Reserve Chaplain reflects on fond memories

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio - Chaplain Bill Dickens preaches at an Easter Sunrise Service at Forward Operating Base Warrior, Kirkuk, Iraq in 2007. Chaplain Dickens, who leaves the 445th Airift Wing in November after more than 13 years, was recognized as the Reserve Officer Association's Chaplain of the Year for 2008. Chaplain Dickens and the 445th Airlift Wing Chaplain Staff received numerous honors and recognition during his tenure with the 445th to include the Air Force Reserve command Outstanding Chaplain Corps Program for 2007-2008; and excellent rating during the unit's operational readiness inspection; and special recognition during the unit staff assistance visit. (Courtesy photo)

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Reserve Chaplain reflects on fond memories

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio - Chaplain Bill Dickens travels in a convoy from Nav-star, Kuwait to Camp Bucca, Iraq during his 2005 deployment. Chaplain Dickens, who leaves the 445th Airift Wing in November after more than 13 years, was recognized as the Reserve Officer Association's Chaplain of the Year for 2008. Chaplain Dickens and the 445th Airlift Wing Chaplain Staff received numerous honors and recognition during his tenure with the 445th to include the Air Force Reserve command Outstanding Chaplain Corps Program for 2007-2008; and excellent rating during the unit's operational readiness inspection; and special recognition during the unit staff assistance visit. Chaplain Dickens is being assigned to 10th Air Force. (Courtesy photo)

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Reserve Chaplain reflects on fond memories

Published Aug. 28, 2009
By Chaplain (Maj.) Bill Dickens
445th Airlift Wing

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio -- In Paul's letter to the Philippians, he simply says, "I thank my God for all my memories of you." As I sit in front of my computer and write my last article for the Buckeye Flyer, I feel like the Apostle Paul must have felt. For those of you who have not heard, I will be moving to Tenth Air Force in November. I am looking forward to the new challenge, . . . but . . . I am a little apprehensive because the 445th is all I know. 13 ½ years ago I was sworn into the Air Force Reserve in front of the flag outside Col Goeman's office. Since then, I've seen many people come and go. In fact, there are only 2 people on the Headquarters staff that were here when I came.

I am amazed at what I have been able to witness as a member of this unit. The long mobilizations beginning in 2001, the C-141 stage in 2003, the transition from the C-141 to the C-5 and the retirement of tail number 177, the numerous awards and trophies won by squadron's and individuals, several SAVs, UCIs, and ORIs, etc., etc..

As the men and women of the 445th, you have taught me so much about serving this country. I have flown with some of (AES, 89th and the old 356th), I've deployed to the AOR with some of you (CES and SFS), I've endured CBRNE training and field exercises with most of you. I've had the privilege to perform the weddings of several unit members and the honor to participate in the funerals of family members and unit members. I've been "gently" corrected by some of you when I made a mistake. And many of you have been very generous with your words of encouragement. I have , ALWAYS been proud to say that I was part of the 445th Airlift Wing.

Regarding being "gently" corrected, two words of advice: first, when the wing commander puts you on an airplane and sends you on a mission and the plane breaks, don't get off the airplane, buy a commercial ticket with your Government Travel Card and come home on a commercial fight. This type of "outside the box" thinking does not please the leadership. Second, when flying into the AOR at night, under blackout conditions, make sure the flash on your camera is turned off before you take a picture of an oil fire in the desert (bright flashes in dark cockpits irritate pilots).

You have a good chapel staff. Chaplain Kollmann, TSgt Reisinger, SSgt Bratka, and SrA Morris will continue to serve you well. You will enjoy the ministries of Ch, Lt Col Leist (the new Wing Chaplain) and Ch, Capt Matthew Simpson who will be coming on board soon.

I look forward to seeing what the 445th will do in future and I will take great pride knowing that I was once part of the best wing in the Air Force Reserve!! Thank you for the wonderful memories and I hope our paths cross again someday. May God Bless you all.