New chapel program reaches out to Osan Airmen

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Terri Barriere
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  
**This article is the first installment in a series on "coping with the holiday blues" at Osan.

Just in time for the often difficult holiday season, the 51st Fighter Wing Chapel has rolled out a new program to help Osan Airmen embrace the wingman concept.

Frontline Outreach is a volunteer-based program centered on the notion of Airmen taking care of Airmen.

"We just want to let people know we're here, we care about them and we want to make sure they are safe," said Capt. Ann Luna, 51st FW chaplain. "That's our main concern."

As a part of the ministry, frontline volunteers greet fellow Airmen as they enter and exit the main gate here. Airmen are then offered free food and drinks, and a wingman if needed.

The chaplain said the intent of the program is to build morale for the troops, no matter their religious affiliation or branch of service.

"This is where the rubber meets the road," Chaplain Luna said. "It's all about warrior care, it's not about raising money, it's about building relationships. This is our way of connecting with Osan, developing relationships and helping people put a face with the organization."

The chaplain said the monthly program is also a good way to get Airmen involved in the local community.

"This is another opportunity to give back to the base, and a lot of Airmen take time out of their own schedules to come out here, make burritos, hand out water or hot chocolate and just be good wingmen," she said.

Senior Master Sgt. Billy Hess, 51st Medical Support Squadron superintendent, said he volunteered for the Frontline Outreach program as a means of bonding with his Airmen.

"Part of my job is taking care of people in my squadron, and this is just another way for me to connect with them in a different atmosphere on a different level," he said.

Tech. Sgt. Joanne Burgess, 51 FW Chapel assistant, said the program is a good way to get out and meet other Airmen and provides more of an avenue for helping agencies such as the chapel to let the base know they're there.

"If there are one or two people who see us next week and remember our face, maybe they will come up to us in the Base Exchange for help, then this program has been a success," said Sergeant Hess.

To volunteer for Frontline Outreach or speak with a chaplain, call 784-5000.