Chapel reopens at Sheppard AFB

Published Nov. 26, 2024
By Senior Airman Katie McKee
82nd TRW Public Affairs

SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --

Team Sheppard and the 82d Training Wing Chaplain Corps celebrated the reopening of the base's Chapel with Brig. Gen. Paul G. Filcek, installation commander, and Col. Jeffrey Shulman, 80th Flying Training Wing commander, were in attendance for the ribbon cutting on Nov. 22, 2024.

Col. Jeffrey Shulman, 80th FTW commander, and Brig. Gen. Paul G. Filcek, installation commander, pose with Col. Rolf Holmquist, 82d TRW Chaplain, before cutting the ribbon at the Chapel reopening ceremony Nov. 22, 2024. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Katie McKee)

"The Chapel is very instrumental for all of us regardless of whether you're religious or not," said Col. Rolf Holmquist, 82d TRW Chaplain. "The blessing we have in our democracy is that we have our constitution, first amendment rights, that allows us to be able to have free religion, to express it or not express it. This Chapel is open to every single person, whether they consider themselves religious or not. This is a beacon and symbol of democracy that many nations don't have that opportunity."

The Chapel closed due to needing updates and renovations, including a new air conditioning unit and fire suppression system. This caused Catholic and Latter-day Saints services to be temporarily moved.

"This is a nice location for the Catholic members on base to worship in a designated chapel," said Capt. Jose Lachica, 82d TRW Catholic Chaplain. "The importance of this is to let people know that we're here to provide for them because everyone is welcome."

Brig. Gen. Filcek speaks at the chapel reopening ceremony. — Brig. Gen. Paul G Filcek speaks at the Chapel reopening ceremony Nov. 22, 2024. The Chapel will be a designated worship area for Catholic members on base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Katie McKee)