Grand Forks AFB chapel team named best in the Air Force for 2013

by Staff Sgt. Luis Loza Gutierrez
319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

4/17/2014 - GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The Warriors of the North can rest assured that they and their families will be in the hands of the very best when it comes to meeting their spiritual and religious needs.

The chapel team here was recently recognized as the recipient of the 2013 Robert P. Taylor Award for Small Active-Duty Chapels.

The Robert P. Taylor Award is awarded to the best wing/installation chapel staff in the Air Force serving an active-duty military population of fewer than 3,000. The winner is selected based on the strategic priorities of warrior care, advisement to leadership, and care for Chaplain Corps caregivers.

"The chapel team exhibited hard work and dedication, ultimately proving that they are truly the best in the entire Air Force," said Col. Paul Bauman, 319th Air Base Wing commander, in an official announcement to the Warriors of the North. "It takes a tremendous amount of professionalism, proficiency, and passion to win an award of this caliber."

Chaplain (Maj.) Steven T. Dabbs, 319th ABW head chaplain, modestly expressed his delight about the announcement.

"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," he said. "As a team, we embraced the teaching of our lord Jesus Christ 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).

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, 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 one position to the next," she said. "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 separate 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 the 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."