Air Force Chaplain Corps

Ch, Lt Col Matthew Boarts, Ch, Lt Col Kevin Hudson,and MSgt Kevin Dilley reminisce and discuss what's next for them as theydepart their current assignments and begin new chapters in their ChaplainCorps ministries.

JAMM (Just Among Military Moms) is a program that began at Peterson AFB andis impacting lives.  Ch, Lt Col Matthew Boarts, Ch, Lt Col Kevin Hudson, andMSgt Kevin Dilley speak with Mrs. Laura Hyten, wife of Gen. John Hyten, andother JAMM leaders about this ministry.

The RDC joined Ch, Col Donnette Boyd and CMSgt Braderick Adams, co-leaders of The Racial Equality Assessment Team (TREAT), recently established by the Air Force Chief of Chaplains.  They shared a bit about the team and the work they are doing.

The RDC joined Chaplain, Col Anderson, the Air Force Special Operations Command Chaplain and MSgt Noah Stamps the Superintendent of the Tyndall AFB Chaplain Corps team regarding a leadership philosophy that may be best summed up as "Yes If".  Learn how to  more fully embrace opportunities!

Note: This podcast discusses suicide.  If you or someone you know needs help regarding suicide, you will find immediate assistance at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.  You can also chat with a counselor via webchat at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/We had so much to talk about with Dr. Mary Bartlett that we have a second episode!  Dr. Bartlett is on the faculty of Air Command and Staff College regarding suicide prevention and postvention.  Listen in to have an introduction to resources available in the Air Force for leaders at all levels and helping professionals.See www.resilience.af.mil for suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention resources.

Note: This podcast discusses suicide.  If you or someone you know needs help regarding suicide, you will find immediate assistance at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.  You can also chat with a counselor via webchat at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/The RDC spoke with Dr. Mary Bartlett on the faculty of Air Command and Staff College regarding suicide prevention and postvention.  Listen in to have an introduction to resources available in the Air Force for leaders at all levels and helping professionals.See www.resilience.af.mil for suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention resources.

The RDC had opportunity to speak with Chaplain Lt Col Jake Marvel at the Ops Center at Javits-New York City.  Chaplain Marvel is a New York Air National Guard Chaplain.  Listen in to hear about the ministry in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic.

As we continue to face restrictions from the COVID-19 response, Chaplain Schaick, the Air Force Chief of Chaplains and CMSgt Jackson the Religious Affairs Career Field Manager and Chaplain Corps Senior Enlisted Advisor share words of encouragement.  

The RDC spoke with Chaplain Lt Col, Chuck Seligman, the Wing Chaplain of Aviano, Air Base in Northern Italy.  Listen in to hear a first-hand account of how the COVID-19 response has impacted their ministry the last several weeks.

The RDC, from 3 different locations, spoke with the Air For Chief of Chaplains, Chaplain Schaick and Chaplain Corps Senior Enlisted Advisor, CMSgt Jackson.  They share words of encouragement especially for Air Force Chaplain Corps members in the face of the response to COVID-19.

The RDC was joined by Ch Newton, Ch Klodnicki, and MSgt Ross in a preview for upcoming training that will be provided to Religious Support Teams that will prepare them to care for Airmen more than anyone thinks possible in new environments.  In one deep positions, the Religious Support Team (Chaplain and Religious Affairs Airman) will work directly for Commanders more than working directly with the larger Chapel team.

The RDC spoke with Major Alea Nadine who was kidnapped to Iraq from ages 8 to 12--this included her being in Iraq during the Gulf War where she even encountered an American aviator during the war.  Listen in to hear her story of resilience and thriving in life.

The RDC spoke with the Senior Enlisted Advisor of the 321st Special Tactics Squadron, CMSgt Unger.  The Chaplain Corps vision is "to care for Airmen more than anyone thinks possible".  This episode focuses on caring for Special Operations Airmen more than anyone thinks possible.

