New Chaplains diversify Whiteman mission Published Aug. 12, 2010 By By Airman 1st Class Torey Griffith 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- As the PCS season hits full swing, a sea of new faces come to Whiteman's gates, becoming part of the incredible B-2 mission carrying on the 509th Bomb Wing's tradition of excellence. Two such newcomers are Chaplain (Lt. Col.) William Bartoul, 509th Bomb Wing chaplain, and Chaplain (Capt.) Jeffery Scott. The two chaplains, coming from different bases and offering different perspectives have the same goal: To offer guidance to those in need. "I love, with a deep passion, our United States Airmen," said Chaplain Bartoul, a Catholic chaplain who comes to Whiteman from Lajes Field, Portugal. "I've worked with them for a long time now, over 18 years. I am so impressed with their commitment to principals such as liberty and justice. I am honored to be a part of that. "I've been in some deployed locations, where, on their down time, our Airmen were out on a makeshift basketball court, looking like a bunch of kids, jumping around and yelling and screaming, and the next morning when they put their uniforms on, they were the consummate professional," Chaplain Bartoul said. In his experience, Chaplain Bartoul has witnessed the expertise Airmen use every day while at work at home and abroad. "With very powerful weapons at their fingertips, and a great deal of pressure being placed on them that people back in the states will never know, they handle themselves extremely well," said Chaplain Bartoul. "Being able to contribute to that strength, helping to be a voice that guides them in the right direction so they can do the very best job they can do, is an honor. I feel honored to be a part of this group." Chaplain Bartoul said serving Airmen's spiritual needs is just one of the rewards. "Being a Chaplain in the Air Force has afforded me the opportunity to travel to some remarkable places in this world where I would never even dream of going," he said. "From Bosnia and Saudi Arabia to the United Arab Emirates. Chaplain Scott, while relatively new to the Air Force, comes with a great deal of experience with both the military and the ministry. He spent the past three years at his first Air Force assignment in Little Rock AFB, Ar. From 1987 to 1991, he served in the Army's 82nd Airborne division. After his time in the Army, he went to seminary and pastored his own church, then decided to join the Air Force. "I love sharing time with people," said Chaplain Scott. "The challenge is to balance the people ministry, which I love, with the paper ministry, which the Air Force requires to keep us accountable. If I had my 'druthers,' I'd be out with our folks doing flight line ministry, or counseling sessions." Both Chaplains balance their time between ministry and 'administry,' taking time to tend to the needs of the hearts and souls of the Air Force. "There are a number of things Chaplains offer our Airmen," said Chaplain Scott. "The thing that is vitally important is that we have 100 percent confidentiality. Airmen that are struggling with a variety of issues, no matter how large or small, can see a chaplain and know for certain that nothing they share will ever be passed on to anyone." Total confidentiality is important to Airmen on flying status, or those who have PRP issues, where their jobs can be negatively impacted. Being able to talk to a chaplain about anything, knowing there will be no repercussions, allows our military members a place of safety, comfort, and help, with no strings attached." For more information on the base chapel ministry, or to speak to a chaplain, call 687-3652 during business hours, or (866) 395-4357 after hours.