Commentary by Ch Jackie Ann Rose Kraft, 107 AW Niagara Falls, NY

Through my experience this past spring, I learned first-hand that we are never alone on an island serving and doing ministry in a vacuum. Thank God for the powerful connection of the Air Force Women Chaplains. Through “the connection,” we are all just a one word prayer of, “help” and a “send” button away. Reading from, The Message, scripture says, “Absolutely everything, ranging from small to large, as you make it a part of your believing prayer, gets included as you lay hold of God." The connection of the women chaplains were part of my “believing prayer” and you all came through helping me to “lay hold of God” to His glory. Because of our connection, a female chaplain’s assistant and myself were able to tell the uplifting stories of women serving in the military, helping those serving us, to better understand our needs and the needs of our families.

I was asked to help lead a presentation with a female chaplain’s assistant from the Army Guard. I wrote asking you all on 19 May for your thoughts of the issues that women in the military face, for our topic addressed: “Women in the Military.” E-mails began “pouring in” as you all gently guided and uplifted me with your own stories and with resources to check out.

On 11-12 June, Chaplain Assistant NCOIC Staff Sergeant Linda R. Nosbisch, who recently returned from deployment to Afghanistan as a part of Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix VII, and I presented at the Veterans Roundtable on Grand Island, NY for the Institute for Professional Development in the Addiction. Our presentation about “Women in the Military” went very well and was very much appreciated. We showed powerpoint pictures of women in the military and talked about our experiences and those of other women in the military around us who touched our lives in their service to our country. It was all very positive and when the presentation was completed, people left appreciating the leadership and professionalism of women serving our country and the great value and need for all our military.

I write, this article, not only to thank each one of you who responded to my prayer of “help,” but to encourage others to seek out our connection. How uplifting, helpful, positive and encouraging is our connection. In the beginning I was “timid” to ask especially thinking about those of you with much rank and experience. I will never think twice again about reaching out. You were a big help and the ministry of presence to this chaplain in the Air National Guard. May we all continue to be part of what God is blessing through and among us. I love and appreciate each one of you.

Serving With You,

JK

Civilian Address:
Rev. Jackie Ann Rose Kraft, Pastor
Amherst: Asbury United Methodist Church
3750 Millersport HighwayGetzville, New York 14068
716-688-8677