Photo By Tech. Sgt. Shawn Nickel | Second Lt. Donnell Bethea, an Air Education and Training Command, 23rd Training...... read more read more
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EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska - Throughout the summer the base will host three chaplain candidates who will serve five weeks each in the spiritual leader role within the base chapel.
The Chaplain Candidate Program provides seminary students, currently pursuing their graduate theological education, experience in serving as a religious leader within the unique setting of the military.
Chaplain (Maj.) Brian Anderson, the wing chaplain for the 354th Fighter Wing, said there are many benefits to the base and the candidate by visiting the installation.
“By having these potential chaplains visit the base we gain the potential for a better trained Chaplain Corps and increase our chapel manning during the summer months, which allows us to offer more spiritual fitness and resiliency programs to our community,” Anderson said. “In addition, one important thing that is often overlooked is that these new Airmen bring fresh ideas and a new set of eyes to what sometimes becomes routine for permanent party staff.”
Candidates serve three summers in the Air Force Reserve, spending their first at Officer Training School Basic Training and the last two in the program.
Throughout the five weeks, candidates have the opportunity to take what they are learning in seminary and put it into practice.
“It gives them first-hand knowledge and experience working in a religiously pluralistic and diverse setting,” said Anderson. “They navigate the challenges of the Chaplain Corps' responsibility to protect the free exercise of religion for all by either providing or providing for religious expression and practice of all faiths.”
Second Lt. Donnell Bethea, an Air Education and Training Command, 23rd Training Squadron chaplain candidate, served in the active duty Army for six years prior to deciding he wanted to pursue his master’s degree in theology and continue serving his country.
“I liked serving my country, but I grew up in the church with my father being a pastor, which was a huge influence on what I want to do in this life,” Bethea said. “The chaplaincy will give me the opportunity to continue serving my country and fulfill my calling as a spiritual leader.”
Bethea added that after his time in the Army the military lifestyle isn’t a surprising factor for him, but being integrated into the chapel has opened his eyes to challenges he wasn’t expecting.
“Time constrains for chaplains has to be the biggest challenge that I have noticed,” he said. “This job never ends; the phone is always ringing with another task and the door never closes to the needs of the Airman. Mentally preparing for that has been difficult, yet rewarding.”
Spending time with Airmen is the reward for this North Carolina native.
“I love to talk to people-getting to know them and what’s important in their life,” he said. “I look forward to finishing my degree and getting into this mission full time. People have to be your passion to be successful in this calling and I believe I’m ready for that.”
| Date Taken: | 07.10.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 07.14.2015 12:06 |
| Story ID: | 169975 |
| Location: | EIELSON, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 61 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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