Tug of war takes real air force
Teams of 20 to 25 people took on the challenge of pulling a P-8A Poseidon across the tarmac at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia, on September 27.
CAPTION: The Legacy bears pose with 24 Squadron team members prior to the P-8A aircraft pull at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia. Story by Flight Lieutenant Robert Cochran. Photo by Sergeant Nicci Freeman.
To raise money for Legacy, the teams competed to rope-haul a militarised version of a Boeing 737-800 airliner for 20 metres in the fastest time.
The charity event was organised by Sergeant Cynthia McShane, a personnel capability specialist at the Defence School of Intelligence – Air and proud Legatee, who was also involved in the first C-17A Globemaster pull challenge at RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland.
“As the C-17 event had a lot of input from Amberley PTIs (physical training instructors), I asked 24 Squadron PTI Corporal Natasha Wilson, who thankfully took on the challenge with me, to make the event happen,” Sergeant McShane said.
“From what I could ascertain, there hadn’t been a base-wide event like this at Edinburgh before, and nothing involving the P-8.
“I spoke to former colleagues I knew at 92 Wing and 11 Squadron to scope whether the event could be possible. I then contacted Legacy to see if they’d be interested in becoming the recipient of funds raised if I could get the event approved – they loved the idea and so the ‘challenge’ was on.”
CAPTION: ‘The burnt chickens’ participate in the Legacy P-8A aircraft pull at RAAF Base Edinburgh. Photo by Aircraftwoman Halley Van Essen.
Sergeant McShane said the main aim of the day was for people to have fun.
“Seeing so many smiling faces and the appearance of the Legacy bears in the waiting crowds was worth it. There was no doubt that we had checked off the ‘have fun’ box,” she said.
“It doesn’t matter what ADF service you’re in, whether you’re APS or a Defence contractor; we all need to work together to achieve Australian Government objectives for Defence – why not include fun rivalry as well.
“I also want people to know the extended services Legacy provides to the families of veterans, both deceased and incapacitated.
“Hopefully some younger people will be interested enough to become Legatees themselves.”
CAPTION: Australian Army personnel participate in an Army Team Time Trial activity at the Legacy P-8A aircraft pull charity event, held at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia. Photo by Sergeant Nicci Freeman.
President of Legacy South Australia and Broken Hill Rob Eley expressed his heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the Edinburgh Defence Precinct for embracing the event.
“Our aim is to raise awareness of the support services that Legacy provides to current and ex-serving ADF members, especially the dependants of incapacitated and deceased veterans,” Mr Eley said.
“Legacy is here to support the families, and the vast majority of our funding doesn’t come from government grants, but rather from wonderful charity events such as this.”
Wing Commander Craig Keane, the precinct’s SADFO, said the base was a complex and high-tempo environment.
“The sense of community and the welfare of our members are key components in Edinburgh’s ability to provide critical capability,” Wing Commander Keane said.
“The chance for our aviators, soldiers and civilian counterparts to come together in a competitive and unique team event while supporting Legacy, who does so much for the families of our veterans, was an opportunity that couldn’t be missed.
“The day was a huge success and I would like to thank all who participated.”
In the end, an Army team, the 110th Air Field Battery, won the 20-metre challenge.
Army also emerged victorious against Air Force in an ad-hoc 40-metre pull, while the team that raised the most sponsorship money was Pull Force One, made up of Defence contractors from Northrop Grumman, personnel from 9 Squadron and the Surveillance and Response System Program Office.
The P-8 pull challenge raised almost $10,000 for Legacy.
CAPTION: Winners of the P-8A Legacy aircraft pull, 110th Air Defence Battery, gather for a winning group photo with two of the organisers and the triservice Legacy bears. Photo by Aircraftwoman Halley Van Essen.
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