Chaplains minister to troops Published May 3, 2015 By Senior Master Sgt. Ed Bard & Tech. Sgt. David Speicher 175th Wing Public Affairs BALTIMORE -- The 175th Wing Chaplain Corps fulfilled a critical role recently during the state of emergency activation in Baltimore by providing spiritual care to Maryland National Guard members while working long shifts and away from home. The religious support team of chaplains and chaplain assistants provided support and spiritual guidance to the troops gathered at a staging area in preparation for their shift. "In the old days, chaplains would stay in the office," said Lt. Col. Ivan Williams, 175th Wing chaplain, who is also the director for the North American Division Ministerial Department of the Seventh-day Adventists. "Today they go out into the work areas." One of the responsibilities of the support team is to provide the commander an overall level of morale of the troops. "[We are here] to support our Airmen, to be in the trenches and make sure their morale, if not high, is steady," said Williams. "[We are here] to encourage them." As the Guardsmen marched from the staging area toward their assignment in downtown Baltimore, Master Sgt. David Yarborough, superintendent of 175th Wing chapel operations, touched every Airman that walked past him. "You have to make yourself known," said Yarborough. "We let them know, we are there for you." "Being present is half the job," said Williams. "If you are not there, how can you know their needs?"