Air Guardsman from March named Chaplain of the Year

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Paul Duquette
  • 163 RW Public Affairs
03/11/2011 --  We all had childhood dreams and aspirations of our future jobs, whether that was being a movie star, cowboy or astronaut. Typically, reality set in and took us took in a different direction. But one Grizzly's childhood dream of becoming a Chaplain wasn't thrown away, instead it was embraced and has brought him world wide recognition.

Chaplain Capt. David Sarmiento,163rd Reconnaissance Wing Chaplain Corps, was awarded the National Guard Bureau's Chaplain of the Year award during the Joint Army and Air National Guard Bureau Chaplain Conference January 25, at Hyatt Regency Hotel, Washington, D.C.

There were eight candidates competing for this exclusive award, coming from 50 states and 4 territories around the world. During the week-long conference, Chaplain Sarmiento was presented the award by the Deputy Director of the Air National Guard, Maj. Gen. William H. Etter. He was also later coined by the Director of the National Guard, General Craig R. McKinley at the Order of Sheppard Banquet.

"I am very humbled to have received this award, considering there is great work being accomplished every day by so many Chaplains and Chaplain Assistants all over the world," said Chaplain Sarmiento.

Colonel Randall Ball, 163d Reconnaissance Wing Commander, said, "[Chaplain Sarmiento's] presence and outstanding contributions cannot be overstated because of all the issues and stresses 163rd personnel have encountered due to mobilization and the extremely high operational tempo that the reach-back 24/7/365 AOR combat support mission brings with it."

Chaplain Sarmiento has officiated approximately 200 wing related functions to include retirements, conferences, briefings, seminars, weddings and change of commands. His duties are not all roses and rainbows; he is also involved in death notifications, funerals and Fallen Angel (service members) ceremonies, to name a few, as well as being on call 24/7.

"I have experienced so many beautiful moments through my time in the military and I've come to learn that no matter what my duties involve, it is an honor to serve, because God has allowed me to live out my childhood dream of becoming a Chaplain," said Chaplain Sarmiento. "Thank you all for allowing me to serve as yourChaplain and for the confidence you have had in me and the support I have received."