This week the RDC interviewed Arthur Brooks who is Professor of the Practice of Public Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School and Arthur C. Patterson Faculty Fellow at the Harvard Business School and columnist for The Washington Post.We discussed how to bridge differences by avoiding contempt and ending up happier and more effective.

The RDC had opportunity to look forward to the holiday (holy day) season with Chaplain, Brigadier General Ronald Harvell, the Air Force Deputy Chief of Chaplains.  He shares how deployments and military life shape how families celebrate.  Listen in as the RDC goes on location at Bolling Air Force Base.  

In this podcast we continue talking about personal resilience with Ethan Zohn who has exhibited resilience in the public eye (Survivor:Africa) and in the face of life threatening cancer.  He is the co-founder of Grassroots Soccer, a motivational speaker, and sports commentator. His spirit is positive and sure to lift up all who listen!  You may check out his website at www.ezohn.comWe've been on a little hiatus, but we are glad to be back!  Chaplain Boarts, Chaplain Hudson, and MSgt Dilley are back!

In this podcast we talk about personal resilience with Ethan Zohn who has exhibited resilience in the public eye (Survivor:Africa) and in the face of life threatening cancer.  He is the co-founder of Grassroots Soccer, a motivational speaker, and sports commentator. His spirit is positive and sure to lift up all who listen!  You may check out his website at www.ezohn.com

The RDC continues our conversation with Jason Womack, author of “Your Best Just Got Better”, “The Promise Doctrine”, and “Get Momentum”.  He is also an instructor with the leadership department at the Air Command and Staff College.  We discuss how individuals best approach their personal weaknesses and strengths. Is it best for us to invest in improving our strengths or shoring up our weaknesses?

One of our frequent guest hosts, TSgt Noah Stamps, recently experienced thoughts of suicide.  In this episode, he describes how he reached out for help and what that help looked like.  He also shares the fact that his career is still on track.  A full description of his story is available at https://www.tyndall.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1950355/rescued-to-be-a-rescuer/Please note the Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, press 1.If you or a serviceperson you know is experiencing a crisis, use this confidential, toll-free crisis line to reach caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders.  The Veterans Crisis Line can also be reached by text at 838255 or through online chat The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

Jason Womack, instructor of Leadership Studies at Air Command and Staff College, executive coach and author of "Your Best Just Got Better: Work Smarter, Think Bigger, Achieve More" joined the RDC for a discussion about management and leadership.  How do you lead the person in the mirror?  As promised in the episode, here is the link to the "Your Best Just Got Better " podcast episode, "If it were easy, you'd be doing it already": https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/your-best-just-got-better/e/35641700?refid=asa$autoplay=true

The RDC spoke with Dr. Thomas Joiner, author of "Why People Die By Suicide".  We discussed how to support one another.Please note the Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, press 1.If you or a serviceperson you know is experiencing a crisis, use this confidential, toll-free crisis line to reach caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders.  The Veterans Crisis Line can also be reached by text at 838255 or through online chat The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

Jeff Bridges and Hailee Steinfeld had it.  Kim Darby and John Wayne had it.  (Or should we say, Rooster Cogburn and Mattie Ross had it!)  We are talking about grit--true grit.  How do we identify then stick with a goal despite running into challenges?  Grit goes beyond perseverence.  Listen in to the RDCs conversation with Lt Col Brandie Jefferies, the Deputy Chair of the Leadership Department at the Air Command and Staff College.  We discuss her research on grit and talk about ways we can all develop more grit in our lives.

