Courtesy Photo | AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar – Chaplains Maj. Christopher Bryan, 35th Engineer Brigade,...... read more read more
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By Sgt. Amber Criswell
35th EN BDE, Task Force Muleskinner Public Affairs
AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar – The Missouri Army National Guard’s 35th Engineer Brigade religious support team met with a Missouri Air National Guard chaplain recently to discuss current joint operations and to increase awareness between the two branches on religious services provided.
The 35th’s team – comprised of Maj. Christopher Bryan, a chaplain, and Staff Sgt. Gessee Luos, a religious affairs noncommissioned officer – is currently deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Spartan Shield. The team, wanting to increase awareness of available services to both branches, used their Missouri connections to meet with Capt. Charles Dey from the 131st Bomb Wing of the Missouri Air National Guard. Dey, a chaplain who is currently deployed with the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing.
Interoperability of the Army and Air Force religious services is outlined by higher echelons. Both organizations, at the top, are structured under one military command. However, chaplains of each organization can be collocated at posts of different branches. Chaplains are permitted direct liaison authority to work with one another to provide worship services, religious education, and pastoral counseling.
“The relationship [between Army and Air Force] has been a very positive one. Here at Al Udeid Air Base for example, Capt. David DeRienzo, an Army chaplain, has been a great support in collaboration to conduct services here. He has also provided coverage for us when our entire chapel team has been otherwise obligated. Likewise, it is very common for our chapel team to provide counseling for Soldiers stationed here or even those who are transients passing through,” Dey said.
“The greatest challenge is increasing awareness of what services are available. Chaplains from any branch view their profession as a calling, and are happy to serve military members and authorized civilians, regardless of their affiliation. Senior Army and Air Force chaplains are understandably cautious in how they shepherd their resources and prioritize their own troops over those of their fellow services,” Bryan said.
Dey agrees there are hurdles to overcome as well with interoperability of the two organizations, but is confident in the religious teams. “The beauty of this ministry is that taking care of people is taking care of people no matter where you are. There are different methods and philosophies of ministry to do so, but I am optimistic that we have vastly more in common than not and that leaves me quite hopeful as far as progress in interoperability.”
Bryan wants to start the process at the home front in Missouri. “I think a good starting point for joint cooperation within the context of the Missouri National Guard is for Army and Air Force chaplains to get to know each other and to better understand each other’s capabilities and limitations. Informal social interaction between chaplains and their religious affairs specialists can be encouraged without incurring any obligation that would conflict with the priorities of either branch. Permitting the freedom to have this social contact at all levels will enable chaplains from both sides to build a foundation of trust that can support future, potential avenues of joint- cooperation.”
Chaplain Bryan’s and Dey’s relationship precedes their military affiliations. Both attended seminary together and worshiped at the same church in St. Louis, Mo. Each chaplain felt the meeting was successful and was encouraged by the engagement.
“Yes, chaplain Bryan’s friendship and professional support have always been a great encouragement to me. Given our common support of airmen/soldiers in Missouri, we are always working to see how we can collaborate in our care when we are together,” Dey said.
Chaplain Bryan agrees with his Air Force counterpart. “Our meeting exceeded my expectations because of the number of significant connections we encountered within our Missouri community. I did not expect to meet Missouri National Guard chaplains from both wings in our state. What a privilege to connect with dedicated and like-minded chaplains from Missouri while deployed thousands of miles away from home. I think our brief time together has already brought us closer, and we already have plans to make further introductions between chaplains from our two branches after we return home.
| Date Taken: | 07.20.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 08.20.2018 08:33 |
| Story ID: | 289435 |
| Location: | QA |
| Web Views: | 287 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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