19th AW Chapel supports TLR Airmen, families during COVID-19

U.S. Air Force Chaplain, (Capt.) Jonathan Black, 19th Mission Support Group chaplain, speaks during a live-streamed religious service in the Chapel at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, March 22, 2020. Catholic Mass and Protestant Services are still being offered through live-stream on the Little Rock Air Force Base Chapel Facebook page. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kristine Gruwell)

19th AW Chapel supports TLR Airmen, families during COVID-19

U.S. Air Force Chaplain, (Capt.) Jonathan Black, 19th Mission Support Group chaplain, speaks during a live-streamed religious service at the Little Rock Air Force Base chapel, Arkansas, March 22, 2020. The 19th Airlift Wing Chapel team is ready to support those in need during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, regardless of religious affiliation or lack thereof. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kristine Gruwell)

19th AW Chapel supports TLR Airmen, families during COVID-19

Kim Franklin, 19th Airlift Wing Chapel music director, sings during a live-streamed religious service in the Chapel at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, March 22, 2020. Whether a part of a specific religious group or unaffiliated, the 19th AW Chapel team is ready to support those in need during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kristine Gruwell)

19th AW Chapel supports TLR Airmen, families during COVID-19

Published April 10, 2020
By Airman 1st Class Mariam K. Springs
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --

Despite the physical restrictions the COVID-19 pandemic has placed on our Airmen and their families, the 19th Airlift Wing’s Chapel team stands ready to support members of Team Little Rock, whether they are part of a specific religious group or unaffiliated.

The unprecedented times that we are currently faced with can create hardships for our Airmen and their families — the Chapel team wants to ensure it is known that their support services remain available.

“The Chapel team continues to provide unit engagement and pastoral support for all our Team Little Rock personnel,” said Chaplain, (Lt. Col.) David Knight, Wing Chaplain for the 19th Airlift Wing. “We continue to man our unit offices and Chapel office every day. In addition, we telework and are available for calls 24/7.”

The Chapel can contribute to spiritual health, one of the four components of the Comprehensive Airman Fitness philosophy. CAF intends to strengthen force resilience, helping our Airmen, Air Force civilians and family members become more resilient and better equipped to deal with the rigors of military life.

“I would suggest that Airmen having a tough time with the current situation do not try to carry the burden alone,” said Master Sgt. Leonardo Castaneda, 19th Airlift Wing religious affairs superintendent. “There is always a chaplain or religious affairs Airman on duty and available to support every member of TLR.”

The chaplain corps is also providing virtual worship services to connect while maintaining physical distancing. These live-stream events are hosted on the Little Rock AFB Chapel Facebook page.

Every Sunday Catholic Mass will be live-streamed at 9 a.m. followed by Protestant Services at 10 a.m. Beginning April 13, Mass will be live-streamed daily Monday through Thursday at 11 a.m.

“Whether you a part of a specific faith group or unaffiliated; we are your chapel team. If you need to talk or vent —or need a safe space for confidential counseling— let us support you during this stressful time,” Knight said. “Our prayers are with everyone who is a part of Team Little Rock.”

For questions or additional support service call the Chapel at (501) 987-6014

For emergencies, contact the Command Post (501) 987-1900 to be connected to the on-call chaplain.

The Chapel Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/LittleRockChapel/