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.