CS 08.8 - Been a While

So, it's been several weeks again between posts. So much has happened! I've graduated from the CCC (Chaplain Candidate Course) and have already visited several bases on the CCIIP Tour (Chaplain Candidate Intensive Internship Program). Please feel free to check out the photos I've posted by clicking the link at the top of the page. Immediately following this post I'm going to add a devotional thought that I shared with my squadron during CCC.

Where have I been, you ask. Immediately following CCC I drove from Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, AL to Robins AFB in Warner Robins, GA. During our stay at Robins we visited the flight line and the shops where they work on the F-15's as well as visiting the AF Museum (see photos).

I then experienced my first C130 flight to Patrick AFB in Cocoa Beach, FL where we had several briefings about the various missions of that base including both the space and rescue mission. The Airmen at Patrick are top notch and we all had a great experience there meeting the PJ's from the 920th Rescue Squadron as well as the various others from the 45th Space Wing who support the Space Mission. While in Cocoa beach I also visited Ron Jon's Surf shop, did PT on the beach in the morning, as well as take a deep sea fishing trip (where I caught a baracuda).

Leg three of the trip started again with a C130 flight to Homestead ARB (where I'm writing this from) which is just south of Miami, FL. This base is unique because it is a Reserve Base. It had previously been an active duty base and was nearly closed for good following the 1992 hurricane Andrew. The ministry setting here is unique because the base is comprised entirely reservists. I was blessed to go on visitation twice to the Equipment Maintenance Squadron with Chaplain Fink. On my second round of visitation he asked me to take the lead since I had been before. This was a great time as we got to know some of the Airmen serving in the various shops as well as how they support the Mako's, F16's, to which the base is home.

From Homestead we will be traveling to Charlestown AFB, SC and will be traveling on a C17. This will be yet another new experience as the C17 is a large Airlift aircraft. Just to give you an idea of how large a C17 is I should mention that it is able to house 10 Hummers within its cargo bay.

Keep your eyes peeled for new pictures. My ability to connect to the internet has been very unstable so I am not always able to post as often as I would like. However, I will tell you that this is a trip of a lifetime and I am blessed to be able to be a part of this experience. My flight commander/mentor, Ch. Dickens is an incredible man who serves as the reserve wing chaplain at Wright Patterson AFB, OH. Our Chaplain Assistant, Patricia "Trish" Ayres is an incredible asset to the Squadron as well. I look forward to telling you all more about them as time progresses. I have been able to learn much merely by observing them both in action as they lead us though this tour.