Sheppard Airmen win AETC Chaplain Corps award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Valerie Hosea
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Capt. Darren Duncan, an 82nd Training Wing chaplain, and Senior Airman Norma Johnson, of the 82nd TRW Chaplain's office, were named Air Education and Training Command 2008 Chaplain Corps award winners Feb. 13. 

Captain Duncan was awarded Outstanding Company Grade Officer Chaplain of the year and Airman Johnson received Outstanding Chaplain Assistant Airman or the year. 

Captain Duncan has served as a chaplain for 10 years and is the pastor for the contemporary service at the North Chapel. He is also the executive officer for the wing chaplain. 

"I handle all of the background research for the colonel to answer to (Brig. Gen. O.G. Mannon.) I get that final validation before it goes to the boss," Captain Duncan said. 

Captain Duncan earned Company Grade Officer of the quarter in 2006 for the Sheppard Wing, Military Chaplain Associate Chaplain of the Year in 2004, and CGO of the month while deployed in 2003. 

Because he is one of 57 CGO chaplains in the command, he was completely surprised to win the award, as was Airman Johnson about her award. 

"My superintendent called me while he was on leave because he wanted to be the first person to tell me," Airman Johnson said. 

Airman Johnson has been a chaplain assistant for three years. During this time she has become the president of the Airmen Against Drunk Driving program and the Airmen's activity coordinator. She also earned Senior Airman Below the Zone in 2008. 

"I love my job and it's so fulfilling to help people...I feel like it's a perfect fit for me," she said. 

Airman Johnson is also in charge of the Student Ministry. She works with the chapel ropes at the Solid Rock Café and has supervised over 450 base church services and chapel programs. She and Captain Duncan said they feel that their leadership's support contributed to their achievement. 

"It's your bosses. I would think it has to do with your leaders' faith in your ability, and I'm sad to see mine retire," Captain Duncan said. 

Captain Duncan and Airman Johnson are confident in competing at the Air Force level for 2008 Chaplain Corps awards, but they are aware of their competitors, they said. 

"It's a fairytale to win at the Air Force level; there's so many chaplains out there that should be recognized," Captain Duncan said.