The RDC recently spoke with Chaplain, Capt Lucas Dalgleish who was honored to be invited to jump into Normandy, France on the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day invasion and minister to our joint partners. Chaplain Dalgleish jumped in with over 800 paratroopers from the Air Force, 82nd  Airborne and other joint nation partners on June 9th. He was wearing a stole that was first issued to an Army Chaplain in the 1940’s and worn into Normandy in 1944. It has been to every major conflict since then (Vietnam, First Gulf War and the current GWOT), never leaving the shoulders of a military chaplain. Ch, Lt Col Daniel Waterman (ret) passed it on to Ch D at his retirement ceremony this past Summer and Ch D became its custodian while he is serving and until he passes it onto another chaplain.  Both Chaplain Dalgleish’s grandfathers served in WWII, so this jump had personal significance for him as well. “This ministry opportunity came about because of relationships and commanders willing to take appropriate risks, plain and simple. I knew Chief Unger (321 STS/SEL) from a previous assignment at Fort Bragg, so he had witnessed the value of squadron-focused care from the Chaplain Corps. That Special Tactics Squadron (STS) sent me to jump school at Ft Benning, GA so that I could be in the ‘places and spaces’ of my people. He and I, by providence, ended up both getting stationed here at RAF Mildenhall last June and it was his invitation to jump into Normandy that started this whole process. His chaplain, Capt John Richardson (352 SOW), gave his full support for me to come alongside him in his ‘AOR’ and then it was just a matter of re-refresher training since it had been a couple years since my last jump. But because leadership saw the ministry-value of having chaplains embedded with their people and the historical significance of the stole returning to the hallowed grounds of Normandy 75 years later, it all worked out. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity and for my leadership taking the risk to let chaplains be with their people, wherever they are.” 

This is Part III of a glimpse of how the Chaplain Corps works.  Ch, Col Jonathan Wade, Division Chief of Chaplain Corps Plans and Programs joins us again along with the Deputy Division Chief of Chaplain Corps Plans and Programs, Ch, Maj Daniel Call. We discussed religious accommodation and religious liberty.  The Air Force has been rolling out new processes for ensuring the religious liberty of Airmen is preserved through intentional religious accommodation. Chaplains Wade and Call give us a behind the scenes description of how this works at the Air Staff along with advice for Chaplain Corps members to help Airmen accomplish a religious accommodation request.Test question: What percentage of Religious Accommodation requests that are reviewed at Air Staff get approved?

The RDC continues the conversation with Chaplain, Lt Col Jonathan Wade regarding how the Chaplain Corps works.  This week we discuss Air Force Instruction (AFI) 52-101, Chaplain Corps Planning and Organizing--how and why it was edited to help Chaplains and Religious Affairs Airmen better serve the Air Force.  (This week's episode was recorded in front of a special live studio audience!)  We have a focused conversation about the confidentiality of information shared with Chaplains and Religious Affairs Airmen.  (Test question: what is the difference between privileged communication and confidentiality?)The AFI included several other updates, tune in to find out the details!

In this episode, the RDC talks with Chaplain, Lt Col Wade, the division chief for plans and programs at the Air Force Chief of Chaplains office.  Chaplain Wade lifts the curtain and gives us a glimpse of the underlying machinery of the chaplain corps.

The RDC spoke with Jason Womack, author of "Your Best Just Got Better" and learned practical strategies on personal productivity that were so practical we've been using them ever since the interview!  Listen in for some tips you might be able to apply.

What do you do when you see something wrong at work?  Do you speak up and address the issue?  Or do you try to avoid it and hope it goes away?  What about the risks to career and opportunity?  How do leaders address ethical issues with a top performer?The RDC spoke with Dr. Catharyn Baird, founder of Ethics Game about ethics in the workplace.  We especially talk about these dynamics in the Chaplain Corps.

Note: Some of the material in this podcast may be intense for some listeners.Reserve Chaplain Levy Pekar, a Jewish Chaplain, was in the vicinity of the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh during the recent shooting.  Chaplain Pekar responded to the scene and participated in the care of the synagogue.  Chaplains are prepared to bring ministry to the toughest situations and the toughest locations.      The RDC spoke with Chaplain Pekar about his experience.

