Chaplain Corps supports Laughlin through programs

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jimmie D. Pike
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Laughlin's Chaplain Corps plans and operates multiple programs throughout the year that are meant to build connections with others to strengthen resilience and relationships.

"I think it's important for members to take part in the programs to get connected with other people that they don't usually see during normal duty days," said Chaplain (Capt.) Brian Nierman, 47th Flying Training Wing chaplain. "Everyone should at least try one of these events."

Programs that the chapel sponsors include warrior care retreats, marriage care retreats, and All Hands. The chapel hosts at least one program during the month.

"The All Hands In program has monthly meetings and is for all airmen, enlisted and officers alike, to propose, lead, and mentor ministry programs for singles on base, including engaged couples and single parents," said Chaplain Nierman. "Ideas can range from morale trips to mission projects."

The All Hands In program allows the opportunity for Airmen to contribute their ideas for events and participate as a leader to polish their leadership skills in the Air Force.

"For the All Hands In meetings, we need more people participating to help create more events," said Airman 1st Class Trevor McKey, 47th FTW Judge Advocate office advisor. "My ideas for events are more sports related but that's only one demographic. We need to have ideas for other demographics."

For these events, the chapel uses appropriated funds that the Chaplain Corps receives from their major command chaplain's office. If more money is needed the Chaplain Corps can apply for a grant. Chaplains may also use their chapel tithes and offering fund for events.

Any appropriated funds the Chaplain Corps receives from the command are not used go back into a pool for other bases to receive. Laughlin's Chapel Corps would like to find a way to use the money they are funded, in a positive effective manner, to help provide events for Airmen on base.

"Sometimes we have people drop out last minute and we can't get refunded for the program or event so essentially we lose money," said Chaplain Nierman. "Normally it turns out to be about a 50-50 turnout rate, so we are trying to find a way to stop the attrition from the programs."

One misconception the programs have is their possible connection to religious confrontations, and that hinders the programs' success.

"There is a stigma with programs being lead by the Chaplain Corps that it's going to be people preaching at you about faith and stuff, but that's not really the chaplains' intent," said McKey. "They want to put on programs that aren't just about the ministry side."

The Chaplain Corps would like to be more effective in reaching out and strengthening communication between themselves and the Laughlin community.

"With the retreat programming we do as a chapel, we want people to partner with us to help determine what to do," said Chaplain Nierman. "We want to serve Team XL, we just need to know what people are looking for."