Come one, Come all

  • Published
  • By Airman Samuel Anderson
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  The Liberty Chapel here offers many different religious and individual growth services.

The chaplain corps exists to support Airmen and their families through two ways - Warrior care and chapel based ministries.

Warrior care provides Airmen and their families with religious support teams to ensure spiritual fitness and resiliency. Some of the key aspects of this program are: unit visitation and ministry, counseling, deployment cycle support, marriage enrichment classes, retreats and divorce support.

There are also chapel-based ministries which provide opportunities for Airmen to exercise their faith through worship services, religious observations and education.

Although the chaplains try to accommodate all Airmen, there are areas in which they do not have expertise.

"When our staff cannot meet someone's religious needs, we will refer them to a leader or community who can," said MHAFB Chaplain (Capt.) Michael Carollo. "We are here to serve people of all faiths and people of no faith. It is important to live out your faith in community and we need encouragement from one another."

Airman 1st Class Gabriel Ortiz, 366th Communications Squadron alternate base records manager, praised the chapel's many programs.

"The variety of services the chapel offers is phenomenal," he said. "You have a sense if you will be treated right regardless of your religious background. There is something for everyone to enjoy."

The Air Force slogan "Fit to Fight" applies to all aspects of an Airmen's life, including their spirituality.

"In order to be "fit to fight" all Airmen need to be physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually fit," the chaplain said. "We specialize in the latter three areas. If someone is struggling in any areas they will not be able to effectively do their job. We provide Airmen with the resiliency skills they need to overcome life's challenges and to support the Air Force mission."

Although many of the services offered build an individual's religious growth and overall well-being, the chapel also offers volunteer programs for those who want to get involved with the base. One such opportunity is helping at the Chapel Annex, in Building 2408, where the chapel sponsors the Airmen's Center for enlisted Airmen. The center allows Airmen to get out of the dormitories and enjoy a different environment.

Airman Ortiz said the center gives him an opportunity to give back to the base.

"The Airmen's Center is a lot of fun to volunteer at," he said. "Even though you have to clean up and take care of the overall area, you still get to hang out with friends, play video games, watch TV and surf the internet. You can't ask for much more and you have fun while still helping other Airmen enjoy their time on base."

With all the services and opportunities that the chapel has to offer, Chaplain Carollo reminds Airmen that they are not alone.

"Don't be scared to talk to a chaplain," he said. "We all need to realize that we can't go through life alone, we need to rely on others for help. That is what we are here for and it does not matter what you are struggling with, we are here to help you."

For more information on chapel services and times call 828-6417.