Familiar face graces 908th

  • Published
  • By Public Affairs Office
  • 908th Airlift Wing
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. --  Wing commander Colonel Clark has officially appointed Chaplain (Major) David Dersch to be the new wing chaplain, as of July 1. Chaplain Dersch is no stranger to the wing, having been a member for the past four years. It began when former wing chaplain, "Chaplain Bob" Anders, lured him away from his IMA position at the 42nd Airbase Wing here at Maxwell.

Chaplain Dersch is excited to be the new section chief of the 908th's chapel team, replacing Chaplain Armstrong, the outgoing wing chaplain, who will be taking an IMA position out of state.

"Our chapel team had great success under Chaplain Armstrong. AFRC awarded us the chaplain service Ministry of Presence Award for the years 2007-08. The Inspector General recognized us as an Outstanding Team during the 2008 UCI. We have great personnel, and I look forward to continue working with Chaplain Danford and Tech. Sgt. Peterson, the chaplain assistant."

Chaplain Dersch has not been around the wing very much during the last year. He has been attending Air Command and Staff College at Air University, where he graduated June 7 with a masters degree in Military Operational Arts and Science. Prior to this he deployed for an AEF rotation to Al Udeid Air Base Qatar, where he served as Senior Protestant Chaplain.

Chaplain Dersch was quite active in this position. Before leaving for deployment, he completed Patriot Defender training with the security forces squadron, as well as being the executive officer of the Human Resources Development Council (HRDC) under Colonel Andre, the former vice wing commander. "We leave no airman behind," was a motto of our HRDC," he said, "and that includes spiritually.

"One of my primary purposes is to make sure that every 908th Airman knows that the chapel team is there for them. I look forward to continuing the tradition of excellence and family camaraderie that makes the 908th the outstanding wing that it is."

Chaplain Dersch and his wife, Marcia, a registered nurse, will be celebrating their 25th anniversary in December. They have five children: the oldest two are grown and living out of state, one son is in college and his youngest son and daughter are in high school. He and his family have lived in Prattville since 1997, where they moved after serving a church in Michigan for 11 years. In his civilian job he ministers as the chaplain at Prattville Baptist Hospital.

For nine years prior to this he was the pastor of Open Door Baptist Church in Prattville.

The chapel offices are on the second floor of the wing headquarters building, opposite side from the pay office. The phone number is 953-5372. Personal counseling with a chaplain is considered confidential and privileged communication.