Chaplains' assistants temper cold steel with warm hearts

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Kent Kagarise
  • 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  While the 442nd Fighter Wing's chaplains don't walk on red carpets surrounded by paparazzi snapping pictures, they do have assistants and those assistants could be called upon to ensure the safety of the clergy members - somewhat similar to bodyguards.

Spend any time with the chaplains' assistants discussing their job and it's easily discovered there is much more to assisting the chaplain than maintaining their safety.

"We assist in all types of roles such as scheduling counseling and set-up for services - we are the eyes and ears for the chaplain and pretty much make sure ministry happens," said Tech. Sgt. Allen Haas, 442nd FW chaplains' assistant.

Senior Master Sergeant Cindy Roller was a superintendent of nursing during 20 years of Air Force service before changing her job to chaplains' assistant two years ago.

"It's a must that we have a career field before becoming chaplains' assistants," Sergeant Roller said. "We are selected for our job as opposed to thrown into it. I've always been a noncombatant so it was a bit different to go through weapon qualifications in preparation for protecting the chaplain."

Most jobs require training that allows workers to perform at an optimal level but chaplains' assistants, although they train, have certain qualities that are not teachable.

"You've got to have a good heart, be sensitive and tenderhearted as opposed to simply being spiritual," Sergeant Haas said. "I'm a Christian but we are here for all faiths and we're receptive to all religions."

"I don't know how anybody could work in this career field and not be more conscientious of other people's beliefs," Sergeant Haas said.

Chaplain, Maj., Jim Buckman is very grateful for the people he has working under him and is quick to speak about all they do to add to the chaplaincy, as well as the spiritual well-being of the wing.

"They do all the training expected of Airmen and still the communion is set up, they communicate with the wing, bring Power Point when necessary and they even lead Bible studies when we aren't available," Chaplain Buckman said.

"We are really blessed to have the non-commissioned officers we have in our shop," he said. "They have faith and that's what is most important, but they also go above and beyond what is needed."

"The wing wins because of their desire to serve," Chaplain Buckman said.

Their desire to serve is a reflection of their civilian lifestyle. Sergeant Haas recently completed his first year of seminary. Sergeant Roller is very active in her local church and a third member of the team, Staff Sgt. Randy Chambers just completed technical school to become a chaplains' assistant and is attending seminary as well.

"It's reinforced my involvement in my church," Sergeant Roller said. "I get to serve my God and my country and get paid for it."

"Amen," Sergeant Haas said. "What I do here is simply an extension of what I do in the civilian world."

Most Airmen realize when they see the chaplains' assistants in the field wearing a side-arm, the main priority for them in combat is to ensure the wellbeing of the chaplain. This is a duty taken very seriously within the chaplain's office of the 442nd FW.

"We did war scenarios where we had to protect a chaplain in our training," Sergeant Haas said. "You hope that situation never arises, but if it does you have to believe protection is second nature and ultimately survival instincts take over."

Chaplain, Capt., Ben Hayden doesn't know how to shoot a weapon so he puts trust in his assistants. Chaplain Hayden also gives credit to his assistants for helping him get to know people within the wing.

"We have a unique team mentality," Chaplain Hayden said. "If I'm walking around without Sergeant Haas, folks ask me where he is and being fairly new here that's helped introduce me to a lot of people."

Both Sergeants Haas and Chambers could be commissioned officers as chaplain candidates due to their enrollment in seminaries but have chosen not to.

"Sure I could be commissioned, but my goal is to represent my denomination in Christ," Sergeant Haas said. "I enjoy my job, and having been enlisted I'll always have a heart for enlisted personnel."

"That says a lot about their attitude," Chaplain Hayden said. "Especially when you consider the fact that it's very difficult for chaplains' assistants to move up in rank."

Many Air Force reservists have civilian careers that compliment their Air Force training. For the Airmen of the chaplaincy it's a lifestyle as well.