Vance chaplain 'blessed' with AF award Published Nov. 29, 2006 By Tech. Sgt. M. Davis Public Affairs Vance Air Force Base, Okla. -- Selflessly serving the spiritual needs of others earned a Vance chaplain an Air Force award. Protestant Chaplain (Capt.) Sam Bridges was named as the Air Force Outstanding Company Grade Chaplain of the Year. Last year, Chaplain Bridges met the spiritual needs for countless Airmen supporting Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom and the Joint Task Force Horn of Africa. He spent more than 100 flight hours evacuating 63 casualties from Baghdad, Talil and Mosul, Iraq, to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. He facilitated the ecumenical spirit by uniting Protestant and Catholic worshippers in a first ever Al Udeid "Prayer Wall" ministry. On the home front at Vance, he advised group first sergeants and squadron and group commanders regarding Airman spiritual issues. "I love everything about being a chaplain," Captain Bridges said. "I get the honor to be with people and participate in the best and worst of their lives - from marriage and baptism to working with them on life's toughest issues." Although he always has the mission on his mind, he puts people first. "I think it's my job to represent an element of grace when and where I can," the chaplain said. "I love being with people and doing everything I can to show them that being a chaplain and Christian doesn't mean you can't be yourself." A former enlisted troop, Chaplain Bridges said it was important for him to be genuine. "People can always see through someone who does things to get noticed," he said. "Perhaps the most important thing is always treat all people with respect." The accomplishments he has performed were not miracles - he had a lot of help from the people he worked with. "I have been blessed with working with and for the best staff anyone could ask for," he said. "Not only have the people I have worked with been professionally competent and helpful, but I have found friendships and mentors that will last me a lifetime. Those friendships are what continue to make me who I am and motivate me to be the best I can be." Chaplain Bridges brought a wholehearted approach to his ministry, said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Steven Nicolai, wing chaplain. "Sam is one of the most enthusiastic chaplains I've worked with in my 15 years in the Air Force," he said. "He is an engaging and compassionate pastor. He loves caring for people and wants to help meet their needs." What made the award so amazing was 2004 was the first full year he had spent as a chaplain. "I'm so proud of Sam," Chaplain Nicolai said. "This award speaks well of him and also of the Vance Community."