Calif. Wing Chaplains to Assist at Edwards AFB

VIrtual view

The U.S. Air Force is charged with meeting the needs of its airmen and civilian employees in many ways, including spiritually and emotionally. When Air Force Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Michael Bram at Edwards Air Force Base, California, wanted to ensure their spiritual needs are being met, he looked to the Air Force’s Total Force partner, Civil Air Patrol.

“For the first time, multiple CAP chaplains will be used in an Air Force-assigned mission and imbedded directly as members of the Religious Support Team,” California Wing Chaplain (Maj.) Michael Morison said after execution of a mission agreement Sept. 10 between the Edwards-based 412th Test Wing and the wing.

“In a fresh approach to the use of the CAP Chaplain Corps as a force multiplier, CAP chaplains will focus on the large number of Air Force civilian airmen assigned in their designated squadrons, thus providing a broader range of chaplain support for both military and the large number of civilian airmen in the 412th Test Wing units.”

Morison said the mission will be accomplished through new virtual tele-ministry technology called Third Room, provided by Even Health through AFWERX, an Air Force innovation program. The virtual space will give airmen, their families and civilian employees a safe and – if desired – anonymous avenue for counseling and spiritual guidance.

“As a CAP alumnus ... this is a fantastic opportunity to work together as the Total Force," said Col. Randal Gordon, vice commander, 412th Test Wing.

“This is another way the California Wing can contribute to the overall mission of the Air Force as a Total Force partner,” said Col. Ross Veta, wing commander.

The first three CAP chaplains – Morison and Chaplain (Capts.) AnnaMae Taubeneck of Jon E. Kramer Composite Squadron 10 and Ronald Martin of Fullerton Composite Squadron 56 – started training Sept. 9 on the software and Air Force practices and protocols. They will assist three days a month at Edwards.

“This breakthrough represents a yearlong effort of collaboration, hard work and dedication and is going to produce enormous benefits for our airmen,” said Brig. Gen. William Betts, vice commander, Continental U.S. Aerospace Defense Region – 1st Air Force, (Air Forces Northern). “We’re proud to work with our volunteer teammates in Civil Air Patrol and are very fortunate to have them expand their strong, supporting role with this new initiative.”