'Patron saint of flightline' boosts morale, resiliency during exercise

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Eric Burks
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KONYA, Turkey --  Visitors in search of warm weather and sandy beaches near the town of Demre on Turkey's Mediterranean coast may be surprised to also find the Church of Saint Nicholas.

Indeed, the roots of the historical 4th-century Christian saint, who would later evolve into "Father Christmas," can be traced to the area. As the Greek Bishop of Myra, Nicholas' kind deeds and acts of gift-giving led to his recognition as a patron saint around the world for more causes than any other saint, according to the St. Nicholas Center website.

Further north -- but not as far as the North Pole -- at the 3rd Main Jet Base here, another figure has recently been seen aiming to deliver good cheer and raise spirits during Anatolian Eagle 15.

Often carrying a large bag filled with cold water bottles, U.S. Air Force Chaplain (Capt.) Kenya Gray, 48th Fighter Wing, routinely visits Airmen along the flightline and in offices around the base.

"The best part of my job is engaging with our Airmen," she said, "getting to know them, hearing their stories and learning what their needs are."

Along with Master Sgt. Carlos Comas, 48th FW chaplain assistant, Gray said the goal is to extend a helping hand and let Airmen know they're here to support them.

"We want to come out where they're working, learn about their jobs, and extend our support," she said, "even through small gestures like bringing cold water out to the flightline."

Comas said, "we're here as an outlet, someone to talk to about whatever they have going on. Not just when something major is happening, but with everyday life situations."

Gray said the exercise also provided an opportunity to work at a forward operating base with Airmen from her home duty station -- the design of the Air Expeditionary Force Next system.

"It's my first experience under the new deployment model where you go with your wing," she said. "It's great to be present in the midst of the mission, to see how much they take pride in what they do."

Senior Airman Noah Gonzalez-Casttillo and his wife, Senior Airman Amber Gonzalez, both 748th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, said they appreciate the presence of an Air Force chaplain at forward operating locations.

"In Lithuania in 2014, I spent a lot of time with Chaplain (Capt.) Sean Ballard," Gonzalez-Casttillo said. "He provided a lot of spiritual support whenever I needed it."

He said, "Seeing a chaplain out here, especially over on the maintenance side, lets us know that we're cared about. Chaplain Gray has stepped into Chaplain Ballard's spot and is doing an amazing job."

His wife added, "It's nice to have the worship services and other things a chaplain can provide, but not everyone is religious or shares the same faith. So when you have someone who comes out to the flightline, brings water, and just wants to know how you're doing, it shows they really care."