U.S. Air Force Capt. Peter Vo, 9th Reconnaissance Wing Chaplain, placed ashes on Master Sgt. Todd Graham, Air Combat Command Operations Division, during Bamboo Eagle 26-1, at March Air Reserve Base, California, Feb. 18, 2026. The observance provided Airmen a moment of reflection and spiritual resilience while operating in a training environment designed to mirror real-world deployment conditions. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Adisen Smith)
MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, Calif. - In the middle of long shifts and simulated combat operations, U.S. Air Force Capt. Christopher Vo, 9th Reconnaissance Wing Chaplain, provided time for Airmen to pause, reflect and reconnect with their faith during Bamboo Eagle 26-1.
Inside a makeshift tent, Airmen gathered for a special Saturday Catholic Mass as well as an Ash Wednesday service reminding Airmen that even in mission critical conditions, spiritual care remains part of the mission.
The service offered more than tradition; it provided familiarity, grounding Airmen who are training to operate in long hours with high stress situations.
“We learn from the Air Force the four pillars of Comprehensive Airman Fitness, spiritual, physical, mental,...