Chaplains available 24/7 for spiritual needs, guidance

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Frances Locquiao
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Whether an individual is religious or not, Moody chaplains are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide the guidance individuals need.

Air Force chaplains are commissioned officers of diverse faiths and provide Airmen and their families the opportunity to exercise the freedom of religion.

"We offer several religious worship and ministry in order to fulfill the spiritual needs of Airmen and their families," said Chaplain (Maj.) Daniel Thompson, 23rd Wing. "We also advise the base commander about the religious, spiritual and moral issues that impact the mission and quality of life of Airmen."

In addition to giving advice to commanders and fulfilling religious needs, chaplains are also available for one-on-one confidential counseling.

"Confidentiality starts the minute you walk through the chapel doors," said Anna Broaden, 23rd Wing chaplain secretary. "When problems arise in a person's life and they just need someone to talk to without having to worry about other people knowing, the chapel is a place to turn to for that kind of counseling."

Senior Airman Terrell Smith, 23rd Wing chaplain assistant, says that private counseling is one reason why individuals should not be afraid to speak with a chaplain.

"Keeping Airmen spiritually fit is the chaplain's primary mission," he said. "Nothing will be disclosed to first sergeants, commanders, or anyone else concerning what you say during a counseling session. Individuals need to be aware that chaplains offer 100 percent confidentiality no matter what."

Even though chaplains will not disclose any information from a session, some individuals may be intimidated by their rank.

"They are chaplains first and officers second," Ms. Broaden said. "Their rank should not discourage anyone from asking for help. Chaplains are here for anyone regardless of religious preference or how active they are in the chapel."

Without fear of being judged, an individual of any denomination can visit a chaplain for advice if they become overwhelmed .

"Our job is to simply help people through dilemmas and guide them to make the right moral judgments," said Chaplain Thompson. "We are about mercy and forgiveness as well as compassion and support. Individuals should not be ashamed of what they've done and we're not here to accuse or pass judgment on them."

A chaplain's ability to provide spiritual guidance without reprisal makes them essential at home station to all of Team Moody, including the Airmen's families and the wing commander.

"Chaplains are important in the military because they are available 24/7 to offer spiritual and confidential support," said Airman Smith. "The chapel has an on-call duty chaplain that's available every hour of every day. They are passionate about ministry and helping Airmen and their family members."