Higher Calling

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Matt Davis
  • Air Force District of Washington Public Affairs
Glorifying God, serving Airmen, and pursuing excellence is the vision statement of the Air Force Chaplain Corps. The Chaplain Candidate Intensive Internship program will guide 2nd Lt. Steven Davis along the journey to that vision.

Davis, a Washington native, began his Air Force story pursuing an education in religion while on active duty for 17 years as a Chaplain Assistant. After he transitioned to the Air Force Reserves, he served the civilian sector working as a local pastor for his church. It was only a matter of time before he became a chaplain.

"In 2011, I really felt the stirring to become a chaplain," said Davis. "I had a lot of reserve and active duty chaplains come and ask me when I was doing my inactive duty training days and annual tours; that if I'm a pastor outside, why wouldn't I be a chaplain?"

Once Davis received his commission, he was enrolled in the program. He currently serves as a chaplain candidate while completing the educational and religious requirements to reappoint as a chaplain.

The Chaplain Candidate Intensive Internship consists of 303 hours of training covering pastoral care, modeling ethical leadership, advising leadership and religious observances. Davis is in phase two of a four phase application to reappointment process.

"Lt. Davis was assigned to Air Force District of Washington for his follow-on summer tour because of his prior experience and the leadership and professionalism he demonstrated as flight leader during the 2015 Chaplain Candidate Intensive Internship," said Master Sgt. Jason Nunez, Office of the Air Force Chief of Chaplains executive operations manager. "He spent five days shadowing and experiencing the strategic and organization level of the Air Force Chaplain Corps to help give him an overall perspective of our functional community."

During his time at AFDW, Davis witnessed different aspects of the Air Force mission.
"We're in a boat one day with Special Forces operators and another we're out interacting with POL and firefighters." said Davis. "You get to meet a lot of really neat people and see a lot of diverse mission sets of the Air Force."

This summer brings the final chapter of Davis's journey. He plans on finishing his seminary degree towards his master's in divinity and all necessary ordination requirements with his endorser. "Lord willing, this time next year I'll be reappointed as a reserve chaplain," said Davis.