Memorial Day Service

Today's service was very special at Chapel 1 here at Andrews as we commemorated Memorial Day. I played this video (highly recommend this one) during the service. It was a special honor to have Gerald Murray, the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force read the lessons for the service, in this his last week of active duty.

Many of my regulars who attend were in uniform from past eras of the Air Force. It was truly special to remember those who have served as we meditated on those who have given their lives for their country, and those who continue to make sacrifices in today's war on terror. My text this morning was Jesus' speaking to his disciples in John 15 commanding us to love one another and teaching us that no greater love has a person than that he lay down his life for his friends.

Busy Month

Busy -- today is the first full day off I've taken in about six weeks. With some of our chaplains on the move and with the staff impacted by illness, I've found myself tackling unexpected responsibilities in addition to the tasks I normally am engaged in. Counseling continues to be a number one item as well as conducting multiple worship services as we are down in staff.

The Vice Wing Commander put me on lead for overseeing the implementation of the reintegration process for our personnel returning from deployment. Our IDS (Integrated Delivery System) composed of representatives of various agencies on the base, came together for a two day serious of briefings and discussions to help our troops who have been away from families for awhile to adjust to coming home. One might think that coming home should be an easy process, but experience has taught us that changes that naturally occur in families when a parent is deployed, can lead to friction upon return. But with a awareness and some skillsets that are taught during the briefing process, families can experience a successful reunion.

My role involved primarily organization and logistics, though I did give some of the briefings on various subjects including the overview briefing which touches on all the various dynamics commonly experienced, the sexual assault briefing one week since I am also the chapel rep to the SARC (Sexual Assault Response Coordinator), and the chapel/spiritual wellness briefing. Beyond briefing, my role was to make sure our UDM (Unit deployment managers) knew to have their returning troops there, and to make sure the various agencies had their briefers present and ready to go. I also arranged for guest speakers and secured locations. I had a lot of help, from the enlisted troops at the chapel setting up refreshments and audio visual equipment (we have a great team!) to working with representatives from Family Support and the Logistical Readiness Squadron. It is a big process, but team work makes it happen.

I've been flying medivacs several times in the past week. I feel truly privileged to serve in this capacity Picture on the left is from my last flight. Here we are taking off from McDill AFB in Florida for the return leg home.

With our chapel leadership either having transferred, getting ready to move, or recovering from an illness, I've had to step up and make sure some things were happening from scheduling to many other things.

One big event that occured last weekend was the Joint Service Open House, a huge multi-service airshow with plenty of static displays. It was outstanding. The weather was great and the show was great. I worked most of the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday on duty for the DCG (Disaster Control Group) ready to respond should there have been an accident of some kind. One of the best parts of being out on the flightline for three days was getting to know the people who fly the vintage aircraft in to the airshows. Many of them have some amazing war stories to tell. Also it was an outstanding opportunity to visit with our military and civilian personnel, as almost the entire military staff was working sometime this weekend. The picture to the left is from my favorite part of the show, the Heritage Flight including an F-16; F-15, F-4, and a Mustang fighter.

I have to say though, as much as I have enjoyed the high tempo and the additional responsiblity, I'm glad to see our interim wing chaplain come in. With him here and another chaplain returning from deployment and with replacements due in soon, my duties will return to normal. Though I'm starting to gear up to be ready to go deploy myself. In a couple of weeks I'll be out for specialized training to help me be ready for deployment to a combat zone. I've already been informed as to when and where I'm going, but I can't reveal that information as it is classified. But I can say my training will come in handy.

I truly am loving my job. I especially enjoy when I'm able to work face to face with our people and see the difference it makes in their lives. It is very rewarding to watch a couple begin to resolve their problems and decide to stay together, or watch a young airman begin to perform at the job. I've heard rumors cutbacks may be in store for the chaplain service, but I hope as they examine and make decisions they factor in the significant face to face time we have with the troops, and because they trust what we bring to the table, the impact we are able to make on their lives and hence on accomplishing the mission. I've got the best job in the Air Force. I get to work with everyone from the newest airman to the Wing leadership. I can contribute to joint efforts as part of a wider team and also have individual impact on the various servicemembers who I encounter each day either through formal appointments or just in conversation. And we make a difference. I've worked with people thinking about busting up their marriages, thinking about suicide, frustrated with supervision, fighting depression, and of course I have people come with their spiritual questions and searching for meaning as well. It's a great job and a great joy to be able to help our Air Force team stay spiritually fit to fight.

Below are some more pictures from the airshow. Hope you enjoy!

I Love My Job!

