F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- The 90th Missile Wing is losing three chaplains, and although they will be replaced, they will be sorely missed by all.
Capts. Samuel McClellan, Thomas Fussell and James Calledo will be departing to new duty assignments this summer.
The Airmen served the wing together for 3 years and made a lasting impact on the Mighty Ninety and each other.
A project that the individuals are fond of is the espresso bar at the “Higher Grounds” Airmen Ministry Center.
“This was a group endeavor. We hope that it meets everyone’s expectations,” McClellan said. “This is a project that we could not have accomplished without everyone’s help.”
Their commitment to those that they served during their time at F.E. Warren was evident.
“All of these chaplains are very hard workers who are very dedicated to what they do,” said Major Robert Bohnsack, deputy wing chaplain. “These are individuals who put in the extra hours because they love the people they are serving and they want to go the extra mile for them.”
The chaplains faced several obstacles while stationed here, such as the geographical separation of the missile field.
“When I first got here, I felt that I needed to establish and build credibility,” McClellan said. “I did this by going out with those that completed the mission, and I saw what they did during their twelve and fourteen hour shifts.”
The chaplains loved their assignment and the people they met while stationed at Warren.
“I have enjoyed my time in Wyoming,” Fussell said. “I especially loved getting out with the convoys and visiting all the missile alert facilities.”
All the chaplains made lasting contributions to the 90th Missile Wing.
“They have conducted more than one thousand worship services, taught classes and were there for Airmen numerous times,” said Lt. Col. Gary Coburn, wing chaplain. “We will miss these chaplains greatly. We know they will do great things for God and country at their new bases.”
Somewhere along the way they became friends, not just colleagues.
“Although this was my first assignment as a priest, I loved it from the beginning,” Calledo said. “The people that I worked with made this feel like we were ‘A Band of Brothers.’ I truly felt loved.”
If you are interested in attending Sunday services or have questions about the ways the chaplains serve the Mighty Ninety, call: 307-773-3434.