Chaplain Confidential

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Bhawan P. Singh
  • 512th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Life throws everyone a curveball sometimes - an Airman may lose a loved one or experience a financial or career crisis. Some Airmen may be able to cope with those difficulties on their own; others may need to turn to someone to assist them during their times of need.

Liberty Wing Airmen have resources like the 512th Airlift Wing Chaplain's office when they need help.

Communicating with a chaplain is called privileged communication - this means a servicemember decides whether or not the chaplain can reveal the private discussions to the member's chain of command, mental health doctors or law enforcement officials.

"Privileged communication regulation is very cut and dry," said 512th AW Chaplain (Maj.) Barry Ball. "You talk to us about your concerns, and we find a solution together. You can go home to bed peacefully at night without thinking about the repercussions of your communication with us."

The 512th AW Chaplain's staff caters to all religious and ethnic backgrounds.

Most reservists discuss their families, finances or health issues which have strong potential to affect mission readiness, he said.

"It's good for the Air Force that chaplains can provide a comfortable space to talk with a servicemember in a non judgmental way and in a safe, calm environment," said 436th Airlift Wing Chaplain (Capt.) Denis Gueu.

Chaplain Gueu said that whether it's an Airman or their family member, chaplains are always available and willing to help.

Total and unconditional privacy is the central core of any chaplain's ministry.

"This resource may benefit the families of deployed members, so we encourage family members to talk with us about coping with strains of separation," said Chaplain Ball. "Their deployed loved ones should focus on the mission instead of being distracted about personal problems back home.

"We encourage servicemembers to utilize our services," he said. "We don't want a preventable crisis or minor issue to take a dangerous turn, affecting one's career or mission."

Reservists can reach the 512th AW Chaplain's Office at (302) 677-4770 or the 436th AW Chaplain's Office at (302) 677-3932.