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Total force team ministers to 380th AEW

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  The spirit of total force cooperation is alive and well at the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing in a place where spirit is the most essential - the chapel.

The three chaplains at the wing each come from one of the components of the Air Force: active duty, Reserve and Air National Guard.

For Chaplain (Maj.) James Danford, an Air Force Reservist, having their trio is advantageous to helping Airmen deployed here because it helps bridge communication gaps.

"When someone comes to see us, we often ask them if they're active, Guard or Reserve -- if we think it's appropriate to their situation -- and if they'd like to talk to someone from their branch," said Danford, deployed from Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. "We've found they often do take advantage of that because each chaplain understands the unique challenges of our own branch based on personal experience. A Reservist might find it easier to talk to me because I'm a Reservist too."

Establishing a rapport with someone is important for the chaplains because it helps them better care for whatever issues are being addressed, Danford said.

"It gives us an instant connecting point," the Ariton, Ala., native explained. "The faster we can establish an understanding between us and someone we're talking with, the easier it is to help them resolve whatever brought them to us in the first place."
As the active duty chaplain, Capt. Rolf Holmquist also caters to many enlisted military members because of his prior service experience.

"I was a (technical) sergeant before I became a chaplain," said Holmquist, a Minehill, N.J., native deployed from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. "I understand a lot of the pressures of being a junior Airman and being an NCO, so I can relate to the enlisted force. I remember what it was like, so I think it helps some people to know that.

"Deployments are tough," Holmquist continued. "There are a lot of pressures and many things competing for our attention - family, friends, coworkers and the mission. Having the team here that we do gives our wing something for everyone. Any one of us is comfortable talking to anyone from any branch. But if someone wants specifically to talk to someone who understands active, Guard or Reserve issues, we can accommodate them."

While the varied experiences of the chaplains help them care for the total force deployed here, what's most important is that they're all Airmen, said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Michael Butler, the wing chaplain deployed from the Missouri ANG.

"Each component brings it own unique perspective and challenges to the fight," Butler said. "The benefit of having active duty, Guard and Reserve is that it helps meet a greater diversity and brings a better understanding of the needs and issues of our Airmen."