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Military Bishop visits Team Fairchild

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nick J. Daniello
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Most Reverend Neal J. Buckon, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, visited Team Fairchild as part of an annual visit, May 4, 2016, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, and serves as the military Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese for the western region of the United States of America and provides oversight for 95 military installations located in 18 western states.

During his visit, Bishop Buckon referenced the importance of the Chaplain Corps and the effect it has had on our warfighters since its inception approximately 241 years ago.

"When George Washington was forming the Continental Army, he went to the Continental Congress and said 'I need a Chaplain Corps,' to sustain the morale and morals of his soldiers as they were fighting for our nation's independence," said Buckon. "To this day our chaplains are continuing to do what the first commander in chief was asking--to be there to support those who have come to serve our country."

According to Capt. Jeffrey McMillen, a chaplain at Fairchild, the Bishop provides encouragement, mentorship and spiritual care for chaplains so they can better serve the Airmen and their needs to accomplish the Air Force mission.

"Chaplains go to the Bishop so we can provide support for the Airmen," said McMillen. "He makes it possible for us to do our jobs, and he meets with senior leaders to better communicate the needs of the faith group he is responsible for."

Military installations hold visits for distinguished religious guests for them to provide mentorship with the Chaplains and better serve those of who hold the same beliefs.

"He visits the senior leadership at the bases he visits and is able to better communicate the needs of the faith group(s) that he is responsible for," said McMillen. "As others in his position will also express during their visits."