Chaplain assistant earns Air Force-wide award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Joshua Eikren
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (AFNS) --  An Airman here received the Spirit of the Four Chaplains award, an annual Air Force-level award, during a ceremony here June 22.

Chaplain (Col.) Gary S. Linsky, the Air Mobility Command chaplain, presented the award to Master Sgt. Esmeralda Aharon, the AMC House Chapel evaluations and staff support manager.

"This award means the world to me because of what it represents," said Aharon. "It is given in honor of four chaplains who sacrificed their lives so that others could live."

The award, which honors the four chaplains of the World War II U.S. Army transport ship Dorchester, encourages service before self and celebrates the Air Force's religious diversity.

"As a chaplain assistant, Aharon has had the privilege of working with officers and enlisted members of every denomination," retired Col. Sue Busler said. "All have been positively impacted by her professional work ethic, her confident leadership and her vast knowledge, to say nothing of her kindness, empathy, generosity and selflessness."

The award may be presented to any nominated chaplain, chaplain assistant, chaplain service civilian employee or chapel volunteer. Any Air Force member may submit a nomination for this award. Busler nominated Aharon after working together at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., and Scott AFB in chapel environments.

"Master Sergeant Aharon's name is associated with unbound energy, meticulous attention to detail, extraordinary networking, professional appearance, dynamic leadership, keen intellect and dedication," said Busler.

In addition, the award recognizes those in the chaplain service community who give of themselves to enhance the spiritual lives of others.

"Aharon demonstrated the greatest capacity of service and put her hand in every hand of the community," Linsky said. "Her service speaks volumes in this day and age where we are torn from reaching out with others."

Aharon continues to have her hands in the community, with volunteering at Scott AFB and her continual support of the Air Force chapels.

"I'm humbled by such a distinguished award because I serve and volunteer in appreciation for what I have received," said Aharon. "I serve because I'm alive today by God's grace."