Photo By Airman 1st Class Rachel Howell | U.S. Air Force Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Scott Foust, the 23rd Wing Chaplain, greets hands...... read more read more
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Ministry leaders from across the region gathered for Clergy Day at Moody Air Force Base on May 13, 2025, for Clergy Day.
This unique event is designed to build bridges between the base and the surrounding faith community. Hosted by the Chapel Staff, Clergy Day served as both a heartfelt thank you and a call to partnership. Their goal was to find how they could support Airmen and their families socially, spiritually and becoming service oriented.
The day began with chapel staff introductions and a mission briefing from Col. Ben Rudolphi, 23rd Wing deputy commander. Rudolphi fielded questions from attendees, offering insight into the base’s operations and the vital role faith can play in supporting mission readiness.
Following the Q&A, Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Scott Foust, 23rd Wing Chaplain, shared how the Chaplain Corps is working to meet the spiritual needs of Moody’s population and how ministries can play a role in that mission.
“With a small staff and increasing needs, we’re turning to the local faith community for support,” Foust explained. “Even for those without current base access, we’re exploring creative options. Like the concept of honorary chaplains, similar to our honorary commander’s program, to allow trusted faith leaders to support our Airmen directly.”
After a group prayer, attendees were transported to the 71st Rescue Generation Squadron Hangar. Once there the Base Honor Guard briefed them on their mission and explained how local clergy can request their services for memorials and ceremonies. From there, the group toured a static display of a HC-130J Combat King II on the flightline.
Chaplain (Capt.) Ken Thomas, who played a key role in organizing this year’s event, shared the heart behind this initiative.
“Our Wing Chaplain, Chaplain Foust, saw the need for a stronger connection with our local community to meet the needs of our diverse population here at Moody,” Thomas said. “We hope to develop deeper partnerships with the faith-based community in the greater Valdosta area, so that if we’re not able to provide a service for an Airman here at Moody, we can connect them with trusted community faith resources.”
One of those local leaders was Pastor Jimmy Towson, head pastor of Park Avenue Church in Valdosta. For him, Clergy Day was an opportunity to deepen pre-existing ties.
“I just thought it would be good to connect with our Airmen at Moody,” Towson said. “I’ve never had the opportunity to do this as clergy. I’ve been on base before, but not with the idea of seeing how we can partner.”
The event concluded with lunch at the Moody Field Club, where attendees shared a meal of fried chicken and fellowship. Before boarding the bus one final time, Chaplain Foust personally thanked each guest with a commemorative coin.
As Clergy Day came to a close, the message was clear- Moody AFB is extending a hand of partnership to the community, united by a shared mission to serve those who serve.
| Date Taken: | 05.13.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 05.28.2025 14:19 |
| Story ID: | 498048 |
| Location: | MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, GEORGIA, US |
| Web Views: | 31 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Ministry Leaders Connect with Moody during Clergy Day, by A1C Rachel Howell, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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