Saving ISR Airmen’s lives, keeping it confidential

Photo By Master Sgt. Alexandre Montes | Capt. Manuel Duarte, 70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing Chaplain; Staff Sgt. Marcus McCall, 70th ISRW Chaplain Assistant; and Airman Jamerson, 32nd Intelligence Squadron chapel team member are part of the staff ready to assist and provide confidentiality to support 70th ISRW Airmen. Chaplain Duarte would like to remind Airmen that the chaplain’s office is available and that it has multiple resources to help. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Alexandre Montes)  

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, MD, UNITED STATES

09.14.2016

Story by Staff Sgt. Alexandre Montes 

70th ISR Wing

The Chaplain Corps members assigned to the 70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing have taken the extra steps to ensure Airmen have a place to go when they are in need. One of the many resources available to address suicidal thoughts and ideations is confidentiality which is something that Chaplains hold to a high standard.

“Confidentiality is big for me, I spend a lot of time reminding people that we give complete confidentiality,” says Capt. Manuel Duarte, 70th ISRW chaplain. “Every brief that I give, I reinforce that. There is no one who can force us (chaplains and chaplain assistants) to divulge the information that we hear from them.”

There is an underlying stigma that an Airman could lose certain career opportunities because of suicidal ideations. Chaplain Duarte works to clear this idea within the ISR.

Because of the nature of ISR Airmen’s duties, some may become stressed not only at work but through financial or household concerns. Looking to resolve these issues is not sometimes clear to the wingman, and looking for a place to go for help can be stressful to some. Chaplain Duarte mentioned that coming to a chaplain for confidentiality is a privilege that Airmen have, and to not pass it up.

During the month of September, the risk of losing Airmen to suicide has been statistically high. Chaplain Duarte would like to remind Airmen that the chaplain’s office is available, and that it has resources to help. If Airmen are unable to come in, confidentiality can come to them. To build that trust, the chaplain’s office has been aiming to make 100 percent face-to-face contact with all the Airmen here within the 70th ISRW.

“Any squadron function, I’m there, visitations to offices, briefings, promotions and also meeting with leadership,” Chaplain Duarte mentioned. “Education is big for a chaplain letting people know the resources we have for them. I am a chaplain and a firm believer of face-to-face interaction, rather than just somebody on your bulletin board. Since I became a chaplain that has been my number one goal.”

Even though there are only two chaplains here, the office is able to provide support around the clock. Chaplain Duarte mentioned that he stays connected with commanders and first sergeants to ensure that everyone knows how to get in contact with him. He stated that he gives materials to squadrons to have available, helping the members keep their confidentiality.

Throughout the month of September, remember to keep an eye out for your wingman and co-workers. Counselor training is also available for those who like to be active with suicide prevention through the chaplain’s office which can be contacted by email at [e-mail].

• Date Taken: 09.14.2016
• Date Posted: 10.03.2016 11:56
• Story ID: 211178
• Location: FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, MD, US