Eternity Matters: A Journey of a Chaplain Assistant Post 9-11

By Mark Lounello, Ret SMSgt USAFR an Iraqi Freedom Veteran

Life is about walking every day circumspectly. The most important thing in life is having purpose and meaning for living because eternity does matter. Values, eternal values, are what gives us a reason to live and transcends our ability to develop relationships and cherish the time with friends and family. In war, historians focus on the destruction, tactics, and the atrocities inflicted on mankind and its impact on humanity; however, there is also a spiritual dimension of war that alters military members and their families for generations. Jesus Christ came to heal the brokenhearted, and many unsung heroes throughout history have served in ways that have never been documented in our history books without ever receiving the Medal of Honor or the accolades of the combat troops. Those are people that serve in the medical or chaplaincy who are there in the midst of suffering, crisis intervention, and grief. Many of the wounded warriors' injuries focused on physical evidence, but it is the unseen mental and emotional scars that can be the most devastating. Chaplains and chaplain assistants work as a team to care for the wounded and injured, helping them to overcome the hurt and pain and encourage them to go deeper in their respective faith. Our nation's military need to be encouraged and given guidance on the value of spiritual resiliency and afforded the opportunities and rights of the First Amendment in the free exercise of religion. What do you say to a grieving spouse or parent over the loss of a sacred fallen military member? What words do you choose to comfort a young marine who just lost both of his legs in the hospital? People in need of crisis intervention require guidance and care and in some instances the right referral to address their issues. Empathic listening, equanimity, ministry of presence, stabilizing influence in the midst of the storm with a servant-hearted attitude and grace-oriented style is the formula for any successful ministry team. The most valuable asset in my experience is our faith and knowledge of God's word that is able to give hope and comfort to those in need. As a spiritual caregiver, we need the eternal assurance provided in the scriptures to bring light and life in the darkest circumstances. Questions like why did God allow this? Is there life after death? And Pontus Pilates's question to Jesus, "What is truth?" The brevity of life, life is precious, and understanding eternity defines existence. That is why eternity matters. National Veterans crisis line: 800 273-8255.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 23, 2017
• ISBN: 9781635250404

Book preview

This is the manuscript of SMSgt. Mark Lounello. As I share my military career and experience, please understand this is not about me, but it’s about His story, the story of a loving God that would use an ordinary chaplain assistant to accomplish His will even in the war zone and all around the world. It was an amazing journey; it was a journey of love and service to our nation’s military and their families. Allow me first to set the background of what a chaplain assistant is by first reading from an Air Force literature on the description history of chaplain assistants it reads:

AFI 152-102V2 3. Core capabilities of chaplain assistant

3.1. Advising Leadership. Chaplain assistants must be trained and qualified to provide advice to leaders at all levels on religious accommodation, ethical, moral, morale issues and needs, primarily for, and regarding, the enlisted force. (T-1) Commanders, command chiefs, group superintendents, first sergeants and supervisors at all levels should know the issues affecting their Airmen and how to best address them. Chaplain assistants are a trusted source for valid, real-time information.

3.2. Unit Engagement. As part of the RST, chaplain assistants are intentionally integrated into unit ministry and engagement plans as a resource for meeting the spiritual needs of Airmen. Unit engagement is best realized when unit members embrace chaplain assistants as one of them through participation in unit meetings, commander calls, training with the unit and other unit activities. Chaplain assistants will conduct unit engagement jointly with their RST partner(s) or independently. (T-1)

3.3. Crisis Intervention Counseling. The Chaplain Corps is the only function with 100% privileged communication (IAW 10 U.S.C. Chapter 47A, Military Rules of Evidence, Rule 503 – Communications to Clergy) and chaplain assistants are commonly the first line of care for Airmen in need. Chaplain Assistants will facilitate care for Airmen early in a crisis by enhancing resiliency, mission readiness and capability. (T-1) Crisis intervention counseling is an immediate, interventional approach to providing mental and moral support with the aim of restoring the person to the level of function prior to the crisis. This capability includes counseling in moments of crisis, response to crises and suicide prevention/intervention. While every NCO performs counseling (IAW AFPAM 36-2241, Professional Development Guide, Section 10E), chaplain assistants possess the core capability to care for Airmen at the point of crisis. They are specially trained to identify potential problems and assist individuals in finding the professional help they need. Through crisis intervention counseling, chaplain assistants mitigate crises such as suicide, grief, traumatic stress or other forms of crisis. Chaplain assistants will not, at any time, conduct spiritual counseling and will immediately refer people in need of spiritual counseling to a chaplain. Chaplain assistants may make referrals to other agencies for issues not of a spiritual nature, as appropriate.

