Clergy leaders fly with 934th Airlift Wing

  • Published
  • By Capt. S.J. Brown
  • 934th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL IAP AIR RESERVE STATION, Minn. -- --  The 934th Airlift Wing here hosted its first "Clergy Day" Dec. 5 for senior religious leaders from the Twin Cities and surrounding areas.

The dozen clergy members who attended, what will now be an annual event, represented a broad cross section of faiths and were invited to the base to learn about Minnesota's only Air Force Reserve unit.

During the event, the clergy received informational briefings and flew on a two hour training mission aboard one of the unit's eight C-130 H3 aircraft getting a first-hand glimpse of the Reservists serving in their military jobs. Clergy members were accompanied during the day by Air Force chaplains and assistants, some who are clergy members in their civilian jobs.

"Clergy members are an important part of many of our Reservist's lives. They confide in them and look to them for guidance and advice," said Col. Mark Vijums, 934th Airlift Wing vice commander, who also piloted the C-130 aircraft during the flight. "This is a great opportunity for us to show members of the clergy what we do so they gain an understanding of what life as a Reservist is all about."

"It was a very insightful morning," said Tim Hackbarth, Pastor of Lutheran Church of Peace in Maplewood, Minn. "I learned a lot about the Air Force Reserve and what they do for us."