Chapel services unveils solar-powered vehicle

Published May 31, 2013
By Chaplain (Capt.) Jeffrey McMillen
60th Air Mobility Wing Chaplain

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- One of the most challenging places to work at Travis is the flightline. High winds, extreme temperatures and a hectic pace puts great stress on the Airmen of the 60th Maintenance Group, Operations Group and Mission Support Group as they keep the Air Mobility Command mission moving forward.

Several years ago, Tech. Sgt. Daniel Laird, 60th Air Mobility Wing Chaplain NCO in charge of Chapel resources, led the charge to acquire a solar powered vehicle for the Travis Chapel. It has been the highest priority to equip this vehicle for use on the tarmac, where the chaplains and chaplain assistants can deliver refreshments and words of encouragement to the Airmen who labor each day on the Travis airfield. Our dream has finally come true.

In an era of slim budgets, the Travis Chapel and the 60th Maintenance Group have combined forces to create a flightline vehicle, dubbed by the maintainers as the Chap's Meals Ready and Prayers. Under the leadership of Maj. Duane Richardson, 60th Maintenance Squadron commander, and Master Sgt. Paul Schoep, 60th MXS programs flight chief, the 60th MXS fabricators have utilized training hours to transform the Chapel's solar powered vehicle into a morale machine.

The project was made possible by the contributions of many skilled maintainers of the 60th MXS fabrication flight. Terry Hendricksen, 60th MXS, and Jeff Bruns, 60th MXS, assisted by Senior Airman Kirby Guittap, 60th MXG, and Senior Airman Donald Miller, 349th MXG, designed, fabricated and painted the custom aluminum cabinet that holds a five gallon hot and cold drink containers and shelves a variety of packaged snacks. They also mounted the yellow safety beacon atop the vehicle. Kurth Niegel, 60th MXS, and Guy Cox, 60th MXS, designed, printed and affixed the lettering, the Travis graphics and signature Travis tail stripe. To add even greater excellence, Niegel completely detailed and waxed the M.R.A.P.

Special thanks also go out Master Sgt. Tanneka Chew, 60th Operations Support Squadron airfield manager. Her hard work ensured that the Chap's M.R.A.P. was approved for flightline use. Additionally, Senior Airman Travis Flournoy, 60th OSS, ensured that Chaplain (Capt.) Jeff McMillen, 60th AMW Chaplain for the 60th MXG and OG, was properly trained for airfield driving.

Next time you're out on the line, keep your eyes peeled for the Chap's M.R.A.P. Riding your way will be the men and women of the Chaplain Corps, hoping to brighten your day with refreshment for the body and soul.