Establishing Communication Bridges

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- The 916th Air Refueling Wing’s Chaplains Office held a Random Act of Chapel Kindness Attack at the 916th Logistics Readiness Squadron during the July unit training assembly.

The R.A.C.K Attack was held with LRS members to promote communication and support to the Airmen there.

“Our goal is to get to know people and become familiar with them so there isn’t any communication barrier between us and them,” said Tech. Sgt. Roy Tart, 916th ARW chaplain assistant. “We make sure they feel comfortable to come to us and seek support before things get unbearable.”

During the R.A.C.K Attack, food was provided and it gave the chaplains office the opportunity to talk with LRS members.

“The chaplains office provides spiritual care and we are a good first line of response for issues they may have,” said Tech. Sgt. Christopher Amey, 916th ARW chaplain assistant. “We remind them that there is always some place to go.”

The 916th Equal Opportunity Office and the 916th Inspector General Complaints Resolutions office, two other helping agencies, were also present at the R.A.C.K Attack event.

“We were there to remind them of where we are located and that we not only handle EO complaints but provide human resources and education as well as offer advice,” said Tech. Sgt. Andy Best, 916th ARW equal opportunity advisor.

“We work in conjunction with the chaplains office and the IG staff performing out and abouts, asking folks about their working environment and getting to know members,” said Best. “We like to join and assist the chaplains when needed.”

“Our focus is to do unit visits and put our faces and names out there so people will know who to come to,” said Maj. Hope Norton, 916th ARW inspector general of complaints resolutions. “I like them to know I’m available.”

“It helps people to know that I am here [for them] when they see me around,” said Norton. “I’ve noticed when I go visit a unit, someone will reach out to me and they may not necessarily have a complaint but need an ear to listen.”

The chaplains office wanted to thank all that were instrumental in assisting them with the R.A.C.K Attack.

“The 4th [Fighter Wing] chaplains have funded this event and they are the reason we are financially able to do a R.A.C.K Attack,” said Amey. “They have been extremely supportive and are good folks over there.”

During this event, there were approximately 75 LRS members in attendance. The chaplains office would like to have a R.A.C.K Attack at least once a quarter.

Another R.A.C.K Attack is scheduled during the August UTA for the 567th RED HORSE Squadron.