Need someone to talk to, visit a chaplain Published Dec. 23, 2010 By Tech. Sgt. Tammie Moore 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Holidays are traditionally a joyful time for people to reconnect with family and friends and when people reflect on the things they are grateful for. However, for some, the upcoming holidays do not symbolize a time of celebration but a time of loneliness. The Seymour Johnson chapel staff has their doors open to anyone who is feeling down or lost, regardless of the time of year. Chaplain, (Lt. Col.) Colonel Bill O'Sullivan, 4th Fighter Wing, wing chaplain, encourages people who are feeling a bit homesick to make connections with another person. "Initiate or cultivate friendships, engage in holiday events and activities," he said. "Don't isolate yourself -- relationships are a vital component of physical and emotional health. Social interaction is a key to healthier living." Base chaplains are not here just to help people with strong religious convictions; they are willing to provide a listening ear or lend a shoulder to cry on to any member of the base. "Chaplains are not in the practice of imposing their faith position on those who come to us for help," Chaplain O'Sullivan said. "We sincerely want to help by providing practical ideas and solutions to their problems. Although spiritual issues are the root cause of many problems, often, we find that the solutions are within the individual seeking help. We simply direct them toward the answers that lie within themselves. Having said that, we remain true to our faith position by coming at solutions from our own faith perspective. "We are not moralist or judges," he said. "People who come to us will not get 'would have, should have, could have,' we won't dwell on the past, but look to a brighter future. We will help find answers to issues or simply provide a listening ear." Counseling services offered by chaplains cover a number of areas. "Airmen may come and discuss any concerns that may be troubling them," said Chaplain (Capt.) John Von Almen, 4th Fighter Wing senior Protestant chaplain. "Substance abuse, combat stress, deployment and re-deployment, domestic violence, sexual assault, ethical and moral issues, health concerns, life and career decisions, relationship issues, religious respect and accommodation, spiritual matters, suicide or work-place problems are just some of the areas we can address." Discussions individuals have with chaplains are considered privileged communication. "Privileged communication is any communication given to a chaplain in trust by an individual, if such communication is made either as a formal act of religion or as a matter of conscience," Chaplain Von Almen said. "Confidentiality is absolute." Individuals may come to the chapel anytime during the duty day for counseling. Airmen can also contact their squadron chaplain for counseling during duty hours. If someone who needs to talk to a chaplain after duty hours can call the command post at 722-1973. "No problem is too big that can't be worked out with God's help and the help of others," Chaplain O'Sullivan said. "In this the season of hope, remember ... there is always hope. And as long as there is hope, there is life. Enjoy it to the fullest." To contact a chaplain, call 722-0315. The following is a list of upcoming Chapel holiday services and events: Protestant services Sundays in December - Sunday School at 9:30 a.m., there is no Sunday School Dec. 26 through Jan. 2, Traditional Service at 11:00 a.m. and Gospel Service at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 24 - Christmas Eve candlelight service at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 31 - New Year's Eve watchnight service at 10 p.m. Catholic services Saturdays in December except for Christmas Day - Mass at 5:30 p.m. Sundays in December - Mass at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 24 - Evening Mass at 5:00 p.m.; Christmas Midnight Mass at 12:00 a.m. Jan. 1 - Epiphany Mass at 5:30 p.m.