LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Chaplain (1st Lt.) William Miller, a 47th Flying Training Wing chaplain, was chosen by wing leadership to be the “XLer” of the week, for the week of March 13, 2019, at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas.
The “XLer” award, presented by Col. Lee Gentile, 47th Flying Training Wing commander, is given to those who consistently make outstanding contributions to their unit and the Laughlin mission.
Miller helps provides spiritual, emotional, mental guidance and support both at the chapel and in the squadrons for Team XL to ensure maximum resiliency and mission completion.
“Getting out into the squadrons and talking to Airmen in their units is a critical component of what we do as chaplains,” Miller said. “I enjoy all the things we do in the office, the administrative stuff getting done, but what I really enjoy is being out where the Airmen are and see the incredible things they’re doing in their shops and see the great mission they’re accomplishing.”
One way Miller provides support to base Airmen is through the Single Laughlin Airmen Meal, where he advertises, stages, mentors and feeds base Airmen every month.
“The SLAM dinner is an opportunity for our single and unaccompanied Airmen to be fed a delicious meal,” Miller said. “The commanders can come out and support as well, and be able to rub shoulders with Airmen in a little bit more of an informal environment. It allows for more of a personal touch and some conversations that you may not have during the duty day when people are focusing on getting the mission done and the tasks accomplished.”
Miller also helped base Airmen and families through the Religion Education Stewardship Program, strengthening the financial education of 19 Airmen and family members, bringing the total group attendees debts down by approximately $62,500 and bringing the total group savings up approximately $23,000.
“We had fantastic results, it was a significant amount of savings between the group and debt paid off,” Miller said. “Financial readiness has a direct link between overall readiness. People who are stressed out, people who are affected because of financial complications, that a plays a significant effect upon their mental wellbeing and their stress levels. Being able to get control of their finances is a huge aspect of overall readiness.”
In addition, Miller provided approximately 133 hours of unit care, engaged with more than 2,000 Airmen, advised 230 leaders and provided counsel to around 30 Airmen, rebalancing them to help the Laughlin mission
“We are thankful for all the Airmen who come out to the chapel and come see us, that's great and we like that,” Miller said. “But we also understand that people are busy, and sometimes schedules don't allow it or maybe people may not even think to come and talk to the chapel team. Unit ministry allows us an opportunity to get out and interact with Airmen in their environment.”
For his work supporting Airmen, his guiding families to have better financial stability, and helping Team XL maintain maximum resiliency, 1st Lt. William Miller earned the “XLer of the week”.