Photo By Cpl. Joshua Pettway | Navy Chaplain Lt. Adrienne Townsend thanks her friends and family for their support...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, S.C. - Smiles, tears and memories were shared within the walls of the Air Station Chapel as family and friends expressed their love, thanks and adoration for Navy Lt. Adrienne Townsend, Aug. 27.
Recently, Chaplain Townsend departed to begin the next chapter of her career as a spiritual leader in Okinawa, Japan. Townsend’s friends and supporters hosted a breakfast and dinner at the Air Station chapel in her honor. During which, those whose lives she reached, shared details on the many ways she positively affected them.
“When I first met the chaplain, it was in January of this year during a Martin Luther King celebration at the Naval Hospital Beaufort,” said Melissa Ellis, a friend of Townsend’s. “I was so moved by that woman, that I couldn’t stop talking about her. Everyone there had not one thing negative to say about Chaplain Townsend. I kept hearing she’s the sweetest thing you’d ever meet. She’ll do anything in the world for you, and the more I interacted with her, the more I found that to be true.”
Even Townsend’s co-workers gave a depiction of her character and role.
“We were there to celebrate Lt. Townsend and the conclusion of her first tour,” said Lt. Col. John Pylant, Air Station safety inspector. “I’m thankful for her as a former CO and as a former staff member, I feel quite a bit of sadness toward her parting ways with us. The first time I met Townsend, she sat across from me, this bright, energetic, young chaplain. I thought right away that her faith, energy and ambition would benefit the Air Station.”
As a chaplain, Townsend proved to be especially involved in her work, sacrificing her time whenever someone needed help.
“You all have made her the great individual she’s become because of your involvement in her career,” said Cmdr. Gerald Felder, Marine Aircraft Group 31 chaplain, addressing the audience. “The role of a chaplain is to make sure no one is being discriminated against for their race, religion, creed or color.”
In recognition of her outstanding service and devotion to others, Townsend was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal.
“She is a lieutenant in the Navy and works for the Department of the Navy, but more importantly, few people get to wear the United States Marine Corps uniform and we’re proud of that,” said Col. Brian Murtha, commanding officer of the Air Station.
With so many heartfelt and supportive words, the Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron former chaplain was obviously overjoyed and partially saddened to leave those she had become accustomed to seeing on a daily basis.
Townsend’s parting words summed up a learning experience, which spanned her three year stay in Beaufort when she said, “I am completely overwhelmed right now. Thank you. There are so many stories in this room and wonderful times I’ve shared with you all. I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish anything if not for the team that’s been supporting me this entire time. I’ve learned how to give, to love and pray through the night and talk to God. As I look around here, I’m seeing answers to prayers.”
| Date Taken: | 09.08.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 09.08.2011 16:04 |
| Story ID: | 76674 |
| Location: | BEAUFORT, SC, US |
| Web Views: | 354 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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