made our way to the RAAF Air Force Base for a Graduation Chapel  Service to mark the end of basic training for Course 11/16. Stage 1 successful navigation to the RAAF Base  and access into the  car park. Stage 2 mother burst into tears. Stage 3 Marc arrived, dressed in uniform, to sign us in for Visitor’s pass and to escort us to the chapel.  Cameras were not allowed to be used outside. Tomorrow – yes.

Stage 4

The Order of Service was simple with active involvement by the ACR

(air force recruits).

Marc read Hebrews 12:1

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. 

As a group The ACR’s recited the Airmen’s Code to the background accompaniment of a guitar played by one of them :

I am an Australian Airman

io inherit a proud tradition

I follow in the footsteps of many fine Australians
Their Legacy is my future

I am an Australian Airman

The air is our domain

I strive for excellence in all that I do

To protect our skies, our country, the land I love

 

I am an Australian Airman

I live for my family, work with my mates,

Support my community and fight for my nation

I am a valued member of the Air Force team

I do what is right

I am an Australian Airman

And this is my Code.

Stage 5 – Marc escorted us back to our car and stood next to the sentry at the exit gate as we drove out. All ACR’s were expected to march when escorting family and friends. They did. Having exited the formal car park we waited outside the base proper for Marc to change into civilian clothing. Stage 6 – Dinner at the Thirsty Crow microbrewery.

Stage 7 – pick up Shalini from the airport at 7.30.

Stage  8 –  return Marc to base for the night by 9pm. Lights out.

We will be back tomorrow morning for the graduation ceremony.

©  Raili Tanska

Images from Graduation Chapel Service and my camera