Chaplain Corps enhances Airmen resiliency
By Senior Airman Christopher Maldonado, 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
/ Published August 07, 2018
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- For numerous Airmen across the Air Force, having someone to rely on can be the difference between mission success and failure.
The 20th Fighter Wing chaplain corps leads the way in enhancing resiliency and ensuring mission success by assisting Airmen and families spiritually and socially.
Chaplain (Capt.) Eddie Rubero, 20th Fighter Wing chaplain, said for those who may be experiencing troubling times in their lives, reaching out to a person or group can make a positive impact.
“We are here to provide religious freedom to our community,” he said. “We provide them with everything they need to exercise their religious freedom. Along with religious freedom, we provide 100 percent confidentiality to our Airmen.”
Rubero went on to say that he helps provide Airmen with the tools and faith needed to support them and grow to their potential, no matter ones personal conviction.
“Along with the religious services, we advise leadership with trends throughout units and find ways to assist those who may be affected in a negative way,” said Staff Sgt. Quyen Nichols, 20th FW chapel noncommissioned officer in charge of training and readiness. “We have the enlisted perspective and provide chaplains with the insight on the squadrons around the base.”
While the chaplain corps organizes social events for single Airmen, deployed family dinners and marriage retreats, they also make themselves available for counseling to assist Airmen and their families day to day.
“Our goal here is not to take care of Airmen the moment they get orders to deploy, but to take care of them year-round,” said Nichols. “If our Airmen are not doing well with their families or they are struggling spiritually, we provide them with the tools needed to get them the help they need.”
Nichols went on to say that the chaplain corps also aids Airmen following a deployment.
“A lot of people do not know that (enlisted) religious affairs Airmen have 100 percent approach communication and confidentiality, just as chaplains do,” said Nichols. “We have the skills needed to communicate with Airmen of numerous religious backgrounds.”
By continuing to support their wingmen, the chapel Airmen provide resources and assistance to empower 20th FW Airmen to accomplish the mission at home and overseas.