Chapel opens doors to the people

Published Dec. 18, 2015
By Senior Airman Alex Fox Echols III
325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- With the hustle and bustle of holidays, there is a need for a place of refuge from the pressure or difficulties that come with the season. Recently, the Chapel opened its doors to show what it has to offer.

The base Chapel hosted an open house to introduce their staff, showcase their services and foster relationships with the members of Team Tyndall, Dec. 11.

"Events like this are important because it helps people understand that the Chaplin Corps cares for the spiritual needs for the Tyndall community," said Maj. Ismael Rodriguez, 325th Fighter Wing chaplain. "During the holiday season, we want people to know we're here to give a message of hope. We also want people to understand the Chapel is a place that they can go not only for worship and spiritual reflection, but to talk about the stresses or problems they may be facing this holiday season."

Open house attendee Michelle Lasater, 325th Medical Operations Squadron Family Advocacy outreach manager, echoed his thoughts.

"These events give the Tyndall population a chance to meet the chaplains and form a relationship," Lasater said. "It's a good way for them to find out that the chaplains are spiritually available for them, and I think spirituality is important all the time, not just during the holidays."

Though holidays are filled with festivities and merriment, they can be a difficult time for many of Tyndall's populace, Rodriguez said.

"Sometimes during the holiday season, people face a loss or separation of a loved one due to deployment or work related duties," Rodriguez said. "This is a time of joy, peace and love, but it could also be a stressful time for some families. It is important for people to come together so they know there is someone that cares for them and they are not alone."

Anyone having a difficult time can call 283-2925 or visit the chapel from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday to receive assistance. In the event of an emergency outside these working hours, they can call the Command Post at 283-2155 to reach the on-duty Chaplin.

"The Chaplain Corps staff has a unique mission that is not provided by anyone else. We are in place to protect and defend people's constitutional right to the freedom of religion," Rodriguez said. "We are also the only ones who provide 100 percent confidentiality. So patrons have a place for not only spiritual support, but also a place where they can talk about their problems and issues."

The open house was also an opportunity to show off the recent renovations to the Chapel facility.

"We just finished a more than one million dollar renovation of the facility, and we wanted to take the opportunity to open our doors for people to see the new facility," Rodriguez said. "It's available for people to use not only by our chapel community but for the base community as well."

Tyndall personnel that would like to book a room for an event can make a facility request through the Chaplain Assistants by calling 283-2926.