Chapel's White Rope program marks path for servant leadership

Published Feb. 16, 2011
By Jonathan Hicks
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Leadership is more than just leading people -- it's also serving them, like many student Airmen are doing through the chapel's volunteer White Rope program.

This student-led program models excellence by the service of others through its four pillars of spiritual formation, authentic community, leadership and service opportunities.

"We do expect a lot from our White Ropes," said Chaplain (Capt.) Garrell Calton, 81st Training Wing chaplain. "Mentorship is a large part of the program and so is communicating the ideas, needs and concerns of the rest of the student population to the chaplains. It's a lot of responsibility for them as they follow what we call the 3 Hs of help, honor and hospitality."

In addition to scheduling activities and assisting fellow students, approximately 100 White Ropes volunteer their services to the local community in food banks, beach and community clean-ups, the humane society, shelters and other community events.

"I became a White Rope because it was the best outlet for me to give back and serve the community," said Airman 1st Class Clark Kelly, 338th Training Squadron. "I also like helping the other students with their problems. We even raised money on our own and cooked for students who didn't go home for the holidays."

Although White Ropes offer guidance, they aren't allowed to counsel any student, but instead refer them to the chaplains for their counseling needs.

"Students feel we are more approachable and can talk easier to us," said Airman 1st Class Katelyn Marshall, 338th TRS. "We answer questions they have or direct them where to go to find out what they want to know. Also, if the students have ideas or concerns about something, we address it with the chaplains."

"Our White Ropes are like my right hand," Chaplain Calton said. "They keep me informed about what's going out there, but it's definitely a two-way street because I also bounce ideas off of them."

Although it's strictly a volunteer program, White Ropes are held to the highest standards of professionalism and morality. There's an application process that also includes interviews with current White Ropes before final selections are made.

For more information on the White Rope program, call 376-3095.

Chapel’s White Rope program marks path for servant leadership