Photo By Capt. Aaron Moshier | 310th Space Wing chaplains Maj. Matthew Wilson, left, and Michael Blohm, right, pose...... read more read more
310th Space Wing chaplain, Capt. Michael Blohm, was selected as the Military Chaplains Association Distinguished Service Award winner for Air Force Reserve on May 27, 2023.
The Distinguished Service Award is presented to chaplains and religious affairs personnel that have gone above and beyond expectations, demonstrating exemplary execution of their duties. Only one service member from each military service branch receives the award annually.
“When they told me I had won, I was speechless. I never expected to receive an award this prestigious,” said Blohm. “I wasn’t looking for recognition, I just wanted to serve my fellow Airmen in the best way I can.”
Maj. Matthew Wilson, 310th SW chaplain, nominated Blohm for the award after witnessing the level of service and dedication he displayed while providing service and comfort to the wing’s Airmen and their families in the wake of the loss of a member.
“It was an aggregate of the service that he provided during that period,” said Wilson. “It was his willingness to serve and the fact that he put service to his fellow Airmen above his civilian job and other responsibilities.”
Wilson said Blohm was on location at the unit the next day after getting the call, and volunteered for additional orders to continue guiding the unit in responding to this crisis.
Prior to entering the chaplain corps, Blohm served as a navigator on C-130H Hercules aircraft from 2005-2012. Blohm returned to the Air Force Reserve through the chaplain candidate program in 2016, where he spent five years training with a new unit each year.
“The prior service that he brings is somewhat rare for a chaplain,” said Wilson. “It enables him to provide spiritual care in a very exceptional and specific way to military members, because he understands the unique stressors of military service and can provide service and care through that lens.”
While Blohm leverages his prior experience as navigator, and training as a chaplain, to connect with and serve the Airmen of the 310th to the best of his ability, he believes his award is the result of the combined efforts of the religious affairs office and wing leadership.
“Winning this award was a team effort,” said Blohm. “It shows me how awesome God is, and how great our team and leadership are. I am grateful for all of the support from the religious affairs team and the honor to work with the 310th SW.”
| Date Taken: | 08.08.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 08.08.2023 14:55 |
| Story ID: | 450936 |
| Location: | COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, US |
| Web Views: | 22 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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