With the military population so high in our area, it makes sense to collaborate and talk about best practices," explained Chaplain (Maj.) Pierre Allegre, wing chaplain for the 446th Airlift Wing reservists.

On May 5, McChord Field will host the first Clergy Day and bring in local civic and faith community leaders so that they can be informed about the global mission of the Air Force and the ministry of its chaplains.

"Ministering to people is the same, regardless of which side of the gates it's done," explained Allegre, who also serves as a civilian pastor for a congregation in Lacey.

Allegre said that it made sense for him to spearhead this project with Chaplain (Maj.) John Shipman, the wing chaplain for the 627th Air Base Group, also located on McChord Field but comprised of active-duty airmen.

"We'd like to ensure that the clergy in the entire JBLM community know how to best minister to airmen and their families," Shipman said.

The day will include meeting with wing leadership from the 62d Airlift Wing and the 446th AW, a mission briefing, a tour of the base and a C-17, as well as visits to dormitories to see how single airmen live and a meal in the dining facility. During the lunch portion, the chaplains will lead a discussion about the challenges and opportunities in ministering airmen and their families.

"We want to be a resource for them, but for them to be a resource for us as well," Shipman offered.

That is why a good portion of the day will focus on open dialogue so that all best practices can be shared among the group and potentially reach the most servicemembers.

"There are unique stressors for military. For instance, there is an ops tempo that is out of this world and as the military continues to have missions the clergy needs to understand that this can really affect families and relationships," Shipman stated. "The time to focus on spiritual health and family health is when you are home and not deployed across the world."

In an effort to highlight the issue of joint basing, Army chaplains will also be on hand, including the garrison chaplain, Chaplain (Col.) Bart Physioc.   

"As chaplains, we provide for the religious requirements of our soldiers and airmen and when we can't provide, we accommodate. That is where the outside clergy can come into play," Allegre said.

Allegre will also speak to the attendees about how Air Force chaplains provide free exercise of religion within the stringent military environment and even address how they could become chaplains in the Air Force Reserve in order to bolster recruitment.

The chaplains sent out hundreds of invitations and in just two weeks, they have 40 confirmations. The goal is to have 50 religious representatives attend Clergy Day and then, based on the feedback received, try to implement it as an annual event at least.

Eventually, the chaplains would like to create a database that services the entire JBLM area across all denominations and religions.

"Of course that is eventually and it only begins through first reaching out our hands and connecting with them," Shipman concluded.