TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- 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 Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Michael Bram of Edwards Air Force Base wanted to ensure these individuals’ spiritual needs are being met, he looked to the Air Force’s Total Force partner, Civil Air Patrol.
“This breakthrough represents a year-long effort of collaboration, hard work, and dedication, and is going to produce enormous benefits for our Airmen,” said Brig. Gen. William Betts, vice commander, 1st Air Force (AFNORTH). “We’re proud to work with our volunteer teammates in the Civil Air Patrol and are very fortunate to have them expand their strong, supporting role with this new initiative.”
“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,” Civil Air Patrol California Wing Chaplain (Maj.) Michael Morison said after execution of a mission agreement Sept. 10 between the Edwards-based 412th Test Wing and the California 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 civilians and Airmen assigned in their designated squadrons, thus providing a broader range of chaplain support for both military and the large number of civilians 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, California Wing commander.
The first three Civil Air Patrol chaplains – Morison and Capts. Anna Mae Taubeneck, and Ronald Martin – started training Sept. 9 on the software and Air Force practices and protocols. They will assist three days a month at Edwards AFB.