Chaplain welcomes Bishop

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col Stan Paregien
  • 932nd Airlift Wing

The 932nd Airlift Wing Chaplain (Maj.) Michael Williams welcomed special guest Bishop Richard Spencer, the Roman Catholic Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Military Services, who visited Scott Air Force Base recently. He hosted a round table with installation chaplains to learn more about ministry needs and opportunities on base. Chaplain  Williams represented the Air Force Reserve Citizen Airmen who train on reserve weekends in Illinois. Discussions on December 19, 2019.

The event focused on deployments, resiliency, chapel corps recruitment and retention, as well as ensuring religious freedom for all service members.

Bishop Spencer was commissioned an Army Officer in 1973 and began serving active duty 1974. Following his years
as a Military Police Officer, he was released from active duty in 1978 to pursue ministerial studies. Ordained to the
Priesthood for the Archdiocese of Baltimore 14 May 1988 and also began serving with the USAR and ARNG Units in
Maryland. Chaplain Spencer returned to active duty ministry, January, 1999, and served in Korea, Bosnia, Egypt,
Pentagon (during 9/11) and Germany in capacities to include Brigade and Division positions. He has deployed into
Iraq on five occasions and also served two deployments in Afghanistan. Bishop Spencer retired from the US Armed
Forces as a Chaplain, Colonel, February, 2014.


“I am grateful for the strong relationship that exists between the many different components of the chaplain corps here at Scott. The fact that we had active duty Army and Air Force, as well as Guard and Air Force Reserve representation at this forum is a good example of that coordination,” Chaplain Williams said.  (U.S. Air Force photo by Lt. Col. Stan Paregien)