Chaplains reach out to community for Clergy Day

  • Published
  • By Daryl Mayer
  • 88 ABW Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Base Chaplains are hoping to familiarize local spiritual leaders of every faith background with the base, its missions and the difficulties faced by military families at Clergy Day Oct. 22.

"Most base people don't live on base and after working here all week they don't come back through the gate to attend worship services. They go downtown," said Chaplain (Capt.) Tom Paine, who runs the chapel located in the base hospital.

The same is true, the chaplain said, during times of stress when people will most likely reach out to the spiritual leaders they have an established relationship with.

"With Clergy Day, we want to leverage the support we can provide with that available in the local community. That way when our people seek out help, those spiritual leaders have a better understanding of what military families are experiencing," he said.

Counseling members in need, rather than leading worship services, is the central focus for military chaplains, Chaplain Paine said.

"Working at the chapel in the hospital, I've learned that we can physically heal people better than ever before in history," he said. "We want to also ensure we can help them heal mentally and spiritually as best we can."

There is a full slate of activities starting at 8:30 a.m. and ending at 1 p.m. 

Col. Jay Strickler, 88th Air Base Wing vice commander, is scheduled to deliver the opening remarks. Two military members who recently returned from deployment will host a panel discussion on their experiences. Lt. Col. Stephen Hamilton, Mental Health Flight commander, will offer a medical perspective on the unique challenges faced by military members and their families and there will be a presentation on the Air Force Reserve role by the 445th Airlift Wing including a tour of a C-5 Galaxy.

The day will culminate with a luncheon at the Wright-Patterson Club and Banquet Center and one-on-one discussion time for chaplains and local leaders.