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Ministering to those who minister to us

  • Published
  • By Gen. Arthur J. Lichte
  • Commander, Air Mobility Command
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  October is Clergy Appreciation Month, and as the commander for Air Mobility Command I want to take this opportunity to encourage AMC Airmen, civilians and their families to minister to those who minister to us. They are the often unsung heroes of our military forces whose courage and strength inspire us all--our chaplains.

Clergy Appreciation Month began in 1992 with an effort to recognize ministers across the United States on the second Sunday of October. Focus on the Family and other ministries, such as the National Day of Prayer Task Force, began to develop the idea of celebrating clergy as an annual event. With their leadership and support, Clergy Appreciation Month gained greater momentum and has developed into an annual event involving more than 30,000 churches.

The service of chaplains in our military reflects the history of our great Nation. On July 29, 1775, the Continental Congress established the military chaplaincy. Worship for soldiers was voluntary and chaplains of all faiths cooperated with each other, being sympathetic to the beliefs of others.

Today we have approximately 514 total force Chaplain Corps members serving in Air Mobility Command, and eight deployed Chaplain Corps members serving our combat forces around the globe providing spiritual care to those fighting the Global War on Terrorism.

Chaplains live and work around the men, women and families in the military environment, serving side-by-side with them, leading worship services and observances, providing pastoral care, and advising leadership. They help us find the spiritual strength and purpose that come through our faith.

Every member of the armed forces has answered a call to serve his or her country. Chaplains have a unique opportunity to serve both their faith and their country. They are professional officers and professional clergy with their primary focus being "visible reminders of the Holy" as they focus on the forces' spiritual well-being.

Chaplains provide spiritual care and model ethical leadership to our units and their families, as well as support the constitutional right to free exercise of religion for all members of the armed forces, their families, and other members of the base community.

In today's high-ops tempo Air Force, chaplains provide the human touch that keeps us grounded in matters of faith, family and fellowship

It is a privilege to honor those who provide spiritual care for all the members of our armed forces. In honor of Clergy Appreciation Month, Air Force chaplains, I salute you and give thanks for your service!