Manually pulling 128 tonnes of aircraft 25 metres across the tarmac may be an impossible feat alone, but with a solid team lending a hand, the challenge was on.
36 Squadron hosted a C-17 tug of war at RAAF Base Amberley on August 30, inviting members from around the base to come together, have fun, but importantly, raise money for the charity Due South Australia.
Due South is a self-funded organisation committed to delivering wellness initiatives for Australia's veterans and first responders, and their families. The organisation has deep roots in 36 Squadron, with their founder being a former 36 Squadron loadmaster.
Ten teams comprising of 25 personnel each participated, with the quickest time to pull the aircraft 25 metres being just 22.3 seconds by the Ventia team, closely followed by the 33 Squadron team at 22.6 seconds. In total, $5000 was raised for Due South.
36 Squadron avionics technician and event coordinator Leading Aircraftman Benjamin McKechnie said the event provided a great way for RAAF Base Amberley personnel to come together in support of each other and for a good cause.
"Events like these are important because they provide an opportunity for personnel to take a minute, connect, and engage with members of other units they may not frequently see," Leading Aircraftman McKechnie said.
"With the theme of the day supporting active and veteran members, and R U OK? Day, this event could not have been more suitably timed."
Commanding Officer 36 Squadron Wing Commander Scott Hyland highlighted how important mateship was for both current and former serving members.
"It is important to recognise the contribution organisations like Due South make in supporting a community for our close-knit family who have left full-time service," Wing Commander Hyland said.
"These types of activities act as an icebreaker to strengthen the human-to-human bond of our Defence members."
Due South ambassador Doug Baird addressed the attendees, sharing his personal journey and the story of his son, Corporal Cameron Baird VC, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2013 and was repatriated by 36 Squadron on a C-17.
