Airman of the Week: Chaplain (Capt.) Manuel Duarte
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del --
Name/rank: Capt. Manuel (Manny) D. Duarte
Squadron: 436th Airlift Wing Chapel
Job description: Chaplain
Previous assignments: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.; Keesler Air Force Base, Miss.; MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.
Dream assignment and why? A base in Europe. I was deployed to Germany and I loved it.
Family: Wife, Odalys; daughter, Twila; son, Mishael
Favorite movie: "Ice Age"
Favorite food: Seafood
Favorite book: Bible
Who inspires you? Chaplain Richard Holmes: I met him when I was a chaplain candidate and he has been my rock since then. He is a very positive person who loves being a chaplain and he finds ways to mentor and encourage others.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? As a wing chaplain, continuing to care for Airmen.
Chaplain "Manny" Duarte is the senior program leader for Dover's Protestant religious community. Since his arrival in June, he has spearheaded efforts to improve pastoral care by planning and funding an annual calendar of Protestant activities, hiring a new Religious Education Coordinator, overseeing the Protestant Youth ministry and by managing numerous contractors and volunteers who provide for the weekly worship services. Chaplain Duarte can often be seen visiting Airmen on the flight line with the "Holy Roller" morale van and through the Holy Joe's Café coffee ministry. Originally from the Cape Verde Islands, Chaplain Duarte has a strong faith in God and deep sense of patriotism which makes him a valued member of the Spirit of the Eagle Wing.
-Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Dennis Saucier
Supervisor