Malmstrom Chapel soars above UCI standards

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Marcus McDonald
  • 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  The chapel staff here was the only one in the Air Force Space Command to receive an "Exceeds Standards" rating during a recent Unit Compliance Inspection. 

Chaplain (Col.) Brian Hunter, AFSPC chaplain, said the inspection grade - best in the command - reflected detailed planning and dedicated execution of the chapel's mission at Malmstrom. 

"Their documentation was the best we've seen," Chaplain Hunter said. "Chapel programs are vital and [Malmstrom's] chapel team is consistently pursuing means to support the commander's vision and priorities as well as the spiritual and emotional needs of the base." 

Chaplain (Maj.) Keith Muschinske, acting 341st Space Wing chaplain and senior Protestant chaplain, echoed the command chaplain's sentiments. 

"We have an outstanding chapel team here at Malmstrom," he said. "Together, we work hard to provide ministry and ministry support to those deployed daily to the missile field, as well as those who live and work on base." 

Chaplain Muschinske said the inspection results reflect the chapel staff's teamwork throughout the year. 

"Perhaps even more reflective of our united effort is the fact we have two
first-assignment chaplains and three first-assignment chaplain assistants teamed up with more experienced chaplains and chaplain assistants," he said. "Our contractors and secretary are also top-notch and critical members of the team. And I would be remiss if I didn't also mention our deployed wing chaplain, Chaplain (Lt. Col.) [Pat] McCain, who had us on the right path for the UCI before he deployed in September." 

Ten best practices were listed in the UCI report, including the chapel's extensive set of binders addressing checklist items, benchmark local checklists and OI's, the immediate initiative shown by several staff in responding to inspector's questions, a detailed training program, the 341st Operations Group chaplain's unique 17-day rotational schedule with those who deploy to the missile field, and the planning/scheduling of new worship services aimed at younger Airmen. 

The chapel had six notables on the eight critical checklist items and notables in administration, training, resources and ministry. The chaplain encouraged Malmstrom personnel to take advantage of the ministries available through the chapel. 

"We take seriously our calling to facilitate the free exercise of religion of all Malmstrom personnel and continue to do so anyway we can," Chaplain Muschinske said. "Whether with our young Airmen and the operation of our Airmen's Center - the Detour - or as we add worship opportunities to address a wider variety of worship needs, we invite base personnel to join us."