Chaplain’s Assistant Serves Third Deployment

Defend America News ^ | Master Sgt. Scott King

[SandRat]

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Mark Arms is a forward-deployed Air Force chaplain’s assistant with the 40th Air Expeditionary Group in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. This is his third deployment since Sept. 11, 2001. He said he loves God and country and feels very fortunate to be a chaplain’s assistant. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. John Rohrer
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Mark Arms
Chaplain's Assistant Serves Third Deployment
By Master Sgt. Scott King 40th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM, April 20, 2006 -- He is well known around this forward operating location, available 24-7 for his chaplains and personnel here, and says, "People are his business." Master Sgt. Mark Arms joined the Air National Guard 14 years ago right out of high school to serve his country and take advantage of the Air Force's G.I. Bill. "I joined the Guard and have stayed in to serve my country that has given me so much freedom and opportunities to enjoy the life that I have," Arms said. "Basically I want to give back." His duties as the 40th Air Expeditionary Group chaplain assistant are managing the chapel's daily functions. He is the eyes and ears for the chaplain. The sergeant does not counsel, but he does listen and try to give advice, and if needed, refers people to see a chaplain. He also sets up for weekly services and assists with suicide prevention briefings (now an annual requirement in the Air Force). As a chaplain assistant, Arms has a broad knowledge of world religions and customs. In a deployed hostile environment, such as Iraq or Afghanistan, he would be armed, and considered as a combatant. He would also serve as the chaplain's bodyguard. "Since Sept.11 this is my third deployment," he said. "I served in France for 90 days, Bahrain for 90 plus days and now here for 120 days. Prior to Sept. 11, I deployed to Saudi Arabia, Pisa, Italy and Istras, France." Arms spends his working civilian life as a manager for a Kroger Supermarket in Portsmouth, Ohio.	"I have a great employer, Kroger; they are real supportive of the guard and the Employer Support for Guard and Reserve program. Kroger has adjusted their work schedule around my drill weekends, summer camps, and when I attended the six-week NCO Academy," he said. Arms said his civilian and military jobs have similarities. "I deal with people every day," he added. "I am a people person and you have to be a people person if you want to enjoy and be effective in both jobs. I help manage the store and I manage the chapel in every day business. Bottom line is -- people are my business in both my military and civilian jobs." He said both fields are rewarding. The fact that he can help make a difference in people's lives is important to him. "As a manager, I can help my workers achieve their goals, and also I bring a smile with me to work. My saying is 'Attitude is a choice,' so even when I am having a bad day I have a choice to be kind and encouraging, instead of being hateful and discouraging," he said. "I believe people will work for you if you treat them good and I also take stake in the golden rule -- treat others as you would want to be treated. As a chaplain assistant, I get to help people in a variety of issues, virtually every day." Arms said he thanks God every day for giving him the opportunity to serve in the Air National Guard and to have a meaningful civilian job. "I love God and country and being a chaplain assistant lets me enjoy both -- I'm very fortunate."

[SandRat]

A warrior for and of GOD!

[TASMANIANRED]

Bless him.

[Calpernia]

He is well known around this forward operating location, available 24-7 for his chaplains and personnel here, and says, "People are his business."

Master Sgt. Mark Arms joined the Air National Guard 14 years ago right out of high school to serve his country and take advantage of the Air Force's G.I. Bill.

"I joined the Guard and have stayed in to serve my country that has given me so much freedom and opportunities to enjoy the life that I have," Arms said. "Basically I want to give back."

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!

[Gamecock]

A little known fact on Chaplains Assistants: They don't have to profess faith in anything. There are some atheist Chaplains Assistants out there.

[E.G.C.]

BTTT