I love my job! Truly. The last few days have been a blast. Thursday we ran an exercise most of the day in preparation for the Joint Service Open House, a huge airshow, that comes up in May. The hilarious thing was that in the middle of the exercise we started to hear real world reports of some big cat (cougar, jaguar, or something similar) on loose on the base. Sure enough, there is some kind of big cat out there -- they are still trying to catch it. I was at the base hospital waiting for the family of someone who had passed away, when suddenly Fox news breaks live to Andrews where the "big game cat hunt" is under way. Here kitty, kitty, kitty...

But back to the job... I get to work hand in hand with some of the best folks I've ever known. I spent some time with the EFAC yesterday (Emergency Family Action Center) and have to say I was impressed with the organization and professionalism of the people working the center. God forbid, if a major incident happens, they are ready!

Today I had the privilege of participating in two key events in the lives of our airmen. First I did the invocation for a retirement ceremony. As I listened to this individuals accomplishments throughout his career I found myself hoping that I too will reach the point of twenty + years of service in this wonderful family. As the commander of the unit said, we are not just a unit, we are a family. I've actually participated in several retirements, and have noticed a consistent theme: excellent service and a sadness at leaving behind a job that was truly enjoyed. His son gave one of the most moving renditions of the National Anthem on his saxophone that I've ever heard.

As I drove back to the office, I heard a familiar roar in the sky overhead. Looking up I remembered that sometimes we don't make it to retirement. Sometimes the mission requires a major sacrifice -- as a formation of F-16's flew over in the missing man formation, likely for a funeral service at Arlington National cemetery.

Later I gave the invocation for the Wing's promotion ceremony. This usually turns into a major team building and exciting event as teammates cheer on each other in good natured rivalry between the units. I have to say I was proud when one of the squadrons I am assigned to care for had the one promotee to Chief Master Sergeant, the highest enlisted rank in the Air Force. It was especially moving to see the young airmen moving up in areas of authority and responsibility and to see their wives, several of them expecting, and their children coming on stage to be part of the moment, for in truth families are an essential element to an airman's service. Those who wear the uniform are not the only ones who sacrifice in service to their country. Long deployments, long work days, long work weeks, and time away for training is something that families sacrifice so that those of us who wear the uniform may do our best for our country. Their support is a key element to why we can love our jobs.

Being a chaplain has to be the best job in the Air Force because I have the opportunity to
work with people from many different areas on the base from those who fly the planes, to those who fix the planes, to those who guard the base, to those who take care of the troops, to those who take care of the base itself and so on. I get to be part of the work and even private lives of these men and women who give so much from the first term airman to the veteran wrestling with a life transition in retirement, to those who are happy and celebrating great success to those whose lives are under stress and in need of some encouragement. From the airman basic all the way up to the highest ranking officers and leaders on the base I have the privilege of being able to offer encouragement to them, and it is a privilege. I love my job!

Air Force 1

I often get asked if I get to see Air Force One. Today, I was fortunate enough to have my camera with me when she came in.





















Here is a spring picture of Chapel 1.

On Duty

Duty Chaplain

24/7 one of the chaplains holds duty. There is always a chaplain available. As our staff is in major transition right now, I find myself quite busy. Our Wing Chaplain is out of the office and out deputy and senior protestant positions are vacant. All our protestant chaplains except myself are either deployed, preparing to retire or leave the Air Force, or preparing to move to a new base. But we have replacements coming. However, for those leaving, there is much to consume their time in making preparations. Our other chaplain, our Roman Catholic, will deploy very soon. Fortunately we have a well trained and knowledgable enlisted staff and NCOIC who are providing the crucial assistance to make sure everything gets done.

Busy. So far just this duty cycle I've had numerous opportunties to counsel with some service members about anxiety related to work load and the stress it takes when one is facing separation from one's family. I do a lot of counseling which I cannot touch on because such is sheltered by confidentiality. But I find it very touching the level of trust and how often I'm invited to play a role in the personal lives of people who serve our nation.

I've comforted two families who lost loved ones. One touched not only myself but all those present as our hospital staff responded to a 4 month old brought to our hospital because we were the closest. Her funeral is Tuesday and I hope to be able to attend. She was such a beautiful little baby and she had a very beautiful family. It was a true honor to minister to this family.

I conducted Good Friday services last night. It was a beautiful spring evening here and the temperature was just right. Tomorrow I'll conduct two services and manage the Easter Sunrise service since I am the Project Officer for this service. This is a very special service held outside at the base golf course followed by an outstanding breakfast at the facilities there.

