Photo By Senior Airman Darius Frazier | U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Cristhian Roldan, 52nd Fighter Wing Base Chapel Non-commissioned Officer of resource management, poses for a photo at the chapel Feb. 26, 2026 on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. His team won USAFEs Outstanding Large Chaplain Corps Team of the Year award from their efforts which included hosting Airmen and family events in the community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Darius Frazier) see less
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The Chapel Team’s mission goes beyond weekend services. Staying visible, supporting morale and helping Airmen navigate stressful moments saw led to them earning the 2025 USAFE Outstanding Large Chaplain Corps Team of the Year award.
“We’re very proud,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Philip O’Neill, 52nd Fighter Wing deputy wing chaplain. “It’s great to get recognition, and it’s a testimony to how much the team has leaned in to serve the base during heavy deployment last year.”
O’Neill said the Chapel Team supports Airmen through religious services as well as through unit engagement and counseling.
“We try to make ourselves known through unit engagement,” O’Neill said. “We engage in conversation to gauge readiness, morale and major stressors.”
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Cristhian Roldan, the Chapel Team’s Non-commissioned Officer in Charge of resource management and readiness, said the team works through religious support teams, resiliency events and opportunities that help build community.
“Being stationed overseas can feel isolating,” said Roldan. “We provide healthy spaces for people to come together and create community.”
Roldan added that many Airmen do not need immediate solutions, but someone willing to listen.
“In my nine years in the Air Force, the biggest lesson I learned is that people just need to be heard,” said Roldan. “Everything else will fall into place.”
Both leaders said the award reflects the team’s focus on service and readiness, whether through visible support in units or behind the scenes planning and counseling.
“Chaplains are people, and we love nothing more than an invitation,” said O’Neill. “If you have not seen a chaplain in your unit, reach out. Never be afraid to ask for support.”
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