A day in the life of a chaplain assistant

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Micaiah Anthony
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La., --  The faint sound of footsteps grow louder as they approach a door. The footsteps stop and keys jingle as a heavy wooden door slowly creaks open. The light spills across the floor, slowly stretching toward the front of the room. A silhouette standing in the door way is suddenly replaced with an Airman as the chapel lights flicker on.

Staff Sergeant Jermain Smith, 2nd Bomb Wing chaplain assistant, starts work each day by walking around the perimeter of Chapel 1, ensuring the security of the building hasn't been compromised and the chapel grounds are presentable. Once inside, he checks his e-mail for any pressing issues that need to be addressed.

Around 9 a.m. Smith makes his way to Chapel 2 to set up daily mass.

"It is very important to set the chapel up correctly for each service," said Smith. "The chapel provides different services for different religions, and we want to ensure that the church's environment matches the service being provided at that time."

After setting up, Smith gathers offerings collected during the services from both chapels and takes it to a local bank. The offerings help support events sponsored by the chapel, retreats, River's Edge and family programs.

"Sergeant Smith has tackled the difficult job of revamping our appropriated funds and has secured more than 50,000 dollars in end of year funding," said Lt. Col. Robert Odell, wing chaplain.

The remainder of Smith's morning consists of performing administrative duties such as managing contracts, meeting contractors and purchasing office supplies. Smith also utilizes this time to assist other chaplain assistants.

"We help each other out and make sure all tasks get done so our team can stay on track," Smith said.

In the afternoon, Smith visits different squadrons with a chaplain as part of a religious support team. The visits help boost morale and remind Airmen that the chapel is always there for them.

"Giving Airmen the support they need and keeping their morale up is our main focus," Smith said.

The remainder of Smith's day is spent briefing the wing chaplain on offerings and funds, documenting purchases made throughout the day and finishing paperwork.

"Smith is an outstanding NCO and leader within our chapel program here at Barksdale," said Odell. "He takes on every challenge and I'm blessed to have him as a part of our team."