For richer or poorer Chapel services steer Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Yash Rojas
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Everyone needs to be heard once in awhile, even Airmen. One way the Iceman Team renews and reinforces each Airman's sense of purpose is by relying on the guidance of the chapel staff.

Entrusted with preparing aviation forces for combat, deploying Airmen in support of global operations and enabling the staging of forces, individuals at Eielson Air Force Base must maintain a sound mind and body.

At the heart of the installation are a handful of professionals who have devoted time and effort in the building of Airmen, acting as mentors to those seeking help. The chapel staff, from civilians to military personnel, provides support making Airmen more resilient and able to cope with life's challenges.

"Because we are entrusted with the job of nourishing the hearts and minds of our people, we need to have very vibrant communities in which mentors share their talents, gifts and treasures with others and help us spread the message," said Chaplain (Capt.) Jesus Navarrete, 354 Fighter Wing Chapel Services Catholic Priest.

Chapel Services on the installation are available to everyone regardless of religious background. Without a reliable foundation, moments of transition can be trying for even the most resilient Airman.

According to Chaplain (Capt.) Thomas Fussell, 354th Fighter Wing Chapel Services Protestant Pastor, transitional effects such as permanent changes of station affect installations Air Force-wide. The newly arrived chaplain believes changes like this can shape the religious landscape, making it challenging for Airmen and families to continue to receive desired guidance and fellowship from trusted spiritual leaders like chaplains.

In order to combat the surmounting influx of people and new faces, chaplains, chaplain assistants and the numerous people that help run chapel services make every effort to meet for fellowship. They try to familiarize themselves with the congregation, which helps solidify the membership of different faiths and the base community at large.

In adversity, the chapel and its staff remain at the core of Eielson's community. In fact, the unique structure stands at the center of the installation, easily accessible to all Airmen and their families.

"I'd like to think that it is spiritually significant for the chapel to be located in the center of the base," said Protestant Chaplain Fussell. "The fact is, in order for us to be effective, chapel staff needs to be where the Airmen are. We try to set up our facilities in order to make access to spiritual resources and guidance easier."

Knowing the Air Force is in the business of improving and maintaining its most valuable asset, its people, can further instill individuals to find the fellowship and guidance they need.

Chapel Services are available for everyone to utilize whenever needed. They serve the needs of Airmen and strive to help improve their quality of life making it possible to endure life's hardships as well as celebrate in their success.