May 7, 2020 | BY AIR FORCE SENIOR AIRMAN CHRISTOPHER QUAIL
With restrictions in place to keep people safe and mitigate
the spread of COVID-19, chaplains at Dover Air Force Base, Del., channeled
their creativity into finding new ways of inspiring airmen and offering
innovative methods to support spiritual resilience.
''We started recording our Sunday services during the week
in parts, so that each part comes together as if you are almost viewing the
service in person,'' said Air Force Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Abner Valenzuela, the
head chaplain for the 436th Airlift Wing. ''Using the camera, audio devices and
editing tools is something that I am new to and enjoying learning more about.
We are currently taking as much feedback as possible while trying to provide
the best videos, so that others can still continue their services or spiritual
guidance online.''
The Catholic and Protestant services air Sundays at 9 a.m.
and 9:30 a.m., respectively, on the Dover chapel's Facebook page.
''This is the way we have adjusted for the COVID-19
environment,'' said Air Force Chaplain (Capt.) Andre Davis. ''Nobody else is
here except for us when we are recording it. We can watch it as a party with
others, and the chaplains can interact with individuals during the live time.''
The services are available any time after the premiere on
the Chapel's Facebook page.
A ''Thought of the Day'' video on spiritual resilience,
ethics or morality is also posted every day at 9 a.m.
''We have been gaining some great momentum in our online
services and intend to see how we can integrate this into normal operations
moving forward,'' Davis said.
Adhering to the implemented health protection measures,
chaplains, along with the base's first sergeants, also began weekly visits to
airmen in the dorms.
''We meet with the first sergeants of the squadrons we are
assigned to, and they have a roster with all the airmen's names on it,'' said
Air Force Chaplain (Capt.) Jonathan Dawson. ''After viewing the roster, the
first sergeant and I will go room by room and knock on their doors. When the
airman answers the door, we make sure to keep our social distance while wearing
our masks and ask how they are doing, and if there is anything that we could do
for them.''
Dawson said he offers airmen his cell phone number in case
they ever need guidance or someone to talk to. He reassures them that he is
only a text or call away.
While the chaplains are doing their best to reach out to all
members on base, they are also making squadron visits, delivering food, snacks
and offering a friendly face or ear to those in need.
''Chaplain [Capt.] Ryan Taylor-Byers and I just went and
purchased a couple hundred dollars' worth of snacks and food,'' Dawson said.
''We then went and delivered the snacks to the squadrons, and airmen were glad
to help us bring it in. In about two or three weeks, we will go and replenish
the food and snacks.''
Every week, chaplains text or call leaders to see how they
are doing, giving them updates on airmen and seeing if there is anything else
they may need.
''We want everyone to know that the chaplains are still
available 24/7 if anyone needs to talk,'' Davis said. ''We ensure
confidentiality and will take the appropriate steps to take care of you, whether
it be through Facetime, text, call, Facebook Messenger or face to face, wearing
the appropriate gear.''
(Air Force Senior Airman Christopher Quail is assigned to
the 436th Airlift Wing.)
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