Air Force-run chapel transitions to Army-run chapel

Published April 24, 2010
By Senior Airman Mindy Bloem
506th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs

KIRKUK REGIONAL AIR BASE, Iraq -- As the drawdown approaches at Kirkuk Regional Air Base, the Air Force is shifting much of its responsibility to the Army.

In order to make the transition as seamless as possible, changes are being made one step at a time, beginning with the Air Force chaplaincy.

"This turnover is an important first step because it's an opportunity to shift our two buildings and equipment to the Army so they can continue to provide support to our Air Force and Army personnel who remain on this base," said Chaplain (Maj.) Daniel Waterman, 506th Air Expeditionary Group.

The chapel staff is among the first to transfer responsibilities to the Army, and the experience has not been without challenges. However, Chaplain Waterman hopes to be a useful forerunner in this endeavor.

"Everybody wants to make this as easy as possible, but it's uncharted territory for a lot of our organizations," Chaplain Waterman said. "A lot of our agencies are not used to handing over a building to somebody else, so this is a good learning experience. I think we're going to benefit other people through all of the turmoil it's been to hand over what we have."

When Chaplain Waterman arrived at Kirkuk four months ago, he wasted no time in enlisting the Army's help.

"I wasn't going to be able to support all of the services, so we tried right away to get some of these other chaplains involved," he said. "The evening service I immediately turned over to one of their chaplains. The gospel service - they were effectively running anyway, but it was something on our books and that just didn't make any sense, so we turned that over to them. We coordinated with them to get a Catholic priest here regularly, and he visits here once a week."

Chaplain Waterman and the head Army chaplain, Maj. Mark Diddle, agree that fostering friendships greatly aids in processes like these.

"We've had great cooperation with Chaplain Diddle and Staff Sgt. (Tameka) Dixon (Army chaplain assistant), and I think that's been the thing that's made it very easy," Chaplain Waterman said. "When you have those relationships, when you've built some trust, they don't feel like they're getting saddled with something and it works really well."

"Chaplain Waterman and I have worked closely together as far as the drawdown and in preparation for the hand over, making sure there is a seamless flow between service schedules so the Soldiers and the Airmen stationed here don't feel as much of an impact from the transition," said Chaplain Diddle.

Although the Army chapel staff is now responsible for all of the religious programs on base, the chaplains want personnel to know the turnover will not affect them directly.

"People will notice no difference," said Chaplain Waterman. "That's the beauty of the transition. Times change every time a new chaplain comes in so it will always be flexible, but there will be Protestant services, Catholic services, LDS (Latter Day Saints) services and Bible studies throughout the week. Chaplain Diddle will work primarily out of this office, so he will be available. There will still be Wifi and Hotel Charlie.

Both chaplains expressed a sense of satisfaction to be involved in the joint transition effort here.

"I was in the Army a long time, and I'm a big believer in joint ministry and joint operations," Chaplain Waterman said. "I've never understood inner service rivalry. I wanted to build relationships where I could. While I was here, I saw many Soldiers in my office. The Army chaplains have done ministry with many Air Force Airmen and personnel throughout their time here. So we've tried to make this the chaplains of KRAB. We try to take care of everybody."

Chaplain Diddle said, "I think we're talking about a fairly easy transition. Within the chaplain's corps - whether you're talking Army Air Force, Navy - we all operate pretty much interchangeably when we come to environments like this one and being able to provide religious support to the Air Force, the Army or any other personnel is pretty much the same. All of us, no matter what uniform we wear, have to drink water, eat food, and we're all spiritual and need the same type of spiritual care."

For changes in service times, individuals may pick up a worship schedule at the Freedom Chapel on base