Chapel team wins AETC award for second time

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Mary Davis
  • Public Affairs
Vance Air Force Base, Okla. --  Team Vance members know the chapel team is the best around -- and now Air Education and Training Command confirmed it -- for the second time.
The Vance chapel staff was recently named the 2005 Small Wing Outstanding Chaplain Service Team in AETC, and it couldn't have happened without the teamwork and dedication of the staff, said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Steven Nicolai, wing chaplain.
"Our staff came together extremely well last year," he said. "They held a common vision and enjoyed working together toward that goal."
Last year, the chapel staff members deployed to support Operation Iraqi Freedom and provided relief during Hurricane Katrina. They also created a partnership ministry program, bringing base and local ministries together. In addition, they brought together members of Team Vance during the Singles International Gourmet Meal Opportunity events, Shrove Tuesday, Vacation Bible School and other programs designed to encourage fellowship and camaraderie within the wing.
"When I look at what is expected of any chapel, I am pleased with everything our staff stepped up to do," the chaplain said. "As everyone knows, at a small base we have the same required checklists, metrics and mission that larger bases do. The difference is we have fewer staff members."
With a staff of six and a casual student providing assistance, the team not only accomplished its mission -- they exceeded it. This was evident when they received an "excellent" rating during last year's Operational Readiness Inspection.
"We spent a lot of time, energy and coordination to improve the worship environment and chapel facilities," Chaplain Nicolai explained. "With everything required of our staff, they still leaned forward and became personally involved in base activities and the Enid community."
Good communication was a positive aspect of the team, said Airman 1st Class Jessica Parker, chaplain assistant.
"We solve internal problems quickly because we talk about them," said Airman Parker, a native of West Palm Beach, Fla. "We also spend time together. We perform physical training, bi-annual devotional retreats, quarterly activities and go to lunch on Thursdays as a group. It helps us team build and socialize."
Airman 1st Class Monica Tripi, chaplain assistant, who returned from a deployment at Qatar in September, said the staff's versatility was a team strong point as well.
"We are interchangeable," said the Airman from Pensacola, Fla. "We learn aspects of each other's job so we can fill in whenever or where ever needed."
Winning the award twice in a row is a tribute to the team's skills, Chaplain Nicolai said.
"They worked so hard with the goal of being a blessing to those we serve at Vance," he said. "I'm so very excited and proud of our staff. This award is truly a team award for Team Vance."