Dyess chaplain receives ACC Chaplain of the Year

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Stephen Reyes
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Chaplain (Capt.) James Galyon, 7th Bomb Wing chaplain, was chosen as the 2009 Air Combat Command Company Grade Officer Chaplain of the Year early this February.

"I am very humbled, very grateful to God for His providence and putting me exactly where I needed to be at the right time to work for it," Chaplain Galyon said. "Being able to do that which I've been called to do, to provide for my family, serve my country, is an honor."

Immediately after the shooting Nov. 5, 2009, Chaplain Galyon traveled to Fort Hood where he counseled over 100 members. He also led the base-wide suicide intervention program, where he trained over 150 front-line supervisors.

"He's an extremely hard worker, great chaplain and deserves the award," said Chaplain Assistant Staff Sgt. Jahn Espino.

Chaplain Galyon is a community supporter and key player in the Crime Victim Advocate Fundraiser that raised over $36,000 for domestic violence prevention in 2009.

After finishing his doctorate in Theology, the Texas native pursued his pastoral role being called to evangelize. His vision and ambition to excel after the heart of God led him to the Air Force.

"I've been able to learn a lot about leadership," the chaplain said. "Having two decades of experience from the pastoral side, I've adjusted to the more exact and clearly delineated military leadership style. Applying leadership and being intentional is extremely vital to the mission because it counts in big and small ways. I not only want be a great chaplain but a great leader so I can provide the knowledge and tools to serve Airmen spiritually."

Soon, Chaplain Galyon will find out if he was chosen as the CGO Chaplain of the Air Force for 2009.

Chaplain Galyon is preparing for the National Prayer Breakfast held April 14 at the Heritage Club and hopes to deploy next year where he can serve Airmen in battle.