On April 21, 2007 the MAXWELL/GUNTER NEWS featured an article about Kelvin Gardner entitled “Chaplains focus on African-American heritage” by Jennifer Roberts.
Students from the Basic Chaplains Course at Maxwell Air Force Base Chaplain Services Institute concluded their six-week course with a visit to the Montgomery Civil Rights Memorial Center and the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site Feb. 14.
Twenty-six new Air Force chaplains learned about the struggles and successes experienced during the Civil Rights movement over the past 80 years in order to help them minister more effectively to Airmen from diverse backgrounds and better understand how diversity strengthens the Air Force, explained Chap. (Maj.) Kelvin Gardner, BCC course director.
“This type of diversity training is new for some of our chaplains,” he said. “We are trying to teach them about diversity in the Air Force and help them minister to a wide variety of people – some who may not share their same beliefs. Starting out in a local church, a new chaplain may just see people from that same demographic area, kind of a homogenous group, and never have any interaction with people from other backgrounds or beliefs. But [to be an Air Force chaplain] they need exposure to different people and issues, and that’s what we try to help them do here.”
During their visit to the Civil Rights Memorial Center, the chaplains were challenged to share their knowledge of Civil Rights movement history and to apply that knowledge to situations and events by Education Director Lecia Brooks.
“I enjoy military groups because they are engaged in their own learning,” said Ms. Brooks. “I particularly enjoyed the chaplain’s visit because some of the civil rights martyrs were seminarians, so there’s a strong connection for them.”
After visiting the Civil Rights Memorial, the chaplains attended a presentation at the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site and listened to retired Lt. Col. Herbert Carter, a member of the 99th Fighter Squadron of the Tuskegee Airmen.
Colonel Carter spoke of the trials and triumphs Tuskegee Airmen experienced during World War II and the contributions they made to Air Force air power and culture.
“Race, color or creed has nothing to do with what someone can accomplish given the proper training and opportunity,” he said. “We proved that.”
Chap. (1st Lt.) Amber Murrell said, “As a female, I’m extremely grateful for what the Tuskegee Airmen did – they opened the doors for all minorities.”
Chap. (Capt.) Chad Montgomery said the Civil Rights Memorial tour and Tuskegee presentation were powerful.
“It kicks you out of complacency,” he said. “It reinforces that beliefs need to have actions behind them. These people dedicated their lives to their beliefs.”
Although all chaplains attending BCC undergo diversity training during the six-week course, this is the first time BCC chaplains have visited either the Civil Rights Memorial or the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site as part of their course instruction. Students who previously attended BCC have visited the Rosa Parks Museum as part of their diversity training.
The suggestion to have students visit the Civil Rights Memorial was proposed by Chap. (Maj.) Lisa Tice, CSI director of student management, after visiting the memorial with her family.
Chaplain Gardner said he added the trip to Tuskegee on the agenda as a way to make a strong connection between civil rights and air power.
Chaplain's witness in this recording is an interpretation of Matthew 14:22-33:
22 Then he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat by this time was many furlongs distant from the land, beaten by the waves; for the wind was against them. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear. 27 But immediately he spoke to them, saying, "Take heart, it is I; have no fear."
28 And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water." 29 He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus; 30 but when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "O man of little faith, why did you doubt?" 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
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