NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Thousands of soldiers and airmen In Tennessee have been working tirelessly. They've been helping with the tornado recovery efforts and fighting COVID-19.
"The guard has been very busy with the tornado in Middle Tennessee and Chattanooga, and now COVID-19," said Chaplain Lt. Col. Paul Gunn with the 118th Wing, " We are pulling from our resources but this is why we train, to expect the unexpected."
Soldiers and airmen have been assisting with COVID-19 testing sites.
After long hours of working, they go back to their hotel rooms only to be kept separated from their families.
"Being away from family is difficult for anyone especially when there’s so much uncertainty in the air," said Gunn.
To support our service members, three Tennessee national guard chaplains and one Chaplains assistant have deployed across the state.
"We're allowed to visit in the lobby and while we practice social distancing, we ask them how they doing, how their family is doing and pray for them if they would like prayer," said Chaplain Col. Stan Campbell, state Chaplain of the Tennessee National Guard.
Whether its praying together or just having someone to talk to, this gesture lets them know they don’t have to carry their hardships alone.
Since April 2, chaplains have made visitations to over 1,300 soldiers and airmen in Tennessee.
The Chaplains are able to provide pastoral care and services not only to Christians but to those of other religious beliefs such as Islam and Norris Pagan.
