Whether conducting service or casually chatting with Airmen seeking spiritual guidance, military chaplains here stand ready to help.

The 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing’s five chaplains and three assistants offer the same services found at stateside bases.

That is in addition to dealing with the unique spiritual needs that come from working in a deployed location.

"Our primary mission is to ensure each person's constitutional right to exercise -- or not exercise -- their faith (is not violated)," said Chaplain (Maj.) Mark McDaniel, the wing’s Protestant chaplain.

Balad has services for many religions. There are also more than 30 Army chaplains at Logistics Staging Area Anaconda ready to help. And the abundance of minority faith services provided should meet most needs, the chaplain said.

"However, should a person's need not be met, we do our best to provide space for the individual to practice their faith, seek higher headquarters (guidance) for chaplain personnel to meet that need,” he said. Or the chaplains “go through the process of officially recognizing a person of that faith group to be a non-chaplain leader.”

The chaplains also provide counseling, Bible studies and religious rites. But, formal religious activities are not the chaplain's only responsibilities, Chaplain McDaniel said. It is also important for chaplains to be visible to the troops they serve.

"Each chaplain has a particular group where he ministers," he said. "Although we are here for Air Force personnel, we have ministered to Army, Marine, Navy, civilian, Iraqi national and other third country nationals."

Chaplains do work with people seeking counseling or support.

"A majority of the issues (that come up during counseling) are going on back home, thousands of miles away," said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) David Fitz-Patrick, the wing’s Catholic chaplain.

Every person receives personalized attention, Chaplain McDaniel said.

"Each chaplain is available -- at any time -- to provide spiritual and ethical counseling for any individual," Chaplain McDaniel said. "We provide an environment away from the work spaces where people can openly vent their feelings and struggles in a safe and confidential manner."

Initially, chaplains listen for people who are hurting, he said.

"Our primary approach to any crisis or dilemma is through the lens of faith and spirituality,” Chaplain McDaniel said. “Offering a time of prayer is standard in our response to any crises where a person has sought out a chaplain."

For now, the chaplain staff is concentrating on its continued support of Balad’s people. And with upcoming holidays, they expect to be busy.

"As the holidays approach, this might be the first time some people are away from their families, and it's hard to not get emotionally upset," Chaplain Fitz-Patrick said. "We know people will be turning to us -- maybe not for answers, but for support."

-- Erin Zagursky, 435th Air Base Wing Public Affairs at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, contributed to this article.