Starting to settle in
It is hard to believe that I have already been here a week. The deployment is going to fly by if this pace keeps up. We have spent most of this week getting acquainted with the units we cover, learning our way around, and figuring out how to get access to all the places that we are going to have to work.
The turnover process went smoothly. We got tours and updates by the outgoing team. We learned about the procedures on base and how to get around. We had lots of conversations about what worked well on the last rotation, and what could be done differently. All too soon we had to say goodbye and put them on the plane for home. They were happy to head back to family and friends, but will be missed by the people whose lives they touched here.
The learning curve has been fairly steep, but we are beginning to get our feet under us. This was the first week that our team was completely in charge. We had a good worship service. I preached, and another Protestant chaplain helped lead worship. Next week it is going to be the other way around. It has been great to get a chance to know the squadrons we are going to cover, and the team we will be working with. The deployment will be challenging, but at least we are settling in and I am still feeling glad that I have been given this opportunity.
OPSEC/Air Force disclaimers:
While sharing some particular moments from my government sponsored camping trip, I need to mention a concept that the Air Force refers to as OPSEC, or operational security. Essentially, it is a modern way of saying “loose lips sink ships.” Travel dates, my location, and the details of what I am doing are all going to remain unsaid in this forum and on social media. Instead, I am going to occasionally share generalized “day in the life of a chaplain” posts that are produced in conversation with our unit’s public affairs folks. Please understand if there are certain questions or topics that I refrain from discussing in this particular setting.
This blog is produced on my own time using personal equipment. No Air Force or DOD endorsement is implied.
Niece and nephew disclaimer:
Two of my nieces and nephews are old enough to understand the meaning of deployment. On the other hand, four of my nieces and nephews are still young enough that what I am doing is hard to comprehend. One of my goals with these posts is to give them a better understanding of the experience, but to do so in a way that is age and OPSEC appropriate. Many of my posts will include pictures of stuffed animals, pets, and their favorite action figures. This approach is by no means meant to downplay the seriousness of the job that our Airmen are doing. It is intended to help four particular young people understand why their uncle has disappeared for a while, and to give them a sense of what I, and the people with whom I serve, are up to.