3.4. Religious Program Management. Chaplain assistants will partner with chaplains to develop, manage, execute and evaluate religious programs to ensure mission accomplishment. (T-1) This capability is critical to Airmen and their families in sustainment and contingency environments.

3.4.1. Religious Observances. Chaplain assistants, in conjunction with other Chaplain Corps personnel (e.g., chaplains, civilian employees), resource and manage support for religious observances to include worship, liturgies, rites and other religious requirements for all faith groups.

AFI52-102V2 23 SEPTEMBER 2015 5

3.4.2. Resources. Chaplain assistants, in conjunction with other Chaplain Corps personnel, manage enlisted manpower capabilities, personnel, volunteers, appropriated funds, Chapel Tithes and Offerings Funds (CTOF), non-appropriated and/or MWR funds, religious facilities, supplies and equipment.

3.4.3. Administration. Chaplain assistants, in conjunction with other Chaplain Corps personnel, manage Chaplain Corps administration to include records management, forms, publications, publicity, professional correspondence, security background check requirements, operating instructions, suspense actions and other administrative needs of the Chaplain Corps mission.

(Air Force Instructional AFI 152-102V2 Core Capabilities of Chaplain Assistant)

And now allow me to reflect on my military career. I enlisted in the United States Air Force in January 1976 and went through basic training at Lackland Air Force Base San Antonio, Texas, in March 3, 1976. When I enlisted, I qualified and accepted a position as a 702 administrative specialist, and I completed six weeks of basic training. My squadron was 3706 flight 258, and we were an honor flight at the end of my six weeks at Lackland Air Force Base. I made some good friends at basic training. I made it through with very little difficulty it was my first time being away from home, but I was excited that I was on a journey that would change my life and make me a better man. If I had one regret, it was that I missed an opportunity to be a pararescue member. I remember them telling me in a briefing but did not fully understand the opportunity that it presented me to volunteer and sign up, and it was months later did I regret that. I loved to train and work out and being an Eagle Scout, I had the character and the skill sets to make it happen. Texas would become significant much later as I was married and ultimately would be retiring from my military career where it all began. After graduating from basic training, I received orders directly to my assignment or base, direct duty assignment (DDA) without going to tech school first to Beale Air Force Base, California. Beale Air Force Base is located in Northern California, about forty minutes north of Sacramento and was a part of SAC strategic air command, having the SR 71 reconnaissance and U2 along with a squadron of B-52 bombers. I was assigned to the consolidated base personnel office, and I worked in the admin section for two years. I worked at CBPO, and I also worked at the billeting office or lodging. Some of the things I love most about California were the sunsets, traveling around to Grass Valley, Lake Tahoe, and driving down to the Bay Area to mention a few.

It wasn’t long before I received news from home that would set me back. During my tour at Beale Air Force Base, as I settled in, I was informed by the Red Cross in July of 1976 that my dad Vincent James Lounello died of a heart attack. I flew back home and attended his funeral and returned to California with a sense that God was trying to get my attention. During that time away from my family, I began searching for meaning and purpose in my life. It was at this time as I prayed that the Lord led me to a young man named Skip who was well known on the base as a devout Christian.

After returning from New York for my dad’s funeral, I remember eating at the dining facility and seeing him before I heard from another airman that Skip Brinkley was a born-again Christian, and as I began speaking to him about my dad passing away, he invited me over to his place off base on the weekend. So one Friday evening in August 1976, Skip picked me up at my dorm in his red Jeep after I got off from work. I went over to his place. He shared a home with another air force Christian Steve Myers, and it was in August 1976. As we begun to learn about each other and about the loss of my dad, Skip explained to me that the Lord had a purpose in using tragedy in our lives and that everything happened by his providence and that he was going to use that experience and loss in my life to bring me closer to him. During the evening, Skip began to explain from the Bible reading from the New Testament, the Gospel of Jesus Christ and shared that we need to be born again of the spirit. I remember that evening and all the words Skip spoke to me regarding God’s plan for my life.

After showing me the scriptures, he asked me if I wanted to receive Christ and I said yes then I prayed with him and invited Jesus into my heart. The most recollection I have of that evening was when I woke up that Saturday. I experienced a tremendous peace. The peace of God like I never had before, and my sleep was sweet. That began the journey of me reading the Bible and attending a local church off base, and I got involved in a local Bible study. As I grew in the knowledge and wisdom of the word of God, I remember speaking to my mom on the phone often of my new life in Christ. At that time, my mom thought I was involved with a cult, and I was not aware that she had called the chapel at Beale Air Force Base and inquired about me. It was later that I was told by one of the chaplain assistants Gary, who was in my Bible study and a friend of Skip’s, that my parents contacted without me knowing about it. The Wing Chaplain contacted my mom and told her that what I was involved with a good thing and that she did not have to worry about me. When I would speak to my mom on the phone, all I would talk about was the Lord and how good he was.

