Photo By Staff Sgt. Cristina J. Allen | A U.S. Air Force Religious Support Team with the 168th Wing, Alaska Air National...... read more read more
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More than 20 chaplains from Army and Air National Guard units across the country, as well as Salvation Army and Civil Air Patrol chaplains came here to gain vital religious support training during the Patriot North 2018 Exercise July 16 - 20.
Patriot is a Domestic Operations disaster-response training exercise sponsored by the National Guard Bureau. It focuses on increasing the understanding of coordination with federal, state and local emergency management agencies and first responders.
During a Domestic Operations event, chaplains play a significant role by nurturing the living, caring for the wounded, and honoring the deceased, said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Douglas Hedman with the 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Wisconsin National Guard.
“In a DOMOPS environment, we are caregivers to the military members and the local civilian populous,” said Chaplain (Capt.) Raymond Lowdermilk with the 168th Wing, Alaska Air National Guard. “We aim to get the local clergy and other outside resources involved with support.”
Participating in the patriot exercise creates an environment that makes the chaplains think outside of the box and allows them to stretch their faith and their tools.
“We understand some will come here and fail,” said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Mark Brooks with the 64th Troop Command Brigade, Wisconsin National Guard. “And that’s okay, as long as we assess ourselves and see what we need to improve upon.”
The training also allows them to integrate with other mission support teams and be more comfortable in a natural disaster situation like this.
“Part of the exercise consisted of aeromedical evacuation teams
transporting patients from one location to another,” said Brooks. “Our chaplains were able to get on those aircraft and practice providing support to patients and caregivers while in-flight.”
While a chaplain can represent all faith groups, provide care and assistance, pray with others, hold counseling sessions, and much more, they are also in charge of advising whether or not there may be a faith group or a religious site that may affect the mission.
“We understand in situations like these it’s easy for people to get shaken up,” said Staff Sgt. Marjorie Sojo, a religious affairs Airman with the 168th Wing, Alaska Air National Guard. “We are there to assist that individual person and help make sure they’re mentally sound.”
The chaplain corps exist because the 1st Amendment ensures that Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and civilians are allowed to exercise their religion freely and we're here to support that, said Lowdermilk.
“During a time like this we represent the Holy for people, whether they are religious or not,” said Brooks. “Having chaplains respond to scenarios like this allows us to bring people to God, and god to people.”
| Date Taken: | 07.20.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 08.06.2018 08:13 |
| Story ID: | 285081 |
| Location: | VOLK FIELD AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, WISCONSIN, US |
| Web Views: | 142 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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