CECOM Chaplain's Note on Resiliency

By Ann GonzalezMarch 30, 2020

Note from Chaplain (Colonel) Nielsen, CECOM Chaplain

CECOM family,

I am sure many of you are going through some challenges and have concerns with COVID-19 and its impact to you as well as your friends and family. We all are dealing with rapid changes and, amazingly, most are coming up with resilient options to overcome and cope with the crisis. I am praying for you and hoping for a quick resolution. I am happy to see people working together more to accomplish what is necessary at this time.

There are some positives that I think are helpful to focus on in the midst of the challenges. Many of us are getting to spend more time with our families. Many may be a little less busy due to not going TDY or teleworking instead of commuting. While not being able to see all of our friends in person, we have so many methods to reach out with current technology to stay connected. In fact, this is a great time to reach out to relatives or friends we haven’t contacted for some time. We are able to enjoy home-cooked meals, more out of necessity, but this can be healthier for families. Some may be feeling alone, which can be an opportunity to have time for solitude and personal growth. I find it helpful to count our blessings and “hunt the good stuff” as we have learned in Master Resilience Training.

Another key resilience principle is to “not do this alone.” If you are struggling, please reach out using the many methods that are available to you in order to take care of yourself. I am a resource and can help point you to other resources.

*Due to DA guidance, chaplains are not seeing people in person, but if you would like to talk, please email me (darin.a.nielsen.mil@mail.mil) or call me at (443) 861-4353.

*APG Religious Services are currently not meeting in person, but you can watch weekly services on Facebook:

Traditional Protestant: https://www.facebook.com/groups/APGChapel/

Gospel Service: https://www.facebook.com/apggospelservice/

Catholic Service: https://www.facebook.com/APG-Catholic-Community-144325727963/

Optional Prayer: Lord, Please watch over and protect our workforce, their families, our community, Nation, its leaders, and our world as COVID-19 continues to bring harm and create fear. Give skill and wisdom to those working on a cure and treatment that this may come to an end soon. Give each of us a sense of peace as we continue to serve.  Help this to be a time of growth and strengthening of our resolve and resilience. We pray this all in your Name. AMEN.