319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
3/10/2014 - GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The members of the 319th Air Base Wing Chaplain Office have an extra reason to count their blessings after recently being named the recipient of a major command-level award.
The chapel team won the 2013 Air Mobility Command Outstanding Small Chapel Organization Award.
"I was happy for my entire team--they've worked extremely hard the past year serving the Airmen and family members of Grand Forks Air Force Base," said. Chaplain (Maj.) Steven T. Dabbs, 319th ABW head chaplain. "We celebrated for twenty-four hours, then returned our attentions to serving Airmen and their families. As a team, we embraced the teaching of Jesus that directs, '...when you have done everything you were told to do, you should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'" (Luke 17:10).
The AMC Outstanding Small Chapel Organization Award recognizes wing/installation chapel staffs serving an active-duty military population of fewer than 3,000. The annual award winner is selected based on the strategic priorities of warrior care, advisement to leadership, and care for Chaplain Corps caregivers.
In addition to coordinating 294 worship services and increasing chapel attendance by 24 percent, the team also had other notable activities and accomplishments in 2013 that led to their recent unit recognition.
One notable example took place in November 2013 when the base hosted the first ever Wingman Day that focused on the Spiritual Pillar of the Comprehensive Airman Fitness Program, the service-wide initiative designed to build and sustain a thriving and resilient Air Force community that fosters positive development of a person's mental, physical, social and spiritual fitness.
The chapel team led 11 seminars throughout the base and more than 630 participants rated the event as outstanding.
Tech. Sgt. Jaime Cleveland from the 319th Medical Operation Squadron participated in one of the yoga seminars offered during Wingman Day and was one of the participants who rated the event as outstanding.
"I enjoyed the physical aspect of it and the relaxation that comes from going through motions. In fact it was so relaxing I almost fell asleep... I think this Wingman Day was a complete success, and I hope the base will continue to use the Airmen's feedback to plan future events."
Dabbs was quick to give credit as well to the selfless efforts and dedication of the 95 volunteers they recruited in 2013, who donated more than 12,000 hours saving the Air Force and federal government an estimated $109,000. Five of the volunteers were even recognized with five military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medals.
Although the chapel team saw significant positive results for their actions and events in 2013, Dabbs admitted that some events were more challenging and complicated than others.
"The toughest are those that involve the loss of life or those victimized by criminal activity," said Dabbs.
He said military communities are sometimes like families where tragedy and loss can affect everyone despite the size; and although death and sorrow are a part of human condition, he and the rest of the chapel team are thankful to have the opportunity to serve their fellow Warriors of the North and their families in their time of need.
"We are humbly honored to receive this recognition but also realize it is even more incumbent upon us to continue to live up to the Chaplain Corps' vision to glorify God, serve Airmen, and pursue excellence."
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