Keeping the faith at Red Flag

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Debbie Lockhart
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (ACCNS) --  Chaplain (Capt.) Steven Barfield and Staff Sgt. Aimee Bonillo are keeping the faith throughout the three-week Red Flag 09-3 exercise running through March 14 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. The duo from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, are serving as the first Red Flag chapel team.

"It's important for us to be here because wherever there is a mission, there are people who need to be taken care of," said Chaplain Barfield.

The chapel team provides counseling, advice and ensures everyone's spiritual needs are met. Their door is always open, and everyday they make rounds to different shops building relationships with military servicemembers as well as allies here at Red Flag.

"It isn't just about talking to people," said Sergeant Bonillo, "it's about making people comfortable so they will come back if they need us."

My favorite aspect of my job is interacting with people," said Chaplain Barfield. "It reminds me how important the Chaplain Corps is. We're here because our mission is run by the people and they need the care we provide."

It's common knowledge that chaplains have 100 percent confidentiality, but many people don't know that chaplain assistants also offer the same service.

"Our goal is to inspire trust by glorifying God, serving Airmen and pursuing excellence," said Chaplain Barfield.

Chaplain Barfield and Sergeant Bonillo are here serving not only the Air Force, but all of the sister services and U.S. allies participating in Red Flag, which is proving to be a diverse atmosphere to work in.

"I know when I deploy I'll be able to talk to anyone, no matter what service or country," said Sergeant Bonillo. "This is like a safety net, and it's a really good training opportunity."

According to Chaplain Barfield this Red Flag is really about getting back to basics and the people. Whether it is at home station, a deployed location or an extended temporary duty assignment, there will be the presence of a chaplain.

"All throughout our country's history, chaplains have always been in the fight, and we will continue to always be there," said Chaplain Barfield. "As long as we have a heartbeat you can drop us in any location, and we can make a difference in the mission - that is agile combat support."

So for now the chapel team is serving the people and keeping the faith at Red Flag 09-3, until they the get back on home station where they will continue to take care of the Airmen and their families.