Airmen confirm faith while deployed

Photo By Christopher Campbell | The 380th Air Expeditionary Wing's Maj. Peter Zalewski, priest, puts his hand upon...... read more read more

Photo By Christopher Campbell | The 380th Air Expeditionary Wing's Maj. Peter Zalewski, priest, puts his hand upon Airman 1st Class Jorge Flores-Vazquez, 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, during a confirmation ceremony at the base chapel Aug. 17, 2008. Staff Sgt. Natalie Carbajal (second from right), from the 380th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron Personnel Support for Contingency Operations, was also confirmed in the ceremony.  see less | View Image Page

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

10.16.2008

Story by Master Sgt. Denise Johnson 

380th Air Expeditionary Wing

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By Tech. Sgt. Denise Johnson
380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- A deployed priest received permission from his archdiocese to confirm two members of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, Aug. 24, 2008.

The 380th AEW's Maj. Peter Zalewski, priest, confirmed Staff Sgt. Natalie Carbajal, from the 380th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron Personnel Support for Contingency Operations; and Airman 1st Class Jorge Flores-Vazquez, with the 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, in a ceremony at the base chapel.

Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments in following with the Catholic religion. Other sacraments include baptism, the Eucharist, reconciliation, matrimony, holy orders and anointing the sick. The Catholic church teaches that, in sacrament, Christ gives grace directly to the recipient, if he or she is properly disposed.

Carbajal seems to be just that.

"Being confirmed means making myself a better person, i.e. wife, daughter and mother to be," she said. "It makes me feel good to know that I am practicing my religion and believing in something bigger than myself; having that connection with God."

Flores-Vazquez also attests to his disposition.

"This means a lot to me. I know now my future children will be raised with a lot of love and faith in Christ."

The Airman said another reason he had his confirmation in Southwest Asia was so he could be married in a Catholic church when he goes home.

Both Airmen were raised and baptized in the Catholic faith. They said their families are very pleased with their confirmations.

"My family was very excited for me and wished they could be here to witness the event, they sent their love and support," Carbajal said.

Pete said he was pleased to confirm the two.

"We met a lot. Sgt. Carbajal and Airman Flores-Vazquez were serious about it and asked a lot of questions. They studied hard and proved their commitment."

According to church hierarchy, the bishop is the rightful person to perform confirmations. The bishop sits above a priest in the church "chain of command." He can, however, delegate the authority to perform the ceremony through a formal request process.

"We had to get permission from the military archdiocese in Washington D.C. to do the confirmations here," Pete said. "We had good reason to do it because one of them is getting married soon and the other is going to be a godparent."

Pete also explained that it's important to consider the unusual lifestyle of military members and their families.

"With our deployment rates, these Airmen may not be able to be confirmed elsewhere. On top of that, confirmation exists to make a person a more powerful witness ... so when we can do it, we should."

Flores-Vazquez seems to have indeed become a more powerful witness.

"Since I started going to confirmation classes, I've been a lot more confident in my performance at work. Having faith in myself and in Christ helps me with everyday mission-essential tasks. It lets me know I can get through any obstacle the mission - or life - may throw at me."

Carbajal said the confirmation has also affected her ability to do her job.

"I feel that a good relationship with God makes me more grounded and focused, so I can concentrate on what I need to."

Both Airmen began their religious journeys as children. Flores-Vazquez said he remembers prayers with his mom when he was a child.

"When I was a little kid, my mom and I used to pray every night before I went to bed."

He said he hopes to share that faith with his future children, as well.

In Southwest Asia, in what some may find to be the most unlikely of places, the two have taken another step on their respective personal journeys.