Padre's Corner - Teamwork

February 14, 2024 - Lt(N) Chris Donnelly, Chaplain, 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron

Teamwork is a foundational pillar to getting things done in almost every setting. Growing up I was privileged to have some amazing teachers of this principle. Almost everything I have accomplished over the years involved a team effort.

The principle of teamwork has followed me throughout life, and I am better for it. Joining the military 20 years ago, I finally felt I was part of an organization that understood this principle to the core, as nothing gets done in isolation.

In my current position as chaplain to 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron in Edmonton, I watch what seems chaotic to anyone who knows little about what is involved in getting an aircraft off the ground. Watching the organization work “day in and day out” makes me proud to be a small part of the bigger team. To make a helicopter fly everyone has to work together.

• The Logistics Officer makes sure the right parts, fuel and armaments arrive when needed.
• The Maintainers have trained for years to service each Griffon. They check and recheck every part to make sure the helicopter is ready to fly.
• The operations cell co‑ordinates the flight schedule making sure mission priorities are met.
• Refuelers do their part. Snow and ice are cleared as needed.
• Pilots have trained for years to be ready to pilot the craft. Just before taking off they check the weather forecast prepared by the Meteorological Technicians and brief the crew on the mission so everyone knows where they are heading and the objectives that day.
• Air Traffic Control keeps everyone in constant communication.
• Computers and communication equipment are maintained by the Signals group.
• The door gunners are loaded and ready.
• The Flight Engineer makes sure everything and everyone on board is secure.
• Everything is overseen by the Command Team, who recognize the effort of everyone pulling together daily to make this happen, giving constant encouragement and praise.
• Behind the scenes the administration and expenses are covered by the orderly room

Finally, when the “All Clear” is given, the flight takes off.

What a fantastic experience to fly at tree top level, following the contours of a river valley, practising the manoeuvres of landing in a clearing to drop off or pick up supplies or personnel as required, providing Close Air Support to ground troops or other aircraft, or Medical Evacuation of injured soldiers following contact with the enemy. It is exhilarating to say the least.

And in the case of a Chaplain taking flight, I certainly can say I am privileged to have a team of people working hard to allow for this unique ministry experience. Following my last flight, I reflected on how much expertise goes into each flight. None of this could happen, especially in a military context, without teamwork.

As a military member you understand this to your core. Sometimes we can miss this fact when we focus on the wrong things in life. We can feel forgotten or unappreciated. We can get discouraged when things seem to go wrong for whatever reason.

Once you’re in the air everything seems simple, and you have a great perspective on the world.

My thought for you today is to take a figurative step back and look at the “Big Picture” and what the team you belong to is accomplishing. You are a part of that. From the Private / Aviator up to the Commanding Officer and Base Commander, nothing happens unless the TEAM works together.

Barack Obama once said, “Our destiny is not written for us, it’s written by us.”

Nothing is truer in the military context.

Strive to do your best to achieve excellence. Always remember: when we work together, impossible and excellent things can be achieved.

Even a chaplain can take flight.