Eglin Chapel’s spiritual wellness support continues during COVID-19

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — Almost a year after COVID-19 caused Eglin to adjust its mission accomplishment avenues, the Chapel continues to support the community’s spiritual wellness.

Chaplain (Col.) Jonathan Wade, 96th Test Wing chaplain, said the highly unusual stresses brought on by the pandemic may leave people concerned for more than their physical health.

“Loneliness, social estrangement, family and marital stress, and a host of other pressures may feel like a crushing weight, with confusion about who is there to help, to care, to listen, to understand and to support them,” Wade said.

Wade said the chapel is among the base’s first responders requested by leadership when crises affect their units.

Chapel staff visit unit workplaces and engage personnel directly to provide spiritual care and support with issues like relationships, anxiety and workplace stress.  They provide virtual counseling when in-person counseling is not possible.

They respond in suicide interventions, on-base emergencies and military member or dependent deaths.

The Chapel issues spiritual care kits to dorm residents, make spiritual morale visits to base housing residents and conduct virtual community care programs.

“We work with multiple agencies and providers that allow them to not just survive, but to thrive in and beyond the pandemic,” said Wade.

Additionally, the Chapel assists the 96th Medical Group by providing sacramental and end-of-life rites to COVID-19 patients.  They collaborated with 96th MDG to convert the hospital’s chapel into a comprehensive Airman fitness center.  It allows staff and patients to find spiritual, physical, social and mental comfort and resilience.

The chapel coordinates with the Invisible Wounds Clinic to provide spiritual readiness, healing and resilience care for traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress patients.

Pre-registration is required to attend all Chapel services.  Eligible patrons have their temperature taken, answer screening questions and are required to use hand sanitizer prior to attending services.  Social distancing is required.  Space is limited and capped at 50 people per worship service.

“The Chapel is holistic in its care,” Wade said.  “We partner with the Eglin community to share the journey toward resolution and spiritual wellness, with absolute confidentiality and authentic concern for their well-being.”

For more information, call 882-2111.

Story By Kevin Gaddie