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Alamo Wing chaplain leads candidates on BEAST tour

  • Published
  • By Tech Sgt. Carlos J. Trevino
  • 433rd Airlift Wing
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-Lackland --  Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Lucinda Valenti lives up to her calling of a shepherd leading a flock. However, here on July 24 it wasn't a flock of sheep, but 28 Air Force chaplain candidates who have answered a call to minister. The candidates were treated to a visit to see basic trainees at the Basic Expeditionary Airman Skills Training portion of their training.

"They are all learning to be Air Force chaplains, and trying to decide if it is in their future and if that is what God is calling them to do," Valenti said.

The candidates, all second lieutenants, are on a four-week tour of various Air Force bases to see if becoming a chaplain is the correct career field for them. Chaplain Valenti's role during their tour is insure to they have lodging, transportation and see various aspects of the Air Force here at Lackland.

"This four week tour is important for them to see us (Air Force chaplains) and for us to see them (the candidates) and see if it is a good fit,"  said Valenti.

The BEAST was a chance for the candidates to see what basic trainees have learned so far about combat situations into practice.
 
"It's good to see them (the basic trainees) combat training, to see what they go through, so when we minister with them. The candidates will have a basic understanding of what they are going through," she said.

The candidates ate Meals Ready to Eat for lunch at the BEAST chow hall.
 
"They want interaction, that's what will excite them," Valenti said.

Candidates and trainees could be observed eating and making conversation, and a few groups even prayed at the conclusion of their meals.

"That is where the ministry hits the road, where the rubber hits the pavement," Valenti said of the social type candidate-basic trainee lunch.