It’s an honor to serve your country, but we know it’s not easy.
Key Point
- Rev. Ralph Esterby says the military’s mental health is critical to their overall well-being.
- Pastor Ralph offers a listening ear and says, “Having someone to talk to and process things with is really powerful.”
- Hear the entire conversation in the listener above.
There are many stories about PTSD and difficulties reintegrating into civilian life experienced by ex-servicemen, so it is impossible to ignore the cost of registration.
But with that in mind, people continue to serve and uphold our country’s values, and we need to ensure we support their well-being.
Reverend Ralph Esterby is a former ADF Chaplain and current National Director and CEO of Chaplaincy Australia, and to him the mental health of our military is vital to their overall well-being. extremely important.
Pastor Ralph spoke to Hope Afternoons’ Laura Bennett about the role of chaplains in the ADF and why service members need access to chaplains.
“All people, whether they are Christians or belong to other faith groups, have some degree of spirituality, and as part of their role, pastors engage with that person in their spirituality and support them. “I can help people find that spirituality. That’s the strength that comes from that,” he said.
Pastor Ralph offers a listening ear and says, “Having someone to talk to and process things with is really powerful.”
Sometimes people just need a non-judgmental ear to listen.
“Non-judgment – that is the greatest challenge and greatest opportunity for pastors.
“Just being there and being that person that someone has available to them to talk to and process their own things helps them in a really powerful way.”
ANZAC Day is very important to Pastor Ralph.
“I served as a uniformed chaplain for many years.
“ANZAC Day…is an opportunity to stand there and capture that moment to honor the words ‘Lest we forget’.
“The truth is, others have gone before us and I am really proud to be able to stand alongside those who have served before.
“And I’m really proud to be able to stand and remember those who gave their lives and are unable to stand with us today.”
Hear the entire conversation in the listener above.
Featured Image: Photo Credit: CanvaPro
