Padre Frank Langford is one of the most distinguished looking volunteers at the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 presented by Jaguar Land Rover.
As a member of the 1/15th RNSWL, he is easily identifiable with an emu plume in his slouch hat, but that’s not all that sets him apart.
A purple arm-band and cross identify Langford as a man of faith and as someone to offer pastoral support.
Langford’s role at the Games is to support the competitors, their friends and family and the volunteers.
“My role is to walk and talk to people and I have spoken to countless numbers of them!” he said.
These Games are an enormous part of growth and healing; it is an important part of the competitors’ wholeness.
“I’m the guy to approach if they have any welfare issues. The good thing about my role is people see the uniform, they see the cross and they know I’m a chaplain or padre here to help them.”
Langford joined the army band as a trombone player at age 16. Now based at Holsworthy Barracks, looking after three squadrons, he said it was a privilege to be part of the Games.
Catriona Dixon
Invictus Games Sydney 2018