Being on duty can bring a high paced kind of day, as the duty chaplain responds to all needs that cannot be met by other chaplains because of previous obligations 24/7. Last night for instance I spent about 45 minutes at 2 in the morning comforting someone who just wanted to talk after receiving some bad news. That's great. It's what I'm here for. That is the great thing about being a chaplain in the Air Force -- there is not time to get bored, the job provides so many wonderful opportunities to make a difference, and I couldn't work with a better or more honorable group of people.

Flight with 1st Heli

I was invited recently to fly along with 1st Heli, our DV helicopter transport squadron here at Andrews. I was extremely impressed by the hospitality and professionalism of the crew. Below are some shots from the flight.


Here I am sitting in the passenger section of the Huey that we will fly on.

We often call these choppers "blue and whites" for their distinquishing color.

The seats are a little nicer than most hueys and there is a semblance of carpet, but they are just as loud & vibrate just as much as the standard huey military transport. You'll notice my headphones on the seat next to me. Without these there would be no way to hear & communicate. These babies are loud!



This is a shot of the stratankers of the 459th Air refueling wing that is stationed here at Andrews.

This is the East runway.

The 459 is an Air National Guard unit. The Air Force is truly going "Total Force". No longer are the Guard and Reserves taking a back seat nor are they a second rate service compared to the active duty. Their service to our nation is first rate!



Here is a shot of Chapel 1, where my office is and where I conduct the formal worship service at 1100 on Sundays and in the stead of their chaplain who is deployed, the 0830 informal worship as well.


There is an excellent little coffee shop in its basement of the building next door by the way!




Here is a shot of the flight line.

You can see one of our heavies sitting in the background. These are the aircraft bringing in the wounded from Iraq.






Here you can get an idea of the coloring of our aircraft.

Notice too that we are in BDU uniform. We are a service at war. The battle dress uniform has become the standard uniform for daily wear. We anticipate having a new battle uniform to replace this soon.












Here you can see some of the typical housing on base.

I live in a duplex in the neighborhood below.

What's Important

This past week, I gave a short tour to several college ROTC cadets of various facilities here at Andrews AFB. During the tour they asked the following question: what is the most important part of your mission here at Andrews. I reflected on all the imporant aspects of what is done here at Andrews from providing first class always ready transport for the President and other important dignitaries, to proving first class trained warriors for deployments to Iraq and other places, and so on. But I have to say in my humble opinion, one of the most important missions we do here now is the reception of the wounded from Iraq. Many travel from our flight line onward to Bethesda Naval Hospital and Walter Reed, but many also spend the night here at our hospital before being flown from our airfield to hospitals nearer to home. Our medical staff are committed to providing the best possible care to these US servicemembers. What role do our chaplains play? We visit the hospital facility reaching out to those who need someone to listen to. And we have flown many of the evacuation flights from Andrews onward as these patients are dropped off. Below is a picture of one of the flights that came into Andrews posted to a public Air Force site.

Picture from recent training

Wanted to post this pic from my recent deployment training. As a chaplain it was good to have some experiences with the holy.

March update

Where to begin? I finished the basic chaplain course in the middle of February and returned to Andrews to get back to work. The chaplain course was outstanding with many useful training elements. I have to admit that out of all the professional and academic training that I have had, these were some of the most powerfully packed weeks I've experienced. The deployment field training was a highlight, but the counseling and intervention segments were outstanding as well. I was blessed to be surrounded by some bright talented chaplains as fellow students. I hope to get the chance to serve with some of them in the future. The instructors were first rate. I managed to get in quit a bit of PT winning the class PT award and coming within 3 seconds of maxing the PT run time. I've never come that close before, but as I get older the requirement gets lower and so far I haven't gotten slower, but I figure that is due to change soon.

Returning to work I found that many of our chaplain staff will be leaving either retiring or leaving the service for civilian work or moving to new assignments. That leaves us short handed through the summer with the summer months to be very tight. But we are expected to have new people coming in. As a result I find myself quite busy with various things from counselings to representing the chapel at various functions. I'm also putting together the Easter Sunrise service which is quite a big celebration I have found out. It is a tremendous blessing to be part of a team that loves to work together. I'm getting a great deal of help from our civilian staff. Our chaplain assistants are always there to depend on as well.

I found myself quickly back in the scheme of things ministering to the family of an airman in one of my units who was killed in DC while defending a friend from an assault, to a young couple one of whom is very sick, and to a parent with a very sick child.

So I am preparing myself for a very busy spring and summer with more training to come for deployment and a possible deployment later this year.

