Chaplain delivers ministry in air Published Sept. 17, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Amber Kelly-Woodward 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- A 375th Airlift Wing chaplain is furthering the Scott mission by offering his chaplain services to aeromedevac patients on their way home from Iraq and Afghanistan. "This is the reason why this base is here," said Ch. (Capt.) Tommy Fussell, 375th AW chaplain. "The purpose of the wing is to be a focal point for the Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. Being a part of that helps me to have a great understanding of what the Air Force is about." Chaplain Fussell departed Scott Sept. 10 at noon on a C-130 from Pope Air Force Base. During his flight he stopped at Kentucky, Louisiana, Texas and Kansas and arrived back at Scott at 1:30 a.m. Sept. 11. "I visit with the patients and the medical and aircrews without being a burden or getting in the way," said Chaplain Fussell. Chaplain Fussell tries to take a flight about twice a month. "Every flight is different, I learn something neat on each one," said Chaplain Fussell. "On my first flight I had an overnight stay at Fort Hood and I got to gel with the crew." Chaplain Fussell's presence is also important for the chapel. "His presence shows that the Air Force and Chapel services leadership cares about the sacrifices theses heroes have made for freedom," said Ch. (Col.) Frank Yerkes, 375th AW head chaplain. In return for his services, the chaplain gets to learn a little bit from each of the patients. "One guy had taken pictures while on patrol and showed me the heroic things he had done for the sake of freedom and buddies," said Chaplain Fussell. Chaplain Fussell's goal on these missions is to aid in the spiritual healing of the patients and medical and aircrews. "They seem to open up to me and that aids in the healing process," said Chaplain Fussell. "It helps to be able to talk about an accident or injury or just tell a story, but they still feel the need to be safe. They feel safe talking to a chaplain."