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Warren Chaplains host Clergy Appreciation Day

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brandon Valle
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  The 90th Missile Wing Chaplains office hosted a Clergy Appreciation Day March 19 for the local Cheyenne Clergy. Eighteen clergy from Cheyenne, from various denominations and organizations, had the opportunity to visit the High Plains Chapel, the Warren ICBM and Heritage Museum and the 90th Security Forces Military Working Dogs kennel.

"The appreciation day is a way for the Warren chaplains to network and form relationships with our off-base clergy," said Chaplain (Capt.) Samuel McClellan, 90th MW chaplain.

The base chaplains intend to hold a clergy appreciation event twice a year, with the next one planned for the fall.

"We want to revitalize the event and restart the project," McClellan said. "It has been so long since it's been done on this base that many can't remember the last event. It is important for us to show our appreciation for them being able to assist in providing the religious needs for our Airmen. We want to build the connections with the clergy so we have the ability to call upon each other for emotional and spiritual care in times of disaster."

The off base clergy has the ability to cater to the needs of Airmen that our limited staff is unable to provide, he added.

The group was treated to a catered lunch, where Col. Tracey Hayes, 90th MW commander, was able to spend time talking with them and expressing her gratitude for everything they do to support the wing's chaplains.

"I thought it was a really good experience to visit the base," said Aaron Kor, Calvary Chapel in Cheyenne. "The base chaplains are always joining us for off-base activities and it was good to be able to step into their world for once.

After lunch, the group had the opportunity to visit the Warren ICBM and Heritage Museum, where Paula Taylor, museum curator and director, was able to walk the group through the history of the base and show off the collections from the past. Following the museum, Airmen from the military working dog kennel gave the group a tour and demonstration.

"The events were a great way to interact with our co-inhabitants from the base," said Charlie Reed, Biblical Concepts on Counseling of Wyoming.

When all was said and done, the clergy were able to go home with a better understanding of the role and mission of the Warren chaplains.

"Our chaplains' primary mission is to ensure that all military members and their families can express their first amendment rights," Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Joshua Narrowe, 90th MW wing chaplain. "With 5 chaplains, there are many religious rites that we can't accommodate. The houses of worship in our community are vital in assisting us in taking care of our Airmen's Spiritual needs."