Thornton presents decoration to Haas
Retiring Chaplain (Lt. Col.) William Thornton, presents Chaplain (Capt.) Allen Haas with an Air Force Commendation Medal Feb. 9, 2019, at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. The chaplains and other Airmen met together for a short service at the 932nd Airlift Wing, an Air Force Reserve unit located near Belleville, Illinois. When officers like Thornton and Haas join the Air Force as chaplains, they are called upon to enhance the spiritual resiliency of today’s Airmen. A diverse chaplain corps is crucial to support the needs of the many, because chaplains are responsible for religious observances in a culturally, racially and religiously diverse environment, both at home base and while deployed. The U.S. Air Force Reserve Chaplain Program is a cooperative and pluralistic ministry. Chaplains adhere to the requirements of their endorsing religious bodies. The Air Force trains and deploys chaplain readiness teams, consisting of chaplains and enlisted personnel. They provide religious ministries during war, contingencies, national emergencies, and military exercises. Those interested in the program can call 1-800-257-1212 for more information. (U.S. Air Force photo by Lt. Col. Stan Paregien)