Air Force Chaplain Corps

Dr. Renea Skelton is a leadership consultant, coach, trainer who served in the Air Force as enlisted and officer in Force Support.  She developed and taught leadership seminars at the United States Air Force Academy focusing on emotional intelligence.  The RDC spoke with Dr. Skelton about emotional intelligence: what is it?  how does it help leaders lead?  can it be developed?  Emotions drive people and people drive performance--this is a vital topic to leaders at all levels.How many different emotions are there?  Listen in to find out, you might be surprised!

How does a Chaplain provide ministry at over a thousand locations spread across the globe?  This week, the RDC speaks with Chaplain Burson.  Chaplain Burson is the Holm center Chaplain based at Maxwell AFB in Alabama.The Holm center gives leadership and policy for ROTC detachments at 145 universities and directs the JROTC at 886 high school campuses across the world.Chaplain Burson talks about how he prioritizes and focuses his efforts to bring meaningful Chaplain ministry in the midst of that immense mission.

The RDC spoke with Sheila Heen, author of "Difficult Conversations" and "Thanks for the Feedback".  She is a Found of Triad Consulting Group and a Lecturer on Law at Harvard Law School.  It's already hard to ask for and to receive feedback from those around us.  In this episode we learn more about how to get feedback especially when you are in a position (such as a Chaplain or Religious Affairs Airman) where it is even more difficult to find because of our special role among the people we serve.Take a listen then leave us some feedback in the comments!

Chaplain, Colonel Mike Husfelt reflected on the experience of not being selected for Colonel (passed over) during his primary year of selection (in the zone), and again the following year (above the zone).  He then compared those experiences with the experience of finally being selected for promotion two years above the zone.  His reflections give a peek into some of the stresses involved with military promotions.

The RDC sat down with a newly minted Chief—Chief Master Sergeant Sadie Chambers.  Chief Chambers is a Religious Affairs Airman who recently became the first enlisted academic instructor at the United States Air Force Academy.  Join us for a dynamic and wide-ranging discussion that includes how Chief Chambers started in aircraft maintenance along with her plans for the future.

The RDC had a rousing discussion with CMSgt Natalie Gray, the Air Force Reserve Command Religious Affairs Airmen Manager.  She shared some interesting facts about the Reserve Chaplain Corps along with some ideas on how active duty and reserve Religious Support Teams may develop effective partnerships.

This week the RDC joins the Moody chapel team: Ch Rice, MSgt Wallace,  and A1C Morgan to hear some ideas on how to best welcome a new Religious Affairs Airman to the Air Force and to the Chaplain Corps.  We covered toxic leaders and followers the past few episodes, so now it's time to hear how leadership is done well!

In the previous episode, the RDC spoke with Mr. Bill DeMarco who is the Air Command and Staff College Chair of Leadership at Air University regarding toxic leaders.  This episode continues our conversation about toxic workplaces.  This episode focuses on toxic followers.  We hear a lot about toxic leaders, but what about toxic followers?  Is there such a thing as a toxic follower?  Listen in to find out!

The RDC spoke with Mr. Bill DeMarco who is the Air Command and Staff College Chair of Leadership at Air University.  This is the first in a series of two episodes about toxic workplaces.  This episode focuses on leadership.  The next episode will focus on toxic followers.

The RDC had a great opportunity to talk with Chief Jackson, the Religious Affairs Airman Career Field Manager.  Tune in to hear his observations on a variety of topics of immediate interest to the Chaplain Corps!

SMSgt Scott Devine is the superintendent of the chapel at Joint Base Langley-Eustis.  The chapel team there has "pipeline" Religious Affairs Airmen that have been intentionally and successfully integrated into the mission.  The Chaplain Corps hasn't had "pipeline" Airmen in many years and so having them is new to many in the Corps, especially wing Chapel leaders.  Listen in to their stories for tips on how to best lead our newest Airmen.

The RDC has a rousing conversation with Pastor Bob Roberts, the founder and senior pastor of Northwood Church in the Dallas Fort Worth area.  Hear how he, as a conservative evangelical pastor has travelled and built relationships in places like Afghanistan, Pakistan, Vietnam, Brazil, Palestine, Israel, and more.  Pastor Roberts gives some tips on how to connect as human beings with a diverse range of people.

We are back!  After a short break for the New Year, this week the RDC visits Colorado for a chat with Chaplain Rafael Lantigua.  Chaplain Lantigua shares his experience of soul care in the Air Force along with how he observes Islamic holidays.  

The RDC joins the Bagram Air Base chapel team to hear about their plans for celebrating Christmas away from their families.  The RDC thanks Chaplains Nevius, Devoie, Boggs, Longe and MSgt Vilia, TSgt Reagan, SSgt Palomares, and SSgt Fransisco for taking a moment from their day to share with us!We mentioned an address to send care packages to the team, if you'd like to do so, the RDC will receive them and forward them to the Bagram team: Resource Development Cell, 155 N. Twining Rd, Bldg 693, Room 139, Maxwell, AFB, AL 36112

Chaplain, Maj Michael Bramm, a Chaplain at the United States Air Force Academy, shares his experiences as a Jewish chaplain--especially experiences in deployed locations.