A Long Overdue Update

On November 28th the Air Force requires that I retire from my status as an Air Force Reserve Officer. This is due to my impending advanced age of 61. You may know that this is the same requirement made last year when I turned 60. Last year they extended my retirement date by one year but they WILL NOT do that again. The quote from Air Force Reserve Headquarters was, "Don't even ASK!"

So here is what Dover Air Force Base leadership asked: "David - would you be willing to take a civilian chaplain position at the mortuary?"

"Yes." I answered.

I have become a civilian chaplain doing the same job in the same place. I am wearing civilian clothes for my in-house responsibilities but putting the military uniform on for official military functions: meeting families, escorts and praying on air planes.

This works well on all sides:
1. Dover leadership values my experience, relationships and pastoral care expertise.
2. I love the ministry I get to do here.

3. Dover wants the continuity of ministry and training that I provide.
4. Phyllis and I also want some continuity as we approach old age.

5. Dover can't seem to find someone else to fill their requirements.
6. Phyllis and I do not have any other place to call home.

7. Dover has bent over backwards to try and keep me in place.
8. Phyllis and I have found and purchased our first home.

9. Dover leadership thinks that this a good plan for the foreseeable future.
10. Phyllis and I are convinced that God is as much in "this" future as he has been in our past.

Please feel free to e-mail for updated contact information. All of our telephone numbers and e-mail addresses have remained the same. Only our mailing address has changed.