MIHAIL KOGALNICEANU, Romania - As Soldiers, Marines, Air Force and Navy personnel pass through MK Airbase, some go out of their way to visit the chapel here, which is now undergoing a construction phase to make it easier for permanent party personnel along with transient personnel to meet confidentially with the chaplains assigned here.
"We are very pleased that the construction of the additional counseling spaces has begun in the chapel," said Chaplain (Lt. Col) James R. Crawford, the 21st Theater Sustainment Command's Regional Support Element chaplain and a native of Tuscaloosa, Ala." It has been a long process to this point, but due to the committed effort of numerous individuals here at MK, and back in Germany, we can see the need of the Soldier, Marine, Air Force, Navy, and civilian personnel alike being met."
Before the project started, the three chaplains along with the three chaplain's assistants were confined to a single office room which left little space for confidential meetings to take place.
"It is our responsibility to insure that all those stationed here and passing through have the opportunity to speak to their chaplain in a comfortable and confidential place," said Crawford.
"I think this is going to be a ministry multiplier for servicemembers of all faiths," said Master Sgt. Raymond B. Smith, master chaplain assistant assigned to the 21st Theater Sustainment Command's Regional Support Element and a native of Brooklyn, N.Y.
"We will have the ability to manage our chapel more effectively and can provide services for all Department of Defense faith groups," said Smith.
"This should give us a much better chance to be able to speak with our patrons," said Crawford. "Until now, it has been extremely difficult to get one-on-one time with the servicemembers that come to see us, but this will be able to let us set up appointments and speak to all those in need."
The chapel has grown by leaps and bounds since opening their doors in January 2014 providing a better service for all servicemembers.
"We can have up to 15 or 30 servicemembers at any given time for bible studies and worship services..." said Crawford. "We are able to hold up to 200 in this building and love it when we get a large crowd."
The chapel also recently received a baby grand piano for music to be played during services.
The construction, which has been in the planning stage for several months, started in early May and is projected to be complete by the end of the month.
"We are deeply grateful to all of the individuals that had a role in seeing this great improvement being accomplished," said Crawford.
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