DUKE FIELD, Fla. -- The role of a special operations chaplain is that of constant communication. Be it counseling Airmen before, during and after deployments, visiting units, praying at ceremonies or just listening without judgement, their entire mission is communication flow. “Think of us as spiritual first responders,” said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Barry Dickson, the 919th Special Operations Wing’s head chaplain. “We are here to listen and help in any way we can.”
The wing’s two chaplain officers and their enlisted assistants make themselves available through visiting each unit here on a quarterly basis as well as speaking events and briefings.
“Our goal is to be there for the Airmen and create a sense of trust, so if they need to talk with us they feel comfortable doing so,” said Chaplain (Maj.) John Rollyson, a former enlisted security forces Airman turned church pastor and Air Force chaplain.
A benefit of talking with the chaplain is that of confidentiality. Conversations with a chaplain, stay with the chaplain unless the individual asks for outside help. Airmen can speak with a chaplain on any range of topics in the Air Force or sometimes just to vent their aggravation or frustration without repercussions. The chaplains are there to just “talk it out” if needed.
“That’s a unique opportunity we provide here - to just allow Airmen to unload their burdens or get things off their chests,” said Dickson.
A misconception about the chaplain’s services is an Airman does not have to be religious or be of the same faith to receive help or to talk.
“Just because you aren’t a religious person, doesn’t mean you can’t talk with us or receive help,” said Dickson, a chaplain for 16 years. “We are here for everyone, not just those who have specific beliefs.”
The overall goal of the chaplaincy is to help and cater to Airmen’s spiritual self. They are one of many resources the Air Force provides to assist with resiliency or coping with and overcoming life’s difficulties.
“Spiritual fitness is a key component to the overall wellness of our special operators and we are here to provide any help required to meet that need,” said Dickson. “We want the people we serve to be the best Airmen they can be.”