A day in the life of a chaplain

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Micaiah Anthony
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  The smell of fresh coffee fills the morning air as an Air Force Chaplain sits in a chair basking in silence, preparing for the day's tasks. He grabs his cup and heads out the door not knowing what the day may hold for him.

Capt. Richard Holmes, member of the 2nd Bomb Wing Chaplain Corps, starts his day at approximately 5 a.m. On some mornings, he exercises with his Airmen but on non-exercise days, he starts work in one of four offices.

"I typically spend 10 to 15 hours a week planning for Sunday's sermon and worship service," Holmes said. "Unless I am in a counseling session, my door is always open to give Airmen the opportunity to talk."

While in his office, Holmes manages and selects volunteers to help plan and organize worship services, bible studies, committees, youth groups and events.

"We are striving to get a complete community of active duty members, spouses and retirees in all of our leadership positions," he said.

Holmes is the chaplain for the 2nd Maintenance Group and 2nd Operations Group. Whenever he isn't in his office, Chaplain Holmes likes to visit and spend time with the men and women in those units.

"It's important to visit our valuable Airmen in order to establish a relationship with them. We hope as chaplains and chaplain assistants to build trust with all our Airmen," Holmes said.

Holmes rarely has the opportunity to take a lunch break. He often picks up a quick snack while on the way to important meetings with other chaplains, commanders and first sergeants.

"Our commanders and first sergeants need to know who we are so they can count on us when they have an Airman in crisis," Holmes said. "Meeting with the commanders and first sergeants allow us to better meet the needs of Barksdale's Airmen."

Occasionally, in the afternoon, Holmes takes time from his day to check on the remodeling process at the Rivers Edge, which he describes as "an alcohol free environment designed to help all of Barksdale's Airmen to build a strong supportive community."

Even after his duty hours are over, Holmes commits a large majority of his time to serving Airmen and their families. "Chaplain Holmes' care and concern for Airmen is from the Heart," Lt. Col. Robert Odell, 2nd Bomb Wing chaplain, said.

Deployment briefings for spouses are often held in the evening to ensure those who have jobs are able to attend and receive the valuable information.

The chapel provides briefings for Airmen and their spouses, to give them the tools they need for handling the deployed lifestyle.

A chaplain's day is filled with many important tasks, meetings and responsibilities. Some of those responsibilities can become overwhelming, not only for a chaplain, but their family as well.

Holmes said he's able to deal with things when they get overwhelming because it's what he was called to do.

"I don't look at this as a job, I look at this as a calling," he said. "I love my calling, I have a very supportive family who understands what we, as a family, are called to do, and I have a regular fitness schedule to help as a de-stressor. Our Chapel team strives to leave a positive impact on at least one person's life a day. I think that is a goal all of us should have."