Columbus, Ohio (09/12/13) — Nearly 40 clergy members from across the state attended the Ohio National Guard’s Clergy Familiarization Tour event Sept. 12, 2013, at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base.
Clergy members heard from several speakers, including Brig. Gen. John Harris, assistant adjutant general for Army, who spoke about the mission and vision of the Ohio National Guard, and future organizational changes. They also listened to Army chaplains speak about troop spiritual wellness and ministry in combat.
Dr. James Futrell, pastor of pastoral care at Fairhaven Church in Centerville, Ohio, said he was curious about recent changes enacted by the Defense Department, with regard to allowing homosexuals to serve in the military and accompanying domestic partner benefits.
“This is a great opportunity,” Futrell said. “I appreciate what Brig. Gen. Harris said about incorporating the changes, and how they are going to respect everyone.”
Afterward, the clergy toured a hangar a Rickenbacker where static displays gave them a first-hand look at the Ohio National Guard’s capabilities. Equipment on display included a Virtual Convoy Operations Trainer (VCOT), Beamhit laser marksmanship trainer, Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter and aircrew flight equipment.
Clergy were also treated to a tour of an Ohio Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker. The KC-135 is a large Boeing airplane that refuels aircraft while in midflight, thus removing the need for military planes to land several times before arriving at their destination.
“I am excited to experience this because it acquaints me with the lifestyle of some of the people I presently minister to,” Futrell said. “I am particularly interested in the aircrew flight equipment. My son-in-law is stationed in Okinawa, Japan, and flies the KC-135.”
As they made their way around the hangar, they noticed a display of Special Forces weapons which included weapons confiscated from enemy forces. Dan Alexoff, pastor at First Freedom Baptist Church in Brimfield, Ohio, was intrigued by the weapons on display. “It was nice to be able to see and compare,” Alexoff said. “I also appreciated Staff Sgt. Clemente explaining the different weapons to me, because I have no military experience.”
The goal for the day was to build awareness about the spiritual needs of service members and their Families, and engage civilian congregations in support of their tangible needs, according to Lt. Col. Kathy Lowrey, director of community outreach for the Ohio National Guard. Nearly half of the attendees expressed interest in supporting an Ohio National Guard Clergy Working Group.
“No one is a better sensor about the climate of a Soldier than a chaplain,” Harris said. |
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