Chaplain brings praises from Al Dhafra Published July 14, 2006 By Staff Sgt. Ebony Nichols 917th Wing Public Affairs BARKSDALE AFB, LA -- From the time I left home to the time I arrived at Al Dhafra, I had a sense that something special was about to change my life. My greatest lesson learned from this deployment was teamwork. From my arrival at Hoban Hall New Year’s Day, to the trip over, teamwork was the hallmark of the tour. Deploying with a large group from the 2d Bomb Wing was an added blessing. On the flight from Shreveport to Al Dhafra, I got to know many wonderful young troops, from 2d Logistics Readiness and 2d Services Squadrons. It was clear that we were “Team Barksdale.” Teamwork means setting aside one’s personal goals and serving the greater good of the group to reach a common objective. Sounds like service before self! Our team was made up of active duty, Reserve, Guard and civilians. In addition, ethnically the praise team represented Black, White, Asian, Native American, and Hispanics. The Praise Team was made up of Air Force from bases like Kadena AB, Japan and Alaska. It was a microcosm of the Air Force and America. It’s great to talk about teamwork, but to experience it with the “volunteers” in the Praise Team was great. After arriving at Al Dhafra, I became keenly aware of the challenge presented by being the single Protestant chaplain for the tour. The only way for me to be effective as a chaplain, was to develop a team to help with worship activities. Lesson learned, when in need of help, ASK. According to Holy Scripture, “You have not because you ask not.” Failure was unacceptable, so getting help was a necessity. Our theme for the deployment was living above your circumstances with integrity. In the beginning, we had conflict over which style of worship to use. At a team meeting, we decided that we would have a uniquely distinct worship service absent of any title other than Protestant. In other words, we developed a super ordinate group identity, The Protestant Explosion. Many people try to avoid conflict. In our case conflict was positive. Once we identified the source of the conflict, and worked through it, we became a cohesive, powerful force of change and influence, and we were forever changed. Commitment, a pillar of teamwork, was another lesson learned. Initially we started with three members in the praise team. That number grew to 18. This team worked extremely hard at becoming the best, often working three or four hours after duty, to practice. The team understood “excellence in all we do.” Sunday morning worship was greatly anticipated. The highlight of my deployment was the Al Dhafra Praise Team’s visit to the Abu Dhabi Evangelical Christian Church for their building project in May. The church was looking for something different to “pump up” its members. Pastor Cam Arensen thought it would be great to have our team conduct this special worship service. The people who attend the Evangelical Community Church are English-speaking expatriates. Reflecting the ethnic diversity of the city in which they live, there are 38 different nationalities. Church members were excited to learn that American military personnel would take time out to share their music and spirit. It was great, as one American lawyer stated, “For my children to hear Christian music with a funky American beat.” It was great to see all the children clapping and dancing to the beat. Another significant event for me was the opportunity to conduct a memorial or rededication service for the Al Dhafra 911 Memorial damaged by the desert climate. Even though it wasn’t Sept. 11, the fire dogs still wanted to ensure a proper ceremony. The memory of 911 was and is alive and well. At the end of the tour, I was pretty tired and ready to get home and back to the 917th. After being home for a month, I got an e-mail from the husband of one of our praise team members telling me how his wife enjoyed her involvement during AEF 9/10 and was changed by the experience. Moral of the story, we never know how far the circle of care extends, but if we never try to touch a person’s life; we’ll never see the reward. Show someone you care. Your life will be changed.