Base Chapel, a foundation of faith

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Anne Gathua
  • 17th Training Wing/Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  A ribbon-cutting ceremony last year did more than open a new, fully modern Chapel here. According to base chaplains, it ushered in new opportunities and highlighted existing programs, all presented by a team that is dedicated to serving Team Goodfellow 24/7.

"This building is a symbol that represents what we do," said Chaplain (Maj.) Sammy Tucker. "We are here to ensure free exercise of religion for all military personnel and their families. We facilitate that by ensuring servicemembers, retirees and families have a chaplain to talk to and visit with as the need arises. We also offer worship services on Sundays, and promote and encourage Bible study groups."

One of the more unique missions of the Chapel is the Crossroads.

A student-led operation, the Crossroads is a place that allows them to rest, unwind and recuperate from the stresses of their day. Its mission is to be the students' home away from home, Chaplain Tucker said.

"We have two chaplains assigned there, but the student white ropes run it for us, especially on the evenings and weekends," he added. "We mentor them to become leaders who inspire people to follow them and individuals that others can look up to and say 'I want to be like that person.' As chaplains we try to model that kind of leadership for them by being good examples for them to follow."

The Crossroads holds events and activities for students, offering them alternative fun things to do. This year they sponsored a "Summer Bash" and held a huge cookout. Military training leaders signed up for the dunking booth and the students donated canned goods for a chance to splash their MTLs. The canned goods were donated to the Concho Valley Food Bank.

Another bash called the "Fall Frenzy" is slated for October.

"The students' ministry pretty much consumes a lot of our energy and resources because of the number of students," said Chaplain Tucker. "Our goal is to have a chaplain presence at the Crossroads seven days a week on a rotating basis."

They also support off-base volunteer activities to give students a chance to help the local community, while representing a positive image for the base, military and Air Force.

"Doing something for someone else helps one see their problems are much smaller and their life is much better," said Chaplain Tucker. "It's a coping mechanism."

The Chapel also offers different ministries for permanent party, including religious education programs and Vacation Bible School.

"Anyone can start a religious study program or group, but they have to talk to us first for review and approval," Chaplain Tucker said.

Chaplain (Capt.) Todd Leathermon said to reach more base members, the Sunday morning traditional worship and evening E-Life service were changed to a morning, non-denominational worship service at 11 a.m.

"Most people go to church in the morning, so the change helps us reduce our workload to better meet our mission, maximize our resources and not be redundant," the chaplain added.

From students to retirees, chaplains serve everyone and help them find places of worship. They also offer marriage, family, pre-marital and personal counseling. The chaplains recommend people make an appointment to ensure they're seen in time and avoid long waits.

"You call, we will go," said Chaplain Tucker. "We are always on call. We know by the time someone is calling us, they need us. Every time you see this facility, know that your chaplains are available. We are here in the midst of crisis and to celebrate the good times."

The chaplain added that people's encounter with chaplains is naturally unique because they are visible reminders of the Holy.

"We don't represent ourselves, we represent God and must conduct ourselves accordingly, which is a huge responsibility. My job is to ensure that all chaplains have the resources they need to do what God has called them to in the military. I enjoy sitting back and watching great people do great things," he said.

Father (Lt. Col.) Kevin Cody said each chaplain brings something new to the Chapel.

"We have different strengths and weaknesses, and we try to utilize the strengths that a chaplain has to fulfill our mission," he added. "Emotions of a chaplain go from happy at 9 a.m. to complete depression at 11 a.m. We have to switch emotions just like that, without it showing. Most people don't see chaplains go through those emotional highs and lows. That's the trait of a good chaplain."

Excited to see what the future holds, Father Cody said with the new Chapel and the planned expansion of the Crossroads, will open up many opportunities to serve Goodfellow.

"It's a good time to be a chaplain on Goodfellow," the Father added.

For more information about Chapel programs, call (325) 654-3424.