JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- The Air Force District of Washington Command Chaplain Corps’ office paired with the 316th Wing Chaplain Corps to host their annual awards ceremony to celebrate the accomplishments of AFDW Chaplains and Religious Affairs Airmen on March 22, 2022, here.
Maj. Gen. Joel Jackson, commander of the AFDW and the 320th Air Expeditionary Wing, and Chief Master Sgt. Leon Calloway, AFDW Command Chief, provided opening remarks to thank the chaplain corps on an incredible year of accomplishments.
“The importance of the ceremony today was to recognize the hard work of the people from AFDW and their accomplishments throughout the National Capital Region,” said Maj. Garrell Calton, Joint Base Andrews deputy chaplain. “There are so many moving parts and it’s amazing to see us all come together to celebrate all of our accomplishments today.”
Seven Airmen were awarded a memento from the AFDW Chaplain Corps, along with several groups such as Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling for Outstanding Large Chapel Team, Arlington National Cemetery for Outstanding Medium Chapel Team and Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations as Outstanding Small Chapel Team.
Individual Airmen were awarded for numerous achievements, such as providing support to service members and their families throughout troublesome times, developing improved operating procedures throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and hosting events where Airmen came together for team-building and to increase unit cohesion.
“My favorite part about this event today is the ‘family feel,’” said Lt. Col. Karl Blancaflor, 316th Wing and JBA senior chaplain. “We’re all a part of the big AFDW family, so participating in these events, getting together, seeing each other and celebrating the accomplishments we achieved as a family was awesome.”