McCSHCHOct26

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Michael Williams, 22nd Air Refueling Wing Chapel Service Team, reads a scripture from the bible during the Episcopal Service Oct. 23. The Episcopal Service is just one of many services held at the base chapel; all services are open to the public and different time frames to help cater to the people. (Photo by Airman First Class Justin Shelton)

McCSHCHOct26

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. – Chaplain (Capt.) Sarah Tarpley, Protestant Chaplain, is temporarily assigned here filling in for Chaplain (Capt.) Kevin Hudson while deployed. Chaplain Tarpley speaks with Airman 1st Class David Neff, 22nd Maintenance Squadron, who assist with activities at the LOFT, a program ran by the chapel. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Ronald Lafosse II)

McCSHCHOct26

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Senior Airman Paul Snyder, chaplain’s assistant, prepares the altar at the base chapel for the communion during the evening’s Episcopal Service Oct. 23. Senior Airman Snyder is a Chaplain Assistant, and his daily job consists of setting up for services, being knowledgeable on all of the different faiths, and providing aid to the many tasks and requirements that chaplains undergo. (Photo by Airman First Class Justin Shelton)

McCSHCHOct26

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. – Staff Sgt. Jessica Keechle, Noncommisioned Officer In Charge, explains her roles and responsibilities at the base chapel Oct. 22. As the NCOIC, Sergeant Keechle oversees programs, training, and self inspections for the Chapel Service Team. (Photo by Airman First Class Laura Suttles)

22nd Air Refueling Wing Chaplain Service Team Shop Highlight

Published Oct. 25, 2007
By Staff Sgt. Ronald Lafosse II
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- The 22nd Air Refueling Wing Chaplain Service Team supports the wing mission and AEF taskings by providing spiritual care, advice to leadership and free exercise of religion to all assigned personnel and their families.

The Chaplain Service Team accomplishes its mission through chapel services and programs designed to build or rebuild relationships and friendships.

The chapel retreat program gives Airmen the opportunity to build stronger relationships with their loved ones before they deploy, which allows family to help sustain their relationships through the time of their deployment.

"We just had Senior Airman Paul Snyder return from Kuwait where he was assigned to Camp Patriot," said Chaplain (Capt.) Travis Sears. "He served as a chaplain assistant in an Army billet on a Navy Installation. Talk about total force. He has deployed twice within the last two years."

"Also, we currently have two chaplains deployed to Southeast Asia," he said. Chaplains, (Maj.) Cliff Short and (Capt.) Kevin Hudson.

"Our Chaplain Service Team provides counseling to Airmen and their family members who may be dealing with the stress that comes with deployment," he said.

"In fiscal year '07 we counseled 632 counseling sessions between four chaplains," said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Michael Williams.

"Throughout next year, we will be offering retreats for individuals, couples and families of Airmen who are deploying or redeploying," Chaplain Sears said.

On the unit-based reunion/reintegration retreats, Airmen can enjoy a relaxed and fun-filled weekend away from it all, scheduled at their own pace, with quality time to visit and network with fellow Airmen, unit friends and families.

"We also have a program called The Loft: Airman Ministry Center, located in Dorm 350 in the 3rd floor B-Side Day Room," Chaplain Sears said.

The Loft provides wholesome social activities, events designed to create a sense of community within the dorms and a place for healthy social interaction. Its weekly schedule is:
· Game Night Sundays at 6:00 p.m.
· Movie Night Mondays as 7:00 p.m.
· Life Lessons Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m.

"We offer a variety of activities throughout the year" Chaplain Sears said. "This coming holiday season we have an Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service on Tuesday, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. We also have Advent Luncheons Dec. 5, 12 and 19 at 12:30 p.m. in the Chapel Annex. The McConnell Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Dec. 7 at 4:30 p.m."

In addition to those activities, the Chapel hosts many squadron activities in the Chapel Annex.

The Chaplain Service Team provides five worship services throughout the week.
· Saturday at 5:00 p.m. Catholic Mass.
· Sunday at 8:00 a.m. Protestant Gospel Worship Service.
· Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Catholic Mass.
· Sunday at 11:00 a.m. Protestant Converging Worship Service.
· Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. Protestant Liturgical Worship Service.