Downrange: Our Airmen’s perspective – part 5 of series Published Feb. 17, 2009 By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace 436th AW Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Rank/Name: Chaplain (Capt.) Denis Gueu Unit: 436th Airlift Wing Chapel Deployed Unit/Location: Sather Air Base, Iraq Hometown: Chicago Describe your job at your deployed location: I provided moral, ethical and spiritual support for more than 800 military personnel at Sather Air Base, Iraq. I provided counseling ranging from marital difficulties and financial crisis, to everyday work-related stress or anxiety situations. Also, I provided moral support and encouragement for all personnel involved in patriot details including the seriously injured (bodily, mentally and psychologically) through the medical facilities. Finally, I provided morale boosting for our Airmen on the front lines. What was one of the most memorable experiences? I worked closely with an Army chief warrant officer in providing morale for the troops. On Christmas Eve, we visited and brought hot chocolate, coffee and several goodies to 11 forward operating bases. In another instance, we provided prayers for a very unorthodox subject, which proved to help in more than one way. A 'REDHORSE' construction team had been working on a particular project for weeks. They were building two giant metal tents to house K-9s. The projects had gone sour because their metal-cutting machine was dysfunctional. When I visited them, I provided prayer for the machine to work right. Some of the personnel considered it strange that the chaplain would pray for a piece of metal to work right. In the end, the machine worked. I rolled up my sleeves and joined them in cutting and putting up metal. The unit commander noticed my benevolence and presented me with "REDHORSE gloves," a sign of great appreciation and acknowledgement on his part. As you can see, their chaplain helped them with prayer and manual labor. How did your job at Dover prepare you or relate to your deployed duties? The fact is, one may never be fully prepared to tackle the multiple problems downrange. However I must admit that Dover Air Force Base did prepare me adequately for my deployment. It all started with Expeditionary Combat Skills Training here in Dover with low crawling and high crawling as a highlight and more detailed training at Fort Dix, N.J. I highly recommend this training to all deploying personnel. Also, my Team Dover chapel staff was a great support. How did Dover's airlift mission affect your deployed mission and/or quality of life there? Dover plays a significant role in any expeditionary event. Our C-5s and C-17s are in the air and on the flightline daily, and are a visible reminder of how important Dover Air Force Base is to our national defense. To that end, I would like to add that Team Dover's Aerial Porters are the mighty horse that pushed the carts around the world. In my opinion, Dover's APS is the most significant squadron in our entire military.