Chaplains ready to serve

  • Published
  • By Daryl Mayer, AFLCMC Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio (AFLCMC) – They are a team assigned to AFLCMC for the sole purpose of supporting all Airmen deal with the burdens and stresses faced every day.   
 
“Helping folks develop themselves spiritually, whatever that looks like for them, whether that's religion or not, on developing that sense of purpose, that sense of meaning, their sense of identity, their core values that helps get us all through those tough times,” said Chaplain (Maj.) Kristin Swenson.
 

She, 2nd Lt. Matthew Mason (Chaplain Candidate) and Tech. Sgt. Collin Carter, Religious Affairs NCOIC, joined for an episode of AFLCMC’s Leadership Log podcast to discuss how they support Airmen in the center.   
 
“If someone comes to us with any issue, whether it's religious or not and wants to talk, that stays completely confidential,” Swenson said. 
 
As a Religious Affairs Airman, Carter is responsible for logistics, resources and facility support the chaplains need to provide services. 
 
“Faith is a big thing to me so being able to provide and be a part of ministry was something that definitely piqued my interest,” Carter said. 
 
Currently a student at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, Mason learned about the Chaplain Candidate Program while at school. 
 
“Both of my brothers are either prior military or serving currently and I just saw this is my way to offer what I have,” Mason said. 
 
Serving the needs of Airmen is their driving force.
 
“We want to take care of our Airmen more than anyone thinks possible,” Swenson said.  “Whether that's their spiritual needs, religious needs or just a safe place to come and talk and not be afraid.  If you're struggling with that or concerned about that just know that we are a safe place, a good place to start and we are as religious as you want to be.” 
 
To hear the full conversation, you can watch Leadership Log on YouTube at https://youtu.be/TU-uDpcA46Y.  You can also listen by searching “Leadership Log” on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, Overcast, Radio Public or Breaker.