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Chaplain candidates tour Charleston

  • Published
  • By Tanya Trejo
  • 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Forty-four chaplain candidates arrived here July 27 on the fourth stop of a 28-day tour. The tour is designed to give the candidates an introduction to the Air Force Reserve.

Many of the candidates are in their first year of seminary and beginning to learn about what people do in the Air Force.

"Thus far I have taken away a lot of information from this trip, such as the different missions of the Air Force Reserve Command," said 2nd Lt. Roschelle Binion, a chaplain cadidate. "It is helping us learn how we can best minister."

The candidates toured the aerial port, a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, the mini version of a C-17, and the explosive ordinance disposal, life support, fabrication and communication/navigation shops.

They also visited the Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Administration Medical Center in downtown Charleston where they held worship services and ministered to the veterans.

"It was exciting to interact with this highly motivated and energetic group," said Chaplain (Maj.) John Painter, 315th Airlift Wing chaplain. "The chaplain candidates approached the unit and hospital visitations and the VA worship services with professionalism and zeal."

In addition to being a reservist, Chaplain Painter is the VA senior staff chaplain.

Other stops on tour were three historic places of worship downtown - St. Phillip's Episcopal Church, Beth Elohim Synagogue, and French Huguenot Church.

"We were able to have some fun as well," said Chaplain Painter. "One chaplain candidate, a music major, was given the opportunity to play the historic organ at the French Huguenot church. Another, a rabbi, assisted with the tour of a local synagogue and, while there, demonstrated the use of a shofar, a ceremonial ram's horn trumpet."

"I would have loved to have had the opportunity to learn from a variety of chaplains in this hands-on context," said Chaplain (Capt.) Jamie Danford, 908th Airlift Wing at Maxwell AFB, Ala.

Not only did the chaplains have an informative time while at Charleston AFB, but they were also able to enjoy their time here as well.

"It has been a wonderful and awesome trip," said Lieutenant Binion. "I am learning new things every day. It will be beneficial in the future for everyone. This is an experience that will broaden their horizons,"

After this trip the candidates will finish seminary school before deciding to be Air Force chaplains.

The candidates left Charleston AFB July 31 for Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Other bases on the tour included Patrick AFB, Fla.; Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla.; and Robins AFB, Ga. (Air Force Reserve Command News Service)