Chaplain Assistant promotes spiritual wellness overseas Published March 8, 2012 By Master Sgt. Dale Hanson 147 Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs ELLINGTON FIELD JOINT RESERVE BASE, Texas -- [10/05/2012] A chaplain assistant here at Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base, Houston, TX, has returned home after a successful deployment as a Joint Expeditionary Tasking airman (JET) overseas in support of Operation New Dawn. Master Sgt. Janet S. O'Keeffe-Hernandez, the 147th Reconnaissance Wing Chaplain Assistant, volunteered for the JET deployment to serve as the Joint Forces Chaplain's Assistant and Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the Chaplain Section. A Joint Expeditionary Tasking is the Air Force term used to indicate deployments under the Joint Sourcing Solution program in support of the Army. Sergeant O'Keeffe-Hernandez worked for a U.S. Army Chaplain and also reported directly to the Camp Commander. Sergeant O'Keeffe-Hernandez supervised many chaplain programs as well as all the building, supply and operational details for the Chaplain's section. "I was the go-to person for all things Chaplain" she said. Sergeant O'Keeffe-Hernandez was praised by her Army supervisors as displaying strong initiative and possessing superior logistician skills. One unnamed superior said of O'Keeffe-Hernandez: "She was usually three steps ahead of me and anticipated actions that needed to be accomplished well in advance." In order to be successful she had to learn to communicate "army style." Sergeant O'Keeffe-Hernandez was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for her superior job performance. She gave daily briefings to senior leadership and filled in for the chaplain when needed. She also was granted a special title Eucharistic Minister and Alter server from the Military Diocese for the Catholic Church so she could to assist priests during mass. "It was a blessing to serve as a Catholic and serve my brothers and sisters in Kuwait. I feel this has been good for my faith, it has given me a sense of renewal." she said.