Military Chaplain - Bringing hope to Airmen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Stephany Miller and Airman 1st Class Ashley Tank
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho (ACCNS) --  They're often considered the "glue" that holds the Air Force together. They're a mentor, guide and source of hope and inspiration. Sometimes they're a crutch someone needs to lean on during tough times. And they're the religious presence people look to for spiritual support.

Every day, Air Force chaplains at places like Mountain Home do their bit to help those in most need of help. In many instances, these "people of the cloth" serve directly with units here. A good chaplain knows their Airmen like a crew chief knows their plane.

With a friendly face and happy presence, chaplains remain very much a force for hope in the demanding, ever-changing lives of Airmen in the modern Air Force.

Chaplains were part of the military since its beginning. They lived (and died) in the trenches of World War I. They were present in Gallipoli and France, served at Tobruk and shared in the suffering along the Kokoda Track. They've joked with Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines in the darkest hours of human conflict and celebrated with them in the times of joy.

"We are on call all the time. Our job is to be a visible reminder of the holy; we work for God." said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Dennis Saucier, 366th Fighter Wing installation chaplain.

Today, chaplains are based throughout the Air Force, dealing with people facing a variety of situations. It's this "force for hope" capacity that makes chaplains a rare, valuable asset to Airmen and commanders alike. It's the chaplain's capacity to do things very informally that remains their vital strength, said Chaplain Saucier.

Last year, Gen. Jim Mattis, U.S. Marine serving in Iraq, claimed his most trusted resource was his chaplain. When faced with a local Iraqi demonstration, the general ordered his Marines to demonstrate a "show of force" wearing full battle gear. His unit chaplain, Father Bill Devine, suggested instead the troops warmly greet the demonstrators and give them bottles of water.

Father Devine explained the gesture would be understood as hospitable, maybe disarming. The general thought the idea bizarre at first but ordered his men to do what his chaplain advised.

The chaplain's call for using compassion versus force resolved what could've become a very volatile situation.

In addition to advising military leaders, chaplains actively network with a variety of helping agencies that enhance the Airmen's welfare responsibilities. In some instances, Airmen need help from another professional agency. Chaplains make the referral and monitor the Airmen's progress.

"We support Airmen looking for direction," said Chaplain Saucier. "That doesn't mean we have all the answers, but we can walk with them in their journey."

There is also a mystical dimension to the chaplain corps that tends to intrigue.

That's often a source of fun and mild kidding. Chaplains are looked upon to change the weather and often happily blamed for a sudden downpour or thanked when the rain suddenly stops, said Chaplain Saucier.

"Chaplain, can't you do something," is often asked when the forces of nature are getting in the way of a commander's intent, he added.

At its most profound level, chaplains are respected for the bond they hold up to the sacred dimensions of life and death. They underpin the realities of sacrifice and suffering with the great hope that comes from a belief trust in God.

"For me, being a military chaplain is a calling," said Chaplain Saucier. "You have to be committed to all the Airmen and have to be able to deal with diverse religions."

Chaplains consider themselves outstanding, outgoing individuals, but they cannot do everything alone, he added. Chaplains often enlist the help of the chaplain's assistants to serve as their extra set of eyes and ears of the chaplains.

Chaplain assistants help chaplains identify people that are most in need.

"They have a way of connecting with the Airmen that the chaplains don't have," said Chaplain Saucier. "We want people to feel comfortable."

Chaplain assistants are enlisted members who cross train from various career fields. Being a cross trainee is what helps each assistant relate to the Airmen they help.

Chaplains hold up a greater reality that gives rich hope and poignant meaning to the whole profession of arms and its consequences. They can be contacted through Liberty Chapel or the command post and remain at the service of Airmen and their families.

They strive to remain, above all, a force for hope.