Chaplain (Capt.) Brian Clouse, 460th Space Wing Chapel

Published Jan. 6, 2009

TEAM BUCKLEY WARRIOR OF THE WEEK -- Chaplain (Capt.) Brian Clouse, 460th Space Wing Chapel, is Team Buckley's Warrior of the Week for Jan. 16 - 22.

Chaplain Clouse has served 10 years in the active military: seven years in the Air Force, three years in the active Army and six years in the Army Reserves. He hails from Oak Ridge, Tenn., which he says is the atomic capitol of the world. It is where the uranium for the A-Bomb was made as part of our government's top secret "Manhattan Project."

In his spare time, Chaplain Clouse enjoys motorcycling, reading and cooking.

What is the combat capability that this person exemplified to earn the title, "Warrior of the Week?"
"Chaplain Clouse has a heart for the military member," says Chaplain (Maj.) Brendon O'Dowd, Senior Protestant Chaplain and Chaplain Clouse's supervisor. "He is willing to sacrifice his time and energy to counsel and visit. He prides himself in a readiness mindset and thrives in a war-time environment. He has sought advanced training to help those in need. Chaplain Clouse is a warrior-Chaplain."

How do your day-to-day duties impact the Air Force mission?
I enable Airmen to utilize their right to free exercise of religion under the Constitution and provide counseling to enlisted and officers. I am a force multiplier for the Air Force.

If you could change one thing about the Air Force what would it be?
I would increase manning for the Security Forces by 50 percent.

Why do you serve?
God, country, and family.

What has been your most memorable experience in the Air Force?
Serving as a chaplain to war-fighters while deployed to Afghanistan in a joint environment and mentoring Afghan National Army "Chaplains," known as Religion and Cultural Affairs Officers, has been my most memorable experience.

What is your most memorable personal accomplishment?
Enabling couples to enhance, improve, and save their marriages through counseling.

If you were not in the military, where would you be? Why?
Probably doing civilian contract Explosive Ordnance Disposal Work and pastoring at a small church. Why? Because I dearly love those in the EOD field and those who attend small churches.

Where would you like to be in 10 years? What will you be doing?
I'd like to be on active duty in a position where I can lead other chaplains, and hopefully, celebrating my youngest child graduating from college!

Military accomplishments:
-- Three post September 11th Deployments (two of which were to Iraq and Afghanistan)
-- Squadron Officer School in residence
-- Successful tour of three years in the Army as an EOD Technician from 1985 - 1988

460th Space Wing Chapel Warrior of the Week