Air Force names Lajes chaplain No. 1 for 2005

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Marcus McDonald
  • 65th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
LAJES FIELD, Azores --  The Air Force recently named the flightline chaplain at Lajes as its Outstanding Company Grade Chaplain of the Year for 2005.

Chaplain (Capt.) David Knight received the news from his Squadron Officer School commandant on the first day of class. 

“I was shocked and very humbled to find out about the news like this – in front of our entire student body of more than 600 people,” Chaplain Knight said. “How awesome it is to be able to represent a small and remote location before the entire Air Force. This award says a lot about our people and the impact that each Lajes Airman makes toward the Air Force mission.” 

The Protestant chaplain, recalling when he joined the Air Force, said the award validated his decision. 

“At 9:30 a.m. EST on Sept. 11, 2001, I was at an Air Force recruiter’s office in Knoxville, Tenn., turning in my application package to be an Air Force chaplain,” Chaplain Knight explained. “I had started the process in March of 2001. 

"My recruiter was the one who informed me about the attacks and said, ‘Reverend, it looks like the Air Force will need your services.’ I was commissioned four months later and began my Air Force career. 

“Every day that I have served has been a validation of that decision,” he continued. “This award only continues to validate and confirm the new direction for ministry and service to which God has led me. After 19 years of ministry, it is definitely the highlight of all that I have experienced both as a pastor and a chaplain.” 

Stepping up to serve in several leadership roles at Lajes during times of limited manning helped Chaplain Knight shine in the Air Force-level competition. 

“I had great support from leadership throughout the year, but especially during the summer months when I served as acting wing chaplain,” he explained. “They were very diligent about submitting my package and making sure it was a quality one. Also making this possible were participants in the chapel programs and the chapel staff. Without their support and hard work, none of this would have been possible.” 

Chaplain Knight said he appreciates the leadership opportunities he’s received while being at Lajes. 

“Most company-grade chaplains don’t get these types of opportunities,” he said. “This place has offered an experience in leadership and service that has been a golden opportunity for me."

Chaplain Knight expressed appreciation to those who led, encouraged and supported him through the challenges of 2005. 

“I thank God for my wife and children who both support me and keep me focused on what is important in life,” he said. “My wife deserves special credit. After 18 years she continues to believe in me, my call to ministry, and brings out the best in my life. I thank God for the opportunity to serve our Air Force,” he continued. “I thank Him for every Airman at Lajes who I have been able to serve and have served me and my family in the cause of defending freedom around the world.” 

Col. Robert Winston, 65th Air Base Wing commander, gave high accolades for the efforts of Chaplain Knight and the rest of the chapel staff here. 

“Chaplain Knight is a tremendous leader who helps ensure the spiritual readiness of our team,” Colonel Winston said. “[Spiritual readiness] is particularly important to Lajes’ contribution to the fight, and I’m very proud of Chaplain Knight as well as the rest of our chaplains and chapel staff.” 

Capt. Brad Stebbins, 65th Operations Support Squadron Weather Flight commander and regular participant in chapel-based activities, gave Chaplain Knight high marks as well. 

“Chaplain Knight’s enthusiasm and energy are infectious,” Captain Stebbins said. “He has a unique way of connecting both with his congregation and the base as a whole.”