To become a Chaplain

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Devin Boyer
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Second Lt. Colby E. Felton, Air Force Reserve Command chaplain candidate, continues his journey in becoming a chaplain through the Air Force program here May 19 through June 22.

The Air Force Chaplain Candidate Program is an opportunity for seminary and other professional religious school students to evaluate their compatibility and potential for commissioning as an Air Force chaplain.

Upon graduation and obtaining an ecclesiastical endorsement, chaplain candidates are eligible for reappointment as a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard or Active Duty component.

"I wanted to become a chaplain to fulfill what I believe is God's call and will for my life," said Felton. "This is an opportunity to do what I love, and that is to serve people in a pastoral and leadership role in military service."

Chaplain candidates preach, provide invocations, plan and execute events, give briefings, engage units and attend meetings.

Since his arrival, Felton delivered invocations at a retirement ceremony, Stars and Stripes promotion ceremony, volunteer appreciation event and Army 344th Military Intelligence Battalion graduations. He helped chapel staff and 50 volunteers serve 800 joint-service members fried chicken and waffles on Wingman Day and led multiple Airmen to clean and set up for a memorial service and other base events.

Felton learned many things during his tour here, but he expects to broaden his horizons even further.

"I expect to learn more about myself, more about being a chaplain in the Air Force and more about officership," he added. "I also hope to sharpen and hone my existing ministry skills, and I hope my experience here will help guide me to better serve Airmen and their families."

Chaplain (Capt.) Robert D. Bohnsack, 17th Training Wing, believes Felton has the potential to become a good chaplain.

"Lieutenant Felton seems to have a great ability to relate to all sorts of people," said Bohnsack. "He loves to laugh, smile and meet new people. A sense of fun will serve him and the Air Force well."

For Felton, becoming a chaplain gives him the chance to effect people in a positive way.

"I am humbled to have the opportunity to be a part of the mission of God to be used as an instrument to impact service members and their families," concluded Felton.