My job when I got to Beale AFB was working at CBPO or consolidated base personnel office. My position was as a 702 administrative specialist working in the admin office. I think of typing four-and-five part carbon forms on a typewriter. Everything back then was manual. Working at CBPO, it was a big complex. Back then in my office, I reported to a master sergeant, and there were three other enlisted and two civilian ladies. For me, it was the first time to work in an office, and every day was full of work to do. My basket would be loaded with forms AFv2096, 2095, and other documents that had to be coordinated signed and routed to the next office for processing. I soon learned after six months that there were other opportunities on base as a 702. They were utilized everywhere and in high demand. During my time at Beale, I lived in the enlisted dorms. My squadron was the combat support group, and my squadron commander was Captain Cozza. I remember dorm life back then; the only TV was in the break or recreation room. Many times, we had to take turns with waxing and cleaning the bathrooms that were communal. The hallway floors had to shine, and all the garbage emptied, and there were inspections from the First Sergeant SMSgt Jimmy Gushing a.k.a. Uncle Jimmy.

We had lots of fun playing Frisbee, golf, pick-up football games, lots of BBQ, and loud music. I thought living in the dorm was a social experience. In fact, my neighbor in the next room Sgt. John Tatum or JT was a 702 administrative specialist, and he worked in the billeting office and loved it. The shifts were three days on, three days off, and when I found out what a cushy job it was, I waited for an opening, and being at CBPO, I could jump on it before anyone else on base. When an opening came, I quickly jumped on it and got the job. One of the things I loved about being in the Air Force was participating on the seasonal sports teams. I was co-captain of the flag football team, and I also played on the squadron’s fast-pitch softball team. I loved going to the gym and work out with weights at the base gym, and I also got involved in the martial arts group to stay in shape, and that was where I would run into two Air Force guys Larry and Tom who would say, Praise the Lord, hallelujah. All the time, the conversations I had with them planted seeds in my heart. I loved living in California and all the friends that I met during my time there, even down in Sacramento. I loved driving off from the base and exploring Northern California. Some of my friends and I would drive out to Lake Orvill and Grass Valley on weekends. I really enjoyed the relationships I developed and especially the scenic Northern California, driving to Lake Tahoe and down to the Bay Area in San Francisco.

As events unfolded between my family circumstances, just being disenchanted about my service, and trying to sort out what I wanted out of life, the opportunity was presented to me to get an honorable discharge with all the benefits and return home. During my military service, my mom was having some health issues, and after losing my brother and dad, in such a short time, I wanted to go back home and go back to college because the Air Force did not send me to tech school, and in other circumstances, the Air Force was changing my career field. They allowed me to separate with an honorable discharge and go back home to pursue college. Having the GI Bill, I drove cross-country with my good friend John Broadt, who had recently gotten out of the Air Force. He was one of my good friends. We had a great time driving cross-country and taking time to see the country and made my way back to Upstate, New York, having lost my brother Paul in 1974 and my dad in 1976. Needless to say, I was doing a lot of soul-searching. I liked the military life but decided not to stick it out and make a career out of it. I got out of the Air Force, active duty, at the end of 1978 before I left to drive cross-country.

I had been praying for my uncle Rocky who had cancer. I wrote him a letter and shared what the Lord was doing in my life. When I returned home, he had passed away, but upon reading my letter, my aunt Joan said he prayed and accepted Christ and tears were coming down his face before he died. And I returned back home to work at different companies in downtown Albany, on the docks as a long shore man, and at the quality inn as a bellman but seemed to be floundering without a clear purpose, and I started to drift back into the party scene. I lived with my folks, and it was good to be back home, but in time, I felt like I was in a rut. I realized that one defining moment in my career in the United States Air Force was inviting Christ into my life, and I needed to get back to the place where I found peace and purpose.

After a semester of college at Springfield, mass, and wrestling, an old close friend named Tom offered me a position in his business at Fort Lauderdale Florida. With not much going on, I took him up on his offer to move down to South Florida and worked with him. After moving to Florida to work with my friend Tom doing paving and in seal coating for a year he decided to sell the business so I had to make a decision to stay in South Florida or go back home, which at that time did not seem appealing. So as I started having a part time job. I met a guy Ted who was going to drive to Houston Texas to get a job with the oil boom going on there, so I took him up on that proposition. As we took the road and relocate to Houston, Texas, with a buddy of mine named Ted, we were told that Houston Texas, was booming during those years, and as I started having some odd jobs, I met my wife Rhonda Erwin at a club just before she traveled to Europe for the summer season, and when she returned, we picked up where we left off. I remember asking the Lord if she was the one for me, he would bring her back. And after dating for six months, the Lord decided it was meant for us to be together, and we were married on February 6, 1982, on President Reagan’s birthday.