There is one thing I really dread about deployment -- you gotta see it to believe it! CAMEL SPIDERS. That don't call em that for nothing. click here to see one

News Report on Operation Outreach

Excerpts from a new article on Operation outreach include:

"Operation Outreach began in 2004 in an effort to forge stronger relationships with the local Bedouin populace that live around Ali Base, Iraq."

"'The goal of the program is to enhance base relationships with the local community and to foster communication and cooperation that can benefit force protection efforts,'" said Lt. Col. Charles F. Spencer Jr., 407th Expeditionary Support Squadron commander, deployed from Andrews. Colonel Spencer is also the 1st Airlift Squadron commander."

"The base chapel community has given monetary donations of more than $2,100, said Chaplain Reedy. Donations have been used to purchase needed items and to pay for postage. Also, approximately 70 pairs of sandals were purchased through donations. The commissary also worked with the vendors to donate 400 care packages consisting of toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo and chocolate candy bars. Andrews Officers' Spouses' Club donated stuffed animals."

Read the entire article about "Operation Outreach" in Andrews newspaper "The Capital Flyer" here: article

Off we go

Later this evening I'll say goodbye as a friend goes off for his deployment to the Middle East. As a chaplain, I'm sure he will have many opportunities to serve. Also one of our other staff members is off for his deployment. I myself depart Saturday for six weeks of training in how the AF does military chaplaincy. This will include a practice deployment training scenario in the field in Florida somewhere for about a week. After this training, I should be deployable myself. I'm looking forward to the school, though I must admit I will miss work. I truly enjoy the day to day work that we do and the people we work with. It will be a sad return as I will only have a few weeks left with one of our chaplains who will be leaving for better things. I've truly enjoyed working with all our chaplains.

The hardest part about leaving is trying to explain it to the littlest ones in the family. My two year old daughter sat on the porch the last time I was gone for an extended time asking if this way the day "daddy" was coming home. She's already aware that I'll be leaving again. But the truth is, it is still an honor, even with the cost to serve. Even when the time comes to deploy for an extended time to the theatre of operations, I do so recognizing the freedom and life that we enjoy here in this country is not guaranteed, but it must be preserved with much work and sometimes much cost.

Pictures from the desert

Here are some pictures back from Iraq of the school supplies and other items that were shipped from the chapel community at Andrews to one of our commanders who is deployed there and working with "Operation Outreach". His First Seargent and I made the purchases and arranged shipping. Airmen on the receiving end took the items out to local bedouyn tribes.


I especially like this first picture of this little barefooted girl with her box of crayons, paper, pencils, and other school supplies.







Another picture with a young family.







Here, the bulk of what was sent has arrived. Items included notebooks, pens, pencils, crayons, rulers, sandals, and some toys. Also, other organizations on base here at Andrews sent some school supplies and clothing as well.








Notice the "Hooters" sweatshirt worn by the little boy on the left. What is considered a castoff in our world can be a great thing in another place.



Our troops are making a difference. So are the people who supported this program through the chapel. One constant message I hear from our wounded as they pass through, is how much they love the children of Iraq and how much the children love our soldiers. They are bright and beautiful people, and I suspect that one day American and Iraqi shall be the best of friends.

What Do Chaplains Do Anyway? Part 4

Chaplains care!

Chaplains care about the troops who they serve. Of course we are here to insure and facilitate the freedom of religious expression that our nation is built upon. But even beyond this, we have the opportunity to live out the calling of our Lord to love one another. The ministry of Jesus could certainly be characterized as a ministry of caring. Chaplains reach out in a variety of ways to show people that they are appreciated and cared for by their fellow Air Force community. Counseling and listening are just a couple of ways. Sometimes the chaplain will carry out hot chocolate in the cold of the night or early morning to those working in the cold. We drop an encouraging word, clasp a shoulder, or shake a hand wherever we get the chance. Yesterday, I had the privlege of doing an invocation/prayer for about 30 newly promoted airmen at our Wing's monthly promotion ceremony. It was inspiring to see the joy and eagerness in the faces of these men and women, some of them very young, as they take on additional responsibilities. Earlier that day, my supervisor put on his Lt. Col. leaves. His service to others has been recognized and he is on to bigger things and a wider avenue of service and responsibility.

Chaplains care: whether we are in the gym working out and stop in coversation, visiting a family of a deployed member, in a chow line visiting troops, by a hospital bed or carrying a litter on or off a plane, whether we stand saluting, or bow our heads in prayer -- we hope to convey to those who see and hear -- they are cared for: by God who created and redeemed them and by their fellow human beings with whom they work and for whom they serve.