Photo By 1st Lt. Jonathan Padish | Fellow service members applaud U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. William T. Yates, a chaplain,...... read more read more
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INDIANAPOLIS (Feb. 11, 2019) — A prior chaplain for the 181st Intelligence Wing, who is now the Air National Guard Assistant to the U.S. Air Force Chief of Chaplains, earned the rank of brigadier general during a promotion ceremony Feb. 9 at Stout Field.
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. William T. Yates received his new rank while surrounded by family, friends and fellow service members.
In his current role, Yates is the principal advisor to the Chief of Chaplains on all matters pertaining to the and Chaplain Corps to achieve maximum operational synergy between Active Duty and 600 Air National Guard Chaplain Corps members, serving 90 wings in 54 states, territories and the District of Columbia. He also has significant deployed experience, having supported operations in Europe, the Balkans, the Pacific, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Antartica.
During the ceremony, Yates thanked his family for their support of his military career. In particular, Yates shared kind words about the support from his wife, Debbie.
“Without my wife’s love and support, I simply could not do this and be the chaplain that I am today,” said Yates.
While addressing the audience, Yates’ fellow senior leaders recognized him for his accomplishments.
“What an impressive officer, chaplain, and servant of our Lord,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Patrick R. Renwick, the chief of staff for the Indiana Air National Guard. “What you heard during introductions is all on paper. They’re words. Yates is all about action. He is responsible for the four pillars of Airman resiliency: social, mental, physical and spiritual. This promotion is definitely part of the plan for him to take the next step to support Airmen at the higher level and to guide the chaplains under his charge to go out and do the work they are called to do.”
In his closing remarks, Renwick also shared a personal message with Yates.
“Thank you for what you do for our Airmen, and thank you in advance for what you will continue to do for our Airmen,” said Renwick.
To Yates, his mission is about helping others, and he takes pride in that mission.
“The things we do as chaplains for Airmen and Soldiers promote resiliency and religious freedom,” said Yates. “We simply stand on the shoulders of those who come before us, and then we hand the baton forward at the end of our time to continue the important work of taking care of our nation’s security and our nation’s military. It has been an honor for me to do that.”
The ceremony included an invocation by U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Frese, a chaplain with the 122nd Fighter Wing, a presentation of the Legion of Merit by Renwick, an administration of the Oath of Office by Renwick, a flag presentation by Renwick and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Michael C. May, the command chief of the Indiana Air National Guard, and a benediction by U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. In Suk Hong Peebles, a chaplain with the 181st Intelligence Wing.
After all the honorary events, Yates had a simple message to share with those who gathered with him to celebrate his promotion.
“God bless you and thank you,” said Yates.
| Date Taken: | 02.11.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 02.12.2019 08:09 |
| Story ID: | 310360 |
| Location: | INDIANAPOLIS, IN, US |
| Web Views: | 443 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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