Page 22 - Desert Lightning News Sept. 2015

22 September 3, 2015 Desert Lightning News

From EXTRAORDINARY, Page 1 www.aerotechnews.com/davis-monthanafb “It’s always tough to lose someone,
Facebook.com/DesertLightningNews whether it’s on the battlefield, or a
As the weekend wore on and he search and rescue mission, or in the
and his men continued the search, “They understand why we are do- ter four days of tireless, around- back of the helicopter,” said Gilbert.
Gilbert said his thoughts often ing what we do and really are part the-clock efforts from everyone “But it really hits close to home when
turned to his pregnant wife, Van- of the rescue community.” involved, including about 1,000 it’s a kid that age.”
essa, and his two young boys at volunteers covering more than 20
home. His family and other squad- “This is part of what we signed square miles, Jerome’s body was “Our job is not to predict the
ron family members had sent the up for, and I know what to expect found about 20 feet off of Forest outcome; our job is to go, regard-
crew off with food and water, tex- by now,” said Vanessa, who main- Service Road 240, nearly four miles less,” said Col. Harold Maxwell,
ting them whatever open-source tains her own nursing career while from the camp site. He was outside 943rd Rescue Group command-
information they could find online holding down the fort at home of the search radius, having trav- er. “If there’s even a faint chance
as the story unfolded. when her husband leaves without eled further than could be expect- of saving someone, it’s worth it.
much notice and for days on end. ed for a person his age in terrain of The outcome may not always be
“We wouldn’t be able to be “When it’s a local rescue mission that kind, and likely died of exposure what we want, but our effort is
where we were without our awe- like this one, it pulls at any parent’s the first night he went missing, ac- always extraordinary.”
some wives and support systems,” heart strings. You just want the cording to the Coconino County
said the Sierra Vista, Ariz., native. best outcome.” Medical Examiner’s Office.

Late Monday afternoon, af-

Chaplain office supports Rescue mission

Staff Sgt. Carolyn Herrick Ch. (Maj.) Andre Mooney, 943rd Rescue Group chaplain, and his as-
sistant, Master Sgt. Laura Omo, have expanded services here to accom-
943rd Rescue Group Public Affairs modate as many unit members as possible. Services are now on Sundays at
both 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. during the unit training assembly weekends.
The military as a whole prides itself in promoting a “comprehensive fit-
ness” model of health, and one major component is spiritual health. Held in the group conference room, this informal round-table discussion is open
to anyone of any walk of faith to come and get to know the chaplain and other unit
With a goal of supporting each individual’s personal faith beliefs, the members. Anyone who has spiritual or prayer needs may make their request anony-
U.S. Air Force and Reserve chaplain’s corps encourages members to attend mously or may call the chaplain’s office any time during the UTA at (520) 228-3046.
services that enhance their spiritual lives.