In Person: Command Chaplain (Col.) Joseph Kuan Published Feb. 14, 2006 By Philip J. Lorenz, III Arnold Engineering Development Center Public Affairs ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. (AFMCNS) -- U.S. Air Force Materiel Command Chaplain (Col.) Joseph Kuan and AFMC Command Chaplain Assistant (Chief Master Sgt.) Mark Hogue visited the U.S. Air Force's Arnold Engineering Development Center for the first time in January to promote the importance of spiritual wellness. "As Command Chaplain, it was a privilege for me to visit this place-to know where Arnold Air Force Base is located and understand its mission," he said. "I also wanted to come visit with the chaplains- Martin Nutter and Paul Gunn." Chaplain Kuan was not only impressed by the unique facilities AEDC offers, but also by how close-knit the community is with the base and how well the base uses its limited military resources. Because Arnold is not a typical Air Force base, the few military personnel who are stationed here do not have services like a normal Air Force base would have, such as a full-time active-duty chaplain, a base hospital and other family-oriented activities. "The limited resources you have here could have been a factor, but somehow it has not because the people are able to live within the resources they have," he explained. "For example, you do not have an active-duty chaplain, but the community is able to provide many worship services for the needs of the military on base." Chief Hogue stated he was most impressed by the cohesiveness between the active-duty, civilian and contractor employees. "The multi-faceted mission that you have, supporting the warfighter, commercial and even international interests, is just a huge operation and to be able to do it as well as you do it here, is a good thing." One of the major issues facing Chaplain Kuan as a Command Chaplain is the topic of religious accommodation, which, according to the Air Force guidelines "is the accommodation of religious practices among 'voluntary, peer-to-peer' discussions, but officers are encouraged to be 'sensitive' to the potential of comments about their faith to be perceived as official statements." Chaplain Kuan feels the principle of accommodation is a valid principle and he hopes this principle will alleviate the tensions that have been looming and skewing. "Religion has been, for years and centuries, a driver or source of tension and we don't need more added to the many years and centuries." While visiting, Chaplain Kuan met with the Junior Force Council to discuss any issues AEDC's active-duty members had with the military, particularly at AEDC. Second Lt. Josh Frederik, test project manager for the flight systems division, is grateful these guests accepted the invitation to spend time and talk with the Junior Force Council. He says it is a sign that they do want to hear the opinions and concerns of the Air Force's younger work force. "I think that the roundtable was helpful, not only to ask questions of the chaplain, but to also hear about his personal journey through the ranks of the Air Force," said Lieutenant Frederik. "Personally, I feel that these roundtable discussions lead to more open conversation and discussion because of their casual format, which makes it easier to ask questions and to get more out of the time we have with the guest." Chaplain Kuan left with a positive impression of AEDC's chaplain ministry and a good sense of hospitality from the AEDC work force.