Moody sergeant named 2008 AF outstanding chaplain assistant

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Frances Locquiao
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  A technical sergeant from the Base Chapel was recently named one of the most outstanding chaplain assistants in the entire Air Force during 2008.

The Air Force Charles R. Meier Outstanding Chaplain Assistant NCO of the Year Award for 2008 was earned by Tech. Sgt. Courtney Jones, NCO in charge of chapel operations.

This award honors retired Chief Master Sgt. Charles R. Meier, the second senior enlisted manager of the Air Force Chaplain Service.

"I was surprised and very excited," said Sergeant Jones. "I was very proud for winning at the Air Combat Command level and I did not expect to win at the Air Force level so when I heard the news, I couldn't believe it."

The last time a chaplain assistant from Moody won the award was in 2006.

"Sergeant Jones is one of the best chaplain assistants I've worked with," said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Thomas Angelo. "It is a credit to the chaplaincy by recruiting cross-trainees to the career field. We have picked up not only a chaplain assistant, but a wonderful financial manager who takes impeccable care of the chapel's funding. She is the consummate professional Airman."

Sergeant Jones was a distinguished graduate from Paul W. Airey NCO Academy at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. She was named an Air Combat Command Inspector General superior performer during Moody's 2008 Unit Compliance Inspection.

In addition, she volunteers for the Scott Craven Mentoring Program at Sallas Mahone Elementary School in Valdosta, Ga.

"I believe it's a combination of always striving for excellence and my desire to help others that allowed me to earn the award," said Sergeant Jones. "It's also the outstanding supervisors and mentors that I have had throughout my career."

The primary role of chaplain assistants is to provide support for ministry. They accompany chaplains during deployments, visitations and a wide variety of events.

"My job is important because it focuses on the people," said Sergeant Jones. "We are here to ensure that the people are spiritually fit to accomplish the mission.

"Chaplain assistants are the 'eyes and ears' for the chaplains because they can't be everywhere," she added. "They rely on us to help them identify individuals who may be in need."

Although it was Sergeant Jones' achievements that helped her earn the award, she credits significant others for their support throughout her career.

"I thank God because without him none of this would be possible," said Sergeant Jones. "I also want to thank my family for being so understanding, especially my husband because he has been very supportive of my career. Being dual military is a challenge, but we work hard to find that balance.

"I want to thank my supervisors and co-workers as well because everything is a team effort," she added.