CAFB Chapel is setting faith aBLAZE

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Beaux Hebert
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  It is the 1st Amendment in the U.S. Constitution that says everyone has the right to practice their own religion, faith, belief or to not practice at all.

The Columbus Air Force Base Chapel’s purpose is to ensure Airmen can exercise that right but to also provide care and spiritual fitness to the Team BLAZE community.

“We ensure spiritual fitness for Airmen and support their religious needs,” said Master Sgt. Christopher Thompson, Superintendent of Chapel Operations. “So we can Fly, Fight and Win.”

The Chapel mainly offers Catholic and Protestant services, however they also have a multifaith prayer room open to all religions. If an Airmen can’t find their faith at the Chapel, the Chapel team will go the extra mile to help them find a place to practice.

“If there is a faith someone is practicing and it’s not something we can provide we can seek off-base sources,” Thompson said. “So they may continue practicing their faith as they see fit.”

It is not uncommon to see a chaplain walking around base, in fact they make an effort to meet and talk with as many Airmen as possible. Unit engagements and Squadron Focused Warrior care are two ways the Chapel accomplishes that goal.

Chaplain (Maj.) Kyle Ivy says they do this to build relationships, so if they see an Airman is down and glum they have a better chance to help him out rather than them being in the dark and not knowing why he is down.

The CAFB Chapel developed a Chapel on Demand program that will soon be used Air Force wide. It is a training program where the Commander chooses a topic, time and location and the Chapel facilitates discussion in order to bring about relational, emotional and spiritual health.

The Chapel tries to reach out to all age groups. They have adult bible studies and programs focused towards youth.

The Chapel also offers many great volunteer opportunities. Airmen can help with youth programs that are aimed towards helping young people develop their faith through fun activities.

“We have stuff for all ages,” Ivy said. “We have children’s programs in addition to the parent programs as well.”

The chaplains do their best to be as accessible as possible. Some are even embedded in the squadrons around the base, however if an Airman needs a chaplain they are all able to help them in the best way they can.

While chaplains and other Chapel team members are men and women of faith, they also cater to people who don’t have a religion or belief. They are not only ministers, they are counselors and offer total confidentiality that cannot be released without the written consent of the individual.

“We want people to realize that they don’t have to have any religion or belief to come to us,” said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Steven Richardson, 14th Flying Training Wing Chaplain. “We are here to listen.”