Contemplation and culmination: chapel holds continuation training

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jelani Gibson
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  As Airmen bustled about in a crowded room, the sound of laughter, levity and lessons learned could be heard from the Solid Rock Café as they participated in what was known as continuation training Oct. 11.

Continuation training, a seminar aimed at permanent party members and their experience with Sheppard, is meant to foster a sense of unity in mission and purpose.

"We as a chaplain corps want to walk you through whatever life may throw at you," said Capt. Shane Moore, 82nd Training Wing chaplain.

While Airman were given the day off to attend the training, Capt. Karl Blancaflor, 82nd Training Wing chaplain, intended to use the meeting for a much more deeper and sanguine purpose.

"What other organization is going to let you connect to people," Blancaflor asked cheerfully. "The more you connect with people, the more positive energy you multiply."

With the central theme being connecting with others and getting to know how each job is interconnected with the other, many group exercises organized around teamwork and solidarity were formed. Through scavenger hunts, human bingo and simple conversation, each Airman got to know one another.

"It's a good opportunity to connect with other Airmen outside your career field," said Desiree Scott, 82nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron public health technician. "It gets Airmen out of the work environment and allows them to socialize."

While the approach to raising morale was unique, the effect could be seen as the sound of conversation drowned out the room.

"It's a different style of learning that is historically different from the military, it's experiential," said Col. Michael Grubbs, 82nd Training Wing chaplain. "The experience conveys a meaning, message and lesson."

Grubbs also used the event as a way to show thanks for the Airmen and increase morale readiness.

"We want to devise relationships where a unity of effort can occur," he said. "Friends make everything better."

With Airmen interacting with one another throughout the day, the seminar ended while each Airman gained more insight into how they affect one another.

"I believe we're created as relational beings," said Capt. Kristin Swenson, 82nd Training Wing chaplain. "Assisting them (the Airmen) in seeing the bigger picture helps a lot."

As the day ended, the gathered Airmen parted ways, all with a new connection to each other and a revitalized perspective on the Air Force.