Care for the Caregivers

By Ch, Capt Olga Westfall

It was my first time coming to the WUIM retreat. I’ve been waiting for it since the day I heard about it. My denomination does not have annual denominational conferences and for the past five years of being on active duty, I began to feel like a drying well, always giving away but not getting refilled. I needed to get in touch with other clergy women serving in the Air Force to be spiritually refreshed. And I was so glad that I came! It was so encouraging to be in the presence of Godly women who have such a wealth of experience and dedication to their calling!

Brigadier General Toreaser A. Steele (USAF, Retired) was an incredible speaker and broke it all down to help us to evaluate our calling and our spiritual growth. I had a special time with God that week, away from the business of home and family (I have 3 little sons and a husband); away from work; away from the things I am used to here in New Mexico. It was good to look at things from a different angle.

Every step of the conference was a blessing. One of the things I would like to highlight was the visit to the Air Force Personnel Center at Randolph Air Force Base for a Record Review. As I was checking my records, I was surprised to find out that I had only one OPR. Due to that visit, I could update my records and add all my medals and missing OPRs. I am very glad that we had that visit scheduled as a part of our retreat. It is always good to know what is happening with your records and keep track of them.

As I look back to the time of the retreat, I think of the ladies I met, the encouragement and support I have received and the special touch from God I have experienced during that time. There is so much we can learn from each other!