Serving God and Country

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I want to share a few matters regarding my service as a chaplain in the Air Force Reserves. This month marks 13 years since I received a commission and started my military career. It has been wonderful for me in so many ways and I plan to continue for 7-10 more years, Lord willing. The military has helped me to become a much better leader than I would be otherwise. It has also provided me with wonderful friendships, and most importantly, it gives me another setting to share the ministry of Jesus for people who defend our country on a daily basis. Trust me when I say they really need the Presence of Christ and we chaplains have a unique opportunity to minister to them right where they are.

My current assignment is at Air Force Reserve Command Headquarters at Robins AFB, Ga. I have learned so much at the command level that I never would have been able to learn elsewhere. This office oversees the work of more than 1,000 reserve chaplains (officers) and religious affairs airmen (enlisted members) around the world. Another interesting fact is that this is the same office where two Ashford members held the job as THE senior chaplain in the entire Reserve Command. They are Colonel (ret) Lowrie Welton and Colonel (ret) Richard Cathy. They were responsible as the senior leader for those 1000+ personnel in the Reserve Command during their careers, and their legacy is strong in the Chaplain Corps. Don’t you think it’s amazing that the Lord led me to Ashford to be under the influence of these chaplain/pastors? I am so thankful!

This month, a promotion board will convene in Colorado to consider me for a promotion to the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Air Force Reserves. This means that they review my performance records, training, education, and overall leadership to see if a promotion to the next rank is warranted. None of the candidates up for promotion have any communication with the Board, it is a faceless process, and we do not hear the results for about 90 days. If I am selected for O-5 (Lt Col), I plan to include our church as much as possible in this occasion. Stay tuned...

As an aside, while talking about armor and Ephesians 6 and the capabilities of one of our aircraft, I mentioned the possibility of my assignment being switched to Moody Air Force Base in South Georgia. This was premature on my part, as the promotion board and other factors are still to take
shape. It could also be to another assignment other than Moody, but when it is settled, I will surely let you know.

Lastly, my ability to serve in this way is dependent upon your generosity in allowing me to go and serve the 24 days per year my reserve duty requires. Thank you, for in doing so, YOU as a congregation are fulfilling a ministry to our military. I love the USA and am grateful for a patriotic congregation to stand with me and those serving in such a dedicated way!

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Pastor Robert (a/k/a Chaplain, Major Robert Greene)