The conversation with Dr. Skelton regarding emotional intelligence continues.  This episode focuses on the impact of emotional intelligence on leadership skill.  Dr. Renea Skelton is a leadership consultant, coach, trainer who served in the Air Force as enlisted and officer in Force Support.  She developed and taught leadership seminars at the United States Air Force Academy focusing on emotional intelligence.  The RDC spoke with Dr. Skelton about emotional intelligence: what is it?  how does it help leaders lead?  can it be developed?  Emotions drive people and people drive performance--this is a vital topic to leaders at all levels.

Dr. Renea Skelton is a leadership consultant, coach, trainer who served in the Air Force as enlisted and officer in Force Support.  She developed and taught leadership seminars at the United States Air Force Academy focusing on emotional intelligence.  The RDC spoke with Dr. Skelton about emotional intelligence: what is it?  how does it help leaders lead?  can it be developed?  Emotions drive people and people drive performance--this is a vital topic to leaders at all levels.How many different emotions are there?  Listen in to find out, you might be surprised!

How does a Chaplain provide ministry at over a thousand locations spread across the globe?  This week, the RDC speaks with Chaplain Burson.  Chaplain Burson is the Holm center Chaplain based at Maxwell AFB in Alabama.The Holm center gives leadership and policy for ROTC detachments at 145 universities and directs the JROTC at 886 high school campuses across the world.Chaplain Burson talks about how he prioritizes and focuses his efforts to bring meaningful Chaplain ministry in the midst of that immense mission.

The RDC spoke with Sheila Heen, author of "Difficult Conversations" and "Thanks for the Feedback".  She is a Found of Triad Consulting Group and a Lecturer on Law at Harvard Law School.  It's already hard to ask for and to receive feedback from those around us.  In this episode we learn more about how to get feedback especially when you are in a position (such as a Chaplain or Religious Affairs Airman) where it is even more difficult to find because of our special role among the people we serve.Take a listen then leave us some feedback in the comments!

Chaplain, Colonel Mike Husfelt reflected on the experience of not being selected for Colonel (passed over) during his primary year of selection (in the zone), and again the following year (above the zone).  He then compared those experiences with the experience of finally being selected for promotion two years above the zone.  His reflections give a peek into some of the stresses involved with military promotions.

The RDC sat down with a newly minted Chief—Chief Master Sergeant Sadie Chambers.  Chief Chambers is a Religious Affairs Airman who recently became the first enlisted academic instructor at the United States Air Force Academy.  Join us for a dynamic and wide-ranging discussion that includes how Chief Chambers started in aircraft maintenance along with her plans for the future.

The RDC had a rousing discussion with CMSgt Natalie Gray, the Air Force Reserve Command Religious Affairs Airmen Manager.  She shared some interesting facts about the Reserve Chaplain Corps along with some ideas on how active duty and reserve Religious Support Teams may develop effective partnerships.

This week the RDC joins the Moody chapel team: Ch Rice, MSgt Wallace,  and A1C Morgan to hear some ideas on how to best welcome a new Religious Affairs Airman to the Air Force and to the Chaplain Corps.  We covered toxic leaders and followers the past few episodes, so now it's time to hear how leadership is done well!

In the previous episode, the RDC spoke with Mr. Bill DeMarco who is the Air Command and Staff College Chair of Leadership at Air University regarding toxic leaders.  This episode continues our conversation about toxic workplaces.  This episode focuses on toxic followers.  We hear a lot about toxic leaders, but what about toxic followers?  Is there such a thing as a toxic follower?  Listen in to find out!

The RDC spoke with Mr. Bill DeMarco who is the Air Command and Staff College Chair of Leadership at Air University.  This is the first in a series of two episodes about toxic workplaces.  This episode focuses on leadership.  The next episode will focus on toxic followers.

The RDC had a great opportunity to talk with Chief Jackson, the Religious Affairs Airman Career Field Manager.  Tune in to hear his observations on a variety of topics of immediate interest to the Chaplain Corps!

