by 1st Lt. Jerred Moon
24th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
Posted 5/22/2014:
5/22/2014 - HURLBURT FIELD, Fla -- Air Force Special Tactics Chaplain (Capt.) Chad Montgomery was named the Air Force's top company grade chaplain in a recent announcement by Maj. Gen. Howard Stendahl, chief of chaplains.
The Outstanding Company Grade Chaplain Award (Edwin R. Chess Award) honors the late Chaplain, Maj. Gen. Edwin R. Chess, USAF (retired), the fourth Air Force Chief of Chaplains. The winner is selected based on leadership and job performance, significant self-improvement, and base or community involvement.
Montgomery received the 2014 Edwin R. Chess Award for his outstanding accomplishments with the 724th Special Tactics Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.
While deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Montgomery provided 37 joint task force members with spiritual guidance, which enabled International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to conduct tip of the spear operations.
"I'm very appreciative and humbled to be utilized by God and I'm thankful to have been mentored by others with regard to ministerial excellence and growth in grace and truth," Montgomery said.
Additionally, Montgomery helped execute four post-deployment reintegration weekends with over 220 Airmen focusing on resiliency. He also led five Airmen to the Veteran's Affairs hospital and encouraged 25 ailing and long-term care retirees.
"My parents were, and continue to be, phenomenal influences in my life; my wife has been my devoted partner in ministry and best friend who embraces these opportunities for our family to share life with others and nurture them," said Montgomery. "My extended family and the AFSOC Chaplain Corps have been very supportive." Montgomery exemplifies how Air Force chaplains are in the fight and making a difference every day. He shows up in austere locations to counsel, lead worship or just to be a friend in a far-away place to Special Tactics Airmen.
Chaplain (Maj.) Jason Botts, 24th Special Operations Wing Chaplain, says Montgomery is the real deal. "I'm excited for Chad, he embodies the very best personal and professional qualities of our Chaplain Corps," Botts said. "On a broader scale I'm thrilled by the award because it provides confirmation that the significant investment by our Air Force leadership to embed chaplains within the Air Force's most decorated combat unit is providing compelling return on investment."
Montgomery also shared quote which has helped him through the years by Andrew Murray: "Humility is perfect quietness of heart. It is to expect nothing, to wonder at nothing that is done
to me, to feel nothing done against me. It is to be at rest when nobody praises me, and when I am blamed or despised. It is to have a blessed home in the Lord, where I can go in and shut the door, and kneel to my Father in secret, and am at peace as in a deep sea of calmness, when all around and above is trouble."
