JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas –
For the second year in a row, the 59th Medical Wing Chaplain Office earned the Air Education and Training Command Robert P. Taylor Award for best small chapel team.
Back-to-back awards “vindicate the dedication and service our staff provides to patient, staff and families at the 59th Medical Wing,” said Lt. Col. (Ch.) Gary Bertsch, 59th MDW chaplain.
The chaplain’s office implements and maintains a comprehensive chapel ministry program to meet the spiritual needs of patients, assigned personnel and their families. The office also administrates the clinical pastoral education program at the San Antonio Military Medical Center on nearby Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston. Currently, six residents are going through an intense trauma and clinical ministry program there.
“We help build spiritual resiliency through counseling, programs, visitation and interactions with staff. We service a wide medical campus,” Bertsch said.
With a focus on warrior care, the chapel team logged more than 5,300 unit engagement hours and provided spiritual care to 6,000 warrior medics in 2015. The team also provided pastoral care to nearly 8,000 patients including those receiving outpatient care and those going in for surgery.
“Everything our team does is as a team. We support each other, pick up other's workload if needed, support each other and work like a family. They deserve the kudos!” he said.
The staff also implemented several workshops and retreats aimed at building resiliency and empowering Airmen, staff and caregivers across Joint Base San Antonio.
With a team of only three chaplains and no chaplain assistants, volunteers and augmentees have been key to the office’s success, said Maj. (Ch.) Heather Bodwell, 59th MDW deputy chaplain.
“Without them, we couldn't function effectively,” said Bodwell. “As a staff, we pull together, prioritize and aim for the maximum impact. We have an exceptional team.”
For more information about 59th MDW Chaplain Office services and programs, call 210-292-7373.