WEBVTT

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(singing gospel)

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- [Narrator] Chaplain
Ralph Elliot is a member

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of a distinguished group
within the military community

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known as Mustangs.

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This collective is comprised

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of a select few enlisted personnel

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who have made the transition
to Commissioned Officer.

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- [Ralph] I enlisted in the
Air Force September 22nd 1994.

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My original plan was to join

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and to retire as a Chief someday.

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You know, having been prior enlisted

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I can identify with some of the rigors

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of their chosen professions.

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- [Narrator] The former Temple
University football player

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joined the military because
he felt a sense of duty

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both to his country and
also to his growing family.

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After spending his first
four years working on radar

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for the Air Force, Chaplain Elliot

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heard the call of the ministry.

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- My calling was not to be an
officer but to be a chaplain,

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to be a minister of faith
to the military community.

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Yeah, we wear the uniform;
therefore, we wear rank

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but we are chaplains first,

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and it's a humble walk.

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You can't serve others
if you're not humble.

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Why I would encourage

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those who feel led and
called into the chaplaincy

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to spend some time growing
in their faith tradition.

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It's important to understand

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and be fully confirmed in your calling.

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It's a privilege and an
honor, and a great joy.

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I have to pinch myself every morning

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because I get to wear this
uniform and make a difference.

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- [Narrator] Petty Officer
William Berksteiner,

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Misawa Airbase, Japan.