JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
The U.S. Air Force trains Airmen in Comprehensive Airman Fitness, which is based on four pillars: physical fitness, mental fitness, social fitness and spiritual fitness. An Airman who is considered "fit" in all four categories, is considered "fit to fight" according to CAF. To help the single Airmen of Langley Air Force Base--who mostly live in the dormitories--with the social and spiritual pillars, the Langley Chapel runs a program called the Single Airmen Ministry.
The ministry's mission is to support the spiritual journey of Airmen, promote activities that develop healthy relationships, value service to others and build leaders of faith and moral character.
U.S. Air Force Chaplain (Capt.) Michael McDonald, 633rd Air Base Wing chaplain, said recent developments of the ministry have brought about several concurrent changes that will positively affect Airmen in the dormitories.
"Over the last few years, the chapel has led off-base retreats and weekly studies, but we are looking forward to even more," McDonald said. "In November, we will begin an Airmen Worship Service on Thursdays while continuing our regular Tuesday dorm dinners in the First Term Airman Center."
McDonald also affirmed the Chapel is partnering with the United Service Organizations in February to have an Airmen Ministry Center. Its location will be in the new Airman Leadership building, behind the base theater and Shoppette; it will no longer be in the First Term Airman Center.
The new worship service in November, named 707--a play on the Bible's use of 70 times seven in parable about forgiveness--will be held on Thursdays at precisely 7:07 p.m. The Single Airmen Ministry's dormitory dinner bible studies are held on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. Events are scheduled to be held in the FTAC building until February, when the new Airmen Ministry Center is established.
McDonald said he believes this is a good step toward a healthier Air Force.
"The Air Force seems to put so much time and energy into building and training our Airmen to be war-fighters, but also desires its Airmen to build an authentic community, serve others and develop their leadership abilities in a holistic manner," McDonald said. "That's what the Chapel is doing with the Single Airmen Ministry."
By assisting Airmen in the development of positive peer groups, the Single Airmen Ministry aims to instill peacefulness, better resilience and mental toughness in Airmen. McDonald said they hope the new changes will facilitate this process.
For more information about the Single Airmen Ministry or the upcoming Airmen Ministry Center, contact the Langley Chapel at 764-7847.