Wolf Pack chapel named best small wing chapel in PACAF

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Stephen Collier
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --    The Pacific Air Forces command chaplain paid a visit to the Wolf Pack chapel March 7 through 9 to not only name the chapel the 'PACAF 2006 Small Base Chapel Organization Award winner,' but prepare the staff for upcoming changes. 

  "All three visitors were impressed by the espirit de corps demonstrated here at the Wolf Pack," Chap. (Lt. Col.) Paul Cannon, 8th Fighter Wing chaplain said. "They became aware of some of the challenges faced on a remote assignment and they seemed impressed by the way members of the Wolf Pack go the extra mile to help each other out." 

  That 'extra mile' comes from programs like the Sonlight Inn's numerous activities, frequent trips and retreats and unit outreach, an effort which focuses on taking the chapel to the Airmen. These events, together with a robust schedule of religious worship and educational activities, provide as much support as possible for Airmen assigned to a one-year remote assignment. 

  "My impression of the Wolf Pack chapel was the award by PACAF for best small chapel organization in the Pacific ... a considerable testimony," Chap. (Col.) Richard Hartwell, PACAF command chaplain said. "From my perspective, the chapel works together superbly as a team, both chaplains and assistants, as members of the Wolf Pack." 

  The visit by Chap. Hartwell, as well as Col. Skip Courter, chief of chaplain service force development, also underscored a reality faced by the chapel as well as other organizations on base: how to maintain an efficient, mission-effective force with Air Force cuts looming. Chap. Hartwell said the greatest piece of advice he could offer was to be calm and don't panic. 

  "We have had challenges in the past and we'll have them in future and we'll face this one with great skill if we're calm," he said. "[Chapels should] get to know their community. Know what the needs are at Kunsan. Know what the needs are of Wolf Pack members going on their mission and the remoteness of life in Korea. Instead of trying to support only an imagined reality, get to know your people so you can bring your skills directly to their real needs." 

  Chap. Cannon said one of the main purposes of the visit was to educate the chapel staff on force development issues, including personnel cuts that are coming to the Air Force Chaplain Service as a whole. 

  "The chapel staff members were encouraged to think creatively about ways to meet the needs of Airmen," Chap. Cannon said. "[And we're asking Airmen to think this] even though there will be a smaller chaplain corps throughout the Air Force, and a smaller chaplain presence here at Kunsan." 

  According to the chaplain, the Air Force is expected to shrink the number of chaplains from 600 to 485, effectively cutting one-sixth of the officer billets. Chaplain assistants can also expect to down size from their current levels to the mid-300 range. 

  At Kunsan, the Wolf Pack chapel will lose one chaplain as well as a downgrade in the lead chaplain's authorization from lieutenant colonel to major. 

  But help is on the way. Chap. Cannon said the chapel is looking at several ways to help mitigate the looming reductions while continuing to provide the same quality service the chapel has always given to the Wolf Pack. 

  "There are several things we are looking at to make the transition as smooth as possible," he said. "One way is the hiring of a paid, part-time Sonlight Inn director who coordinates volunteers, plan and publicizes events and coordinates the 'Friday Night' meal program. Also, in response to Accepting Follow-on Forces, we'll be working with our chaplain organizations to help supplement our own force when needed." 

  While Kunsan prepares to deal with manning cuts in the future, PACAF has to make tougher calls. Between recapitalizing the PACAF air fleet of fighters, tankers and transports as well as answering the call to fight the Global War on Terrorism, Chap. Hartwell said a chaplain's goal right now is to address the concerns of people. 

  "It's wonderful to have a modern plane on the flightline and defeat the terrorists, but if we don't take care of our people," the PACAF command chaplain said, "having that fine plane or a fine victory won't be of any value. The gospel I'm trying to preach is, as chaplains, our sole concern is to take care of the Airmen." 

  Chap. Cannon added his staff members work very hard to prioritize activities, but with personnel and budget cuts facing them, decisions will have to be made. 

  "The chapel staff will expend every effort in ways that is most consistent with the spiritual support of the wing," he said. "Some activities that were 'nice to do' in the past may not be able to be supported in the future." 

  The reduction in manning at the chapel is expected to take place in June.