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Fit to fight, in spirit and in flight

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nicole Sikorski
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBIA, S.C. --  United States Air Force chaplains and chaplain assistants attended a religious support symposium June 18, to help equip them with additional knowledge and tools to better meet the spiritual needs of military members downrange.

Chaplains and chaplain assistants on active duty, reserve status and in the National Guard, gathered to learn about and teach resiliency.

"We want our Airmen to be able to bounce back from seeing trauma downrange and anywhere in their life," said Tech. Sgt. Clarence Shuford, Air Force Chaplain Core College, non commissioned officer in charge of course management.

Airmen from Pacific Air Forces and U.S. Air Forces in Europe also attended the global event.

Four Airmen from the 20th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal flight spoke at the symposium about combat deployments and the vital role that chaplains fulfilled for them.

"It's important for us to be able to talk about our experience with chaplains during combat deployments," said Tech. Sgt. Michael Fink, NCO in charge of EOD operations. "It gives them the knowledge to work with other units outside the wire, and earn the trust they need to help."

Not only did they talk about the demand for religious services in the combat environment, they also spoke about how to help service members suffering from post traumatic stress disorder.

When a combat deployment comes to mind, mental and physical readinesses are paramount. However, spiritual readiness is also a key factor in mission success in high-stress environments. "For me, it's very encouraging," said Maj. Eric Boyer, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst deputy wing chaplain. "EOD Airmen hold a special place in my heart because of the hardships they endure out there. They're keeping us safe, and it's our privilege to help them stay resilient."

Because of the religious support and foundation that the chaplains and chaplain assistants offer, Airmen can be mentally, physically and spiritually fit to fly, fight and win.