The church we were attending at that time was Braeswood Assembly of God. Our early years were challenging, especially with the birth of our daughter Tara and not making a whole lot of money. My daughter Tara was born in 1983 at the Northwest Medical Center. Both Rhonda and I worked for Southwestern Bell. Rhonda worked in repair at the phone center, and I worked in the comptrollers building in Southwest Houston. We lived in a small apartment, but soon, we purchased a home in Sugarland, Texas and lived there till 1984. At that time, my mom was having health issues, and we were led by God to relocate up to New York to be closer to her. It was an incredible step of faith because I was not guaranteed a job at the phone company, and Rhonda was pregnant after three months of living with my mom downstairs. I received a phone call from New York telephone company that they had a temporary position for me, working in Troy at the yellow pages as a clerk, and so we looked for something close. We rented an apartment in Watervliet in 1984. Our daughter Kristin was born, and shortly after, we prayed about purchasing a home and found an affordable home in Amsterdam that was an answer to our prayer. Although I had a forty-five-minute commute back and forth to work, we settled there and set out to raise our family in that home for the next twenty years after a break in my military service. I went back to college and completed a degree in business administration. Our daughter Lindsay was born in 1987. After graduating, I received a call from an Army, National Guard, recruiter asking me if I wanted to reenlist. He had been calling, and I put him off, but Rhonda said, You need to talk to him. I did reenlist in the 10th Mountain Division B Company in Amsterdam, New York. September 1988 was at that timer 1 year National Guard recruiter asking me if I wanted to reenlist I did reenlist in the 10th mountain division B company in Amsterdam New York. For one year and after, it was at that time that my commander asked me if I wanted to transfer to the local Air National Guard unit in Scotia because I had not attended army. AIT was trying to learn all the basic training for army infantry, and I did feel out of place, having been in the Air Force. I successfully transferred to the 109th Airlift Wing and discovered the day I signed the papers that the position for firefighter was closed and that I would have to take the structure’s specialist at the 109th Airlift Wing. And discovered the day I signed the papers that the position for firefighter was closed and that I would have to take my second choice the structures position.

During that time, I sensed the Lord had a purpose for me there and found a great opportunity to develop some skills in carpentry and travel with a great group of guys. Little did I realize that God was preparing me for a higher calling, always sharing my faith and providing a spiritual presence in CE and greater purpose in the military. During my time in civil engineering, I was able to travel to Italy, Germany, and several places in the United States, growing and developing my leadership skills. I was promoted to sergeant in 1990 and soon was promoted to staff sergeant, but my opportunity for advancement was limited with three NCO’s who were eligible for promotion before me, I would be stuck being a staff sergeant for a long time. I was able to acquire a lot of carpentry and masonry skills, framing, drywall, various construction skills, driving backhoes and dump trucks, and getting a hands on education that I never had before. The group of guys I worked with as many as a hundred civil engineers were a great bunch of guys. Many of them were professionals in the civilian sector. I served as a structured specialist for almost eight years, and I was able to share my faith and be a witness for a season with that unit.

After praying about cross training, I discussed with my wife about an opening in the chaplain office as a chaplain assistant that would mean a promotion to tech sergeant, so I contacted the wing chaplain of the 109th Eric Smith and left him a message. We played phone tag. Finally, he tried to reach me and drove out to the rifle range where I was working, building a storage building, and it was snowing heavily. I had an apron on, cutting a board with a table saw, and Eric Smith pulled up, got out of the car, held up his arms, and said, Mark, what’s going on? I replied, Jesus started as a carpenter, and he broke out laughing. That was the beginning of my career after I was interviewed for the position and was accepted as a chaplain assistant at the 109th Chaplain services. That was in January 1997, so began my journey serving in the chaplain corps as a newly promoted tech sergeant. I attended text school at Chaplain Service Institute (CSI) in Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama for six weeks in March 1998. I loved serving as a chaplain assistant even during my time in civil engineering. I would share my faith and pray with many people. That provided an opportunity to share my faith and to minister to the entire wing in a different level. Most of my duties included setting up for mass, Protestant worship services, and doing some counseling.

In addition to resourcing for all the chaplain’s needs and materials, I performed all the administrative duties of the chaplain office, making counseling appointments