SMSgt Scott Devine is the superintendent of the chapel at Joint Base Langley-Eustis.  The chapel team there has "pipeline" Religious Affairs Airmen that have been intentionally and successfully integrated into the mission.  The Chaplain Corps hasn't had "pipeline" Airmen in many years and so having them is new to many in the Corps, especially wing Chapel leaders.  Listen in to their stories for tips on how to best lead our newest Airmen.

The RDC has a rousing conversation with Pastor Bob Roberts, the founder and senior pastor of Northwood Church in the Dallas Fort Worth area.  Hear how he, as a conservative evangelical pastor has travelled and built relationships in places like Afghanistan, Pakistan, Vietnam, Brazil, Palestine, Israel, and more.  Pastor Roberts gives some tips on how to connect as human beings with a diverse range of people.

We are back!  After a short break for the New Year, this week the RDC visits Colorado for a chat with Chaplain Rafael Lantigua.  Chaplain Lantigua shares his experience of soul care in the Air Force along with how he observes Islamic holidays.  

The RDC joins the Bagram Air Base chapel team to hear about their plans for celebrating Christmas away from their families.  The RDC thanks Chaplains Nevius, Devoie, Boggs, Longe and MSgt Vilia, TSgt Reagan, SSgt Palomares, and SSgt Fransisco for taking a moment from their day to share with us!We mentioned an address to send care packages to the team, if you'd like to do so, the RDC will receive them and forward them to the Bagram team: Resource Development Cell, 155 N. Twining Rd, Bldg 693, Room 139, Maxwell, AFB, AL 36112

Chaplain, Maj Michael Bramm, a Chaplain at the United States Air Force Academy, shares his experiences as a Jewish chaplain--especially experiences in deployed locations.

The RDC had opportunity to sit down in the Air Force Chief of Chaplains conference room at the Pentagon with MSgt Shana Echevarria for a discussion about diversity and inclusion.  MSgt Echevarria has been talking to Chaplains and Religious Affairs Airmen about how those concepts come into play across the Chaplain Corps.  She has some observations that will help leaders everywhere better value all the people on their teams along with the unexpected gifts and talents team members bring to the mission.Here is a link to the graphic that Chaplain Hudson references early in the podcast that shows the difference between equality and equity:  https://artplusmarketing.com/equality-equity-freedom-55a1d675b5d8 (Note: external link--we do not endorse or necessarily agree with the material at the link, the link is provided for illustrative purposes).Here's a link to the publishers web site for the  book "Difficult Conversations" referenced by Chaplain Boarts (no endorsement is implied): https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/331191/difficult-conversations-by-douglas-stone-bruce-patton-and-sheila-heen/9780143118442/

The RDC trio Ch Boarts, Ch Hudson, and MSgt Dilley as they look at spiritual resilience through interviews with 3 Airmen.Captain Richard Cassleman, TSgt Jahn Espino, and SSgt Tarascio discuss their faith and resilience.  In this episode we will see how faith in community provides resilience in everyday life.

In our continuing series on ministry to millennials, we share a conversation with SrA Brandon Powell.  Brandon is married and shares his perspective on spirituality as an individual and as a husband.  Join Chaplains Boarts and Hudson along with MSgt Dilley in this enlightening conversation.

In the last episode, the RDC spoke about ministry to millennials.  In this episode we hear from an Airman in the millennial generation: Airman First Class Calvert.

The RDC recently attended a conference at Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas.  We had a great opportunity to speak with their youth pastor, Chris Abel.  Listen in for a great discussion about how to effectively serve our younger Airmen.In future episodes we will be hearing directly from millennials instead of talking about millenials.(In the podcast, Ch Boarts references an image of someone sneaking an iPhone into church.  So far we haven't found a link to that image.  Once (if) we find it, we will replace this message with that link!)