The Royal Canadian Air Force was born 100 years ago to protect and preserve the freedoms of all Canadians, to contribute to global peace and security, and to help those in need in Canada and abroad (For more information: rcaf2024arc.ca). CAF chaplains attend to the needs of all members of the CAF and their families, whether they identify with a particular Faith Tradition, have no specific spiritual/faith practice, belief or custom, or are spiritually curious (Canada.ca).
This year, Chaplains join with the RCAF and celebrate their Centennial year (1924-2024).
Chaplains have long joined in the service and sacrifice for our country, in the Royal Canadian Air Force and contribute to operational effectiveness. Although they serve as officers without command authority, they are embedded with the troops, serve all ranks, and provide an active, personal, spiritual and supportive presence within the units. They also officiate at special functions and ceremonies at home and abroad. Chaplains see members on their best days, but are present on their most difficult ones, to provide comfort and care to members and their family. Ministers joined in the Great War to be alongside the sick and dying. The Royal Canadian Army Chaplain Corps (RCAChC) was established in 1921 and has developed into the Royal Canadian Chaplain Service (RCChS) today.
After my enrollment as a Chaplain in the RCChS in 2020, I was intrigued to learn more about a RCAF Chaplain who provided care to my grandparents upon the sudden death of their son, my Uncle Louis Albert Strasser, during a routine training night flight over Quebec in 1959. He was a flying Officer with 432 Squadron, and at age 20 was already known as a promising young pilot who had accompanied his CO to Ottawa. In a letter from B/Gen (Ret’d) Chaplain Rev. Stanley Parkhouse (1923-2022), to my grandmother, dated 8 days after the accident, he wrote, …We can only assure you of our prayers and a sharing of your grief for we too have lost one out of our midst – July 8, 1959.
In this centennial year, let us take time to remember the chaplains who have served and continue to serve alongside members of the RCAF. Borden Chaplain Services invite you to:
Battle of Britain Commemorative Service
Sunday September 15, 2024, 10:30am
Trinity Chapel, 499 Dieppe Rd, Borden ON
CAF members are welcome to were DEU 1A Ceremonial Dress
By: Capt Donna Wilson (Chaplain – Borden Chap Svcs)
