Photo By Staff Sgt. Frank Rohrig | An Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations chaplain blesses the hands of a deployer...... read more read more
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[DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, DEL.]
The Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations chaplains hosted a Blessing of the Hands ceremony to honor the hard work and dedication of current and departing AFMAO personnel, Sept. 25, 2025.
The ceremony is a time-honored ritual that nurses have cherished for generations. This tradition has since been adopted by other organizations and individuals dedicated to providing care and service.
“Because human touch is such an important component to our mission,
the blessing of the hands can be a reminder for each of us how essential
and impactful your hands are to the mission,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Martha Sasnett, AFMAO commander. “Every person within AFMAO uses their hands to care for those we serve.”
After the opening remarks from Sasnett, AFMAO chaplains U.S. Air Force Maj. Ben Quintanilla and U.S. Air Force Capt. Steve Lager proceeded to provide personal blessings for each attendee.
“Everybody doesn’t pray for everyone, so the fact that they took the time out of their day to personally pray over each of us and bless our hands, physically, I just really appreciate that. I really do.” said U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Celeste Cherubin, an AFMAO command, control and communications, controller.
AFMAO chaplains hold the ceremony every six months to honor those who serve.
During the final remarks Quintanilla added, “As you come in, go out or remain, may your hands always provide dignity, honor and respect for those you serve. May you find strength and desire to be the care, service and support to those that need it most.”
| Date Taken: | 09.26.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.26.2025 13:39 |
| Story ID: | 549416 |
| Location: | DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, DELAWARE, US |
| Web Views: | 9 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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