WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- After 16 years of service, a 445th Airlift Wing Airman commissioned into the Air Force Chaplain Corps Feb. 16, 2022. Newly commissioned 1st Lt. Darrell Hornback has opened a new door in his Air Force Reserve career.
Hornback’s journey began as an active-duty aircraft hydraulics maintainer at Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina. After three years, he applied to the palace chase program and became a reservist.
As a senior master sergeant, Hornback served in the 445th Airlift Wing command post since 2013 both as an air reserve technician and as a traditional reservist.
The former senior master sergeant said he always dreamed of being a chaplain, but at times the road to get there seemed too long and complicated.
“When I first joined, I felt called to be a chaplain but the education requirement was so large that I decided to enlist. Through the help of the Air Force paying for my degree, I obtained my four year master’s degree in 2021,” said Hornback, adding with a smile, “It only took me 16 years.”
Despite the length of time it took for him to complete his degree, the desire to fulfill this dream was bigger than the hurdles to reach it and his time in the Air Force taught him to just keep doing the next right thing and following the process.
“I am excited to serve the Air Force in this capacity. It is super exciting, and I can’t wait to be that outlet for people to use and hopefully help others,” stated the new officer enthusiastically.
Hornback said he could not have met this goal without the support of his family, especially his wife and children. He also shared he had a lot of support from his church and pastor. Another individual, a fellow Airman and chaplain, was also instrumental in the journey.
Chaplain (Capt.) Patrick Stalnaker, 445th AW Chaplain Corps, has been a friend and mentor to Hornback for the past seven years. The two attend church together.
“It has been a joy to watch (Hornback) in this process,” said Stalnaker. “He got his first two-year master’s degree and wasn’t sure if he would go further. I knew he could do it and it has come full circle.”
Stalnaker himself had an interesting path to his chaplaincy and the two have both encouraged each other on their individual journeys. His path took him nine years from the first prompting and desire to receiving his commission four years ago.
“I am really excited to see how 1st Lt. Hornback is going to step in and fill the ranks. We are happy to have him in the office and really looking forward to serving together,” said Stalnaker.
Hornback’s commissioning ceremony was held at the 445th Airlift Wing headquarters building and the ceremony was personal for the new lieutenant.
His pastor gave the invocation; his young son removed his former senior NCO rank and “punched” on the new officer rank; and his fellow command post worker of the last nine years, Master Sgt. Amber Church, rendered the first salute to the newly commissioned officer.
“Each time I thought I was done with the journey, I felt a draw to keep going,” said Hornback. “As a chaplain I look forward to showing people they are not alone, that they have a place to belong.”