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Luke AFB F-16s fly over 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Championship Chaplain’s thoughts ...

LOvE WORkS unifying force. It brings all people together when

by Chaplain, 1st Lt. nothing else can. Why? Because it is selfless. The act
or work of love is a humble action that places others
Jeff RYboLd before self. This is one way that love works. It works
by serving others. This attribute of selfless service
IMA, 56th Fighter Wing
draws people together.
When I was in ele- Love is a decision. The choice to love others comes
mentary school, I wrote prior to the emotion of love toward others. The emo-
a fellow classmate of tion of love (i.e., feeling love for something or some-
mine a letter. It ex- one) is a supporting emotion that should follow the
pressed deep love and decision to love. While emotions have a tendency to
feelings toward her that change abruptly based on circumstances, if a choice
were overflowing from is made before hand, the emotions are more likely to
my heart. The heartfelt be consistent. For example, charity (or selfless giving
letter said this, “Do you with no expectation of recompense) is the decision to
love me, yes or no.” Fol- give of what a person has to those that have not. My
lowed by two boxes next faith tradition teaches charity as the highest form of
to the corresponding love. It is known as sacrificial love. In this way, love
Chaplain, 1st Lt. Jeff Rybold choices. Obviously, the works because it is a decision intentionally made for
8-year-old little Jeff, in the benefit of others.
his first-grade class knew everything about love and The concept of love works is a decision followed by
the interworking of emotions he was going through. an action. As you look forward to this season of love,
To be safe, he also wrote the same letter to the girl’s my encouragement is for you to make the decision to
friend. Also expressing his undying love in the exact love others selflessly and show that love sacrificially.
same phrasing to her. “Do you love me, yes or no.” This may mean giving more time to those you love.
While this story is true, I had absolutely no idea Or, maybe it means giving more thought into the
what love was at that time. To me, love was a fleet- gifts you buy them. Whatever it means to you, love
ing emotion that had no foundation. As we start to is much more than an emotion. It is an attitude and
work toward a season that focuses on love, my goal a behavior - Love works.
is to encourage you today and remind you that love For more information about Luke AFB Chaplain
is much more than simply an emotion. Corps programs & events, “like” us on Facebook @
Love is an action. No matter your background, Luke AFB Chapel. Feeling like you need to talk? Give
whether spiritual or ethnic, love is the ultimate us a call: 623-856-6211.

Courtesy graphic

Airman 1st Class Dominic Tyler
Three U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 56th Fighter Wing, Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, fly over Phoenix during the NASCAR Cup Series Championship
Nov. 7, 2021. The 56th and 944th FWs, which train U.S. Air Force F-16 pilots, conducted the flyover in support of the NASCAR championship race. Luke AFB continually bol-
sters partnerships with various organizations around Arizona, gaining support from the surrounding community.

Arizona State Senator speaks about Luke AFB connects with local football fans A family that signs-up
Navajo roots during Native American at AZ Cardinals’ Salute to Service game together, serves together
Heritage Month at Luke AFB

Senior Airman David C. Busby
Senior Airman Phyllis Jimenez Elizabeth Canchola, football game attendee, tries Senior Airman Phyllis Jimenez
Arizona State Sen. Jamescita Peshlakai shares sto- on firefighting equipment at a Salute to Service U.S. Air Force Airman Basic Richard Jimenez, 56th
ries about her Navajo roots during a Native American event with the help of U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Contracting Squadron contract specialist, and his
Heritage event Nov. 16, 2021, at Luke Air Force Base, Craig Dennis, 944th Civil Engineer Squadron driver/ wife, U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jenna Jimenez,
Arizona. Peshlakai is currently serving her second operator, Nov. 14, 2021, at the State Farm Stadium, 308th Aircraft Maintenance Unit analyst, pose togeth-
term in the Arizona Senate as the state’s first Native Glendale, Arizona. At the event, Airmen from Luke Air er Nov. 5, 2021, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The
American woman senator. Diversity and inclusion in Force Base interacted with civilians and explained couple joined the Air Force along with their teenage
the U.S. Air Force are warfighting imperatives that different aspects of their career field to fans attend- son after falling on hard times during the Coronavi-
capitalize on and celebrate multicultural contribu- ing the Carolina Panthers vs. Arizona Cardinals rus Disease 2019 pandemic. The Air Force actively
tions to national defense, in an environment where game. The Cardinals hold this annual event to honor, works to improve and maintain the quality of life for
all Airmen are valued and respected for their identity, empower and connect with our nation’s service mem- Airmen and their families by providing resources that
culture, and background. bers, veterans and their families. promote health, education, and resilience.