McConnell Chapel hosts retreat for Airmen

(From left to right) Airman 1st Class Andrew Gordon, 22nd Logistic Readiness Squadron fuel specialist apprentice, Airman 1st Class William Smith, 22nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron communication and navigation apprentice, Airman 1st Class Thomas Patterson, 22nd Communications Squadron client systems technician, hold on a tube at El Dorado Lake, Kan. Aug. 21, 2010. The Airmen were on a retreat for young Airmen hosted by the base chapel. The chapel hosts a minimum of four similar events annually targeting different demographics at McConnell. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Armando A. Schwier-Morales)

McConnell Chapel hosts retreat for Airmen

Three Airmen from McConnell Air Force Base ride a tube at El Dorado Lake, Kan. Aug. 21, 2010. The Airmen participated in a Young Adult Retreat hosted by the base chapel. During the retreat, the Airmen shared experiences designed to promote spiritual and social fitness. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Armando A. Schwier-Morales)

McConnell Chapel hosts retreat for Airmen

Airman 1st Class Will Smith, 22nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron communication and navigation apprentice, and Airman Christopher Novak, 22nd Operational Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment apprentice, participate in worship at El Dorado Lake, Aug. 21, 2010. The Airmen spent a day on the waters of El Dorado during a retreat hosted by the base chapel. McConnell’s Chapel has hosted several retreats for all demographics of McConnell since 2008. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Armando A. Schwier-Morales)

McConnell Chapel hosts retreat for Airmen

Published Aug. 25, 2010
By Airman 1st Class Armando A. Schwier-Morales
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Eleven McConnell Airmen met during a weekend event hosted by the base chapel at El Dorado Park Aug. 20 to 22, 2010.

The chapel hosted the young adult retreat as part of a larger retreat program, spearheaded by the chaplain corps team. The team has hosted events since 2008 promoting one of the wings priorities, Ready Airmen.

"I believe that we are not human beings having a spiritual experience, but spiritual beings having a human experience," said Chaplain (Capt.) Robert Borger, 22nd Air Refueling Wing senior protestant chaplain. "When we refresh our souls, we refresh the core of our being. In that way, we can then handle the stressors that we all face in these high-ops tempo times."

Airmen participated in the event to develop spiritual and social fitness through activities such as tubing with their wingman, or working together to help a water skier stand up on skies for the first time.

"I was able to learn more about where my fellow Airmen were on their journey, and I feel we connected well through the fellowship we built around the camp fire, worship and on the lake," said Airman Christopher Novak, 22nd Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment apprentice.

The retreat's primary focused was on young Airmen; however, other retreats are available for different demographics.

"We have at least four chapel retreats throughout the year to support the McConnell community, each one reaching the differing needs of various groups such as families, young adults, single parents and married couples."

The next retreat is scheduled for Sept. 10 to 12 for single-parent Airmen at Rock Springs camp. After that, a family retreat will be next in line.

For more information on the retreats, contact 759-3562.