Base chapel offers counseling to Airmen and families

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Micky Bazaldua
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
The chapel offers risk-free personal and professional assistance for Airmen and dependents in need of guidance.

Whether their problems are personal, professional, financial or even ethical, the chaplains here are devoted to helping Team Seymour stay mentally, emotionally and spiritually healthy.

Airmen and their dependents are free to see a chaplain whenever they feel necessary, but it is up to Airmen and dependents to take the first step.
When faced with a problem, chaplains recommend coming to see them as soon as possible.

"The earlier the better," said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Charles Horvath, a reservist attached to the chapel here. "Problems tend to grow worse the longer they remain unfixed."
Chaplains provide a listening ear and suggest ways to find answers. If they cannot help, they can always suggest referrals to other sources.

Typical issues chaplains are often work-related or involve relationships, finances and ethics, but chaplains are prepared to deal with any issues and situations brought to them.

"Chaplains themselves have a wealth of experience and can often provide advice right on the spot to help people see their problems in new ways or see possible ways to fix the problem," said Chaplain Horvath.

Chaplains often serve as bridges between people, such as between husband and wife or supervisor and Airman, to help these people work together to find answers.

They are also able to work closely with commanders, first sergeants, family services, mental health personnel and even legal personnel to find resolutions that benefit the Airman and the Air Force.

There is no risk involved when seeking assistance of the Chaplain.
"Chaplains cannot give orders," said Chaplain Horvath. "We can only help when asked. If an Airman or dependent does not like a chaplain's advice, that counselee is free to walk out at any time without any problem."

They also cannot reveal the name of the person being helped unless that person specifically grants permission.

"Whatever someone says to a chaplain is kept strictly confidential," said Chaplain Horvath. "Chaplains will not even reveal that an Airman or dependent has come for help."

Asking for assistance never bothers the chaplain, said Chaplain Horvath.

"We are here to serve the Air Force and God by serving its people," said Chaplain Horvath. "While we may need to juggle times to get free to talk, don't be put off. Helping people is what we do and we fulfill our calling when we help."

The chapel also asks that commanders, first sergeants, shop chiefs, supervisors and all others in the chain of command think of chaplains more often when assistance is needed for their Airmen.

Though individuals are encouraged to seek assistance at any time, it is also recommended to make an appointment given that the chaplains are usually out of the chapel working and visiting Airmen on base. Chaplains usually work normal duty hours, but there is also always a chaplain on call for after-hour emergencies that can be reached through the command post.

For more information, call the chapel at 722-0315.