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Al Udeid Chaplain’s Team kicks off operation B.U.S.

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Kerry Jackson
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar --  The Chaplain’s team here, kicked off operation Build Up Spirituality, an all-out effort to increase resiliency for U.S. servicemembers deployed far away from home and from loved ones during the holiday season.

The wing chapel team, Mental Health providers and technicians, first sergeants and the military and family life counselor, hitched a ride on the base shuttle to talk with servicemembers and hear their stories, and thank them for all they are doing here, something Col. Gerald Henry, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Chaplain, said helps build resiliency.

“The message we delivered to servicemembers was that you can do it,” said Henry. “You can get through the holidays and you can accomplish your mission despite being away from your loved ones – and you can do it with resiliency.”

Henry said something as simple as listening to Airmen goes a long way and the feedback he received about operation BUS was great.

“They absolutely loved it - I think it’s another way for Airmen to tell their stories,” said Henry. “I listened to about thirty different stories and what I’ve always found is that you learn a lot more by listening than you do by talking.”

Despite his primary mission being serving Airmen, Henry is always joint and coalition focused when it comes to serving the Al Udeid community.

“I think it’s a great honor that it’s not just about Airmen, it’s also about our joint and coalition partners, so we’re here to take care of everybody. We see joint and coalition a lot in our worship services, in either Mass, Hanukah, or Christian services, so this is something we’re always focused on."

This is the second time this year for operation BUS; however, the Chapel team has many outreach programs that support the Al Udeid community throughout the year.