An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Chaplain named recipient of coveted award

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman David Carbajal
  • 451st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan --  A 451st Air Expeditionary Wing chaplain was named the recipient of the Witherspoon Award Oct. 19.

Chaplain (Capt.) Kevin Humphrey, deployed from Kadena Air Base, Japan, was selected as one of three 2011 winners of the National Bible Association award.

According to the U.S. Air Forces Central Command chaplain, this prestigious award is given to one outstanding military chaplain from each branch of the Armed Services who not only has a deep personal commitment to Bible reading, but whose actions and day-to-day activities encourage others to read, study and apply the Bible's principles to their lives.

"To me, it is a sacred award because it's specific in dealing with my calling," said Humphrey. The chaplain was nominated for this award prior to deploying to Kandahar Airfield.

"I was very humbled that my supervisor would even think that I was worthy to be put in for that award," he added. "When I found out I won the award, tears filled my eyes. I dropped to my hands and knees and said 'I'm not worthy and this is your award, Lord.' Thank you for allowing me to receive this."

"After that, I was in awe for 24 hours," he added.

The Witherspoon Award is given out in cooperation with each U.S. military branch's Chief of Chaplain, and is named after the famous World War I and II chaplain, Maurice Witherspoon, who served as a trustee of the National Bible Association.

"Chaplain Humphrey's faith and compassion for others brings comfort and support to the Airmen and other service members here at Kandahar," said Brig. Gen. Thomas Deale, 451st Air Expeditionary Wing commander. "His recognition as the Air Force's Witherspoon Award recipient is testament of his commitment to our nation and Air Force, and I am thankful that he is our Wing Chaplain and proud of his service. He makes a difference every day to our team."

The award presentation will be held at the Awards Gala at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City Nov. 17.

The chaplain's wife, Jennifer Humphrey, will receive the award on his behalf while he continues serving in Afghanistan.

"I'm really happy for my wife because I wouldn't be the man that I am without her," said Humphrey. "I just think she deserves some of the credit. For her to be honored is the greatest joy I can ever have."

Prior to his military career, the chaplain worked in various programs in ministry.

"I worked with children, young adult to senior citizen, but nothing seemed to click. Then September 11th happened," he said.

Humphrey decided to join the Air Force after 9/11 and was commissioned in 2003.