Chief of chaplains visits Incirlik

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Patrice Clarke
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey (AFNEWS) --  More than 240 Incirlik AB members attended the National Prayer Observance dinner that featured the Air Force chief of chaplains held Jan. 26 at the base chapel.

"It's the Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who are the brave ones, who know about the trials of our day," said Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Charles Baldwin.

"They stand on the wall, disarm the IED, chase down the terrorist, fly into the storms and know that every day has its trials, but they report for duty anyway," the chaplain said.

Chaplain Baldwin said military members make their days count because they live them for others.

"Why do we send people to Incirlik, Turkey? For others. Why do crew dogs fly that C-130 (Hercules) into the hostile air space? For others. Why do pilots fly the F-16 (Fighting Falcons) so close to the ground? For others. Why do (explosive ordnance disposal) troops go out every day and disarm and (improvised explosive devices)? For others. Our professional duty becomes our personal commitment," he said.

The observance, which is traditionally held as a breakfast, was changed to a dinner to better accommodate the Incirlik AB community.

"We hoped offering an evening format with a free dinner and free child care preceding the event would encourage greater participation," said Chaplain (Capt.) Crystal Jones, a protestant chaplain.

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