Dobbins' Link to Spiritual Care

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Lauren Douglas
  • 94th Airlift Wing
All heads are bowed in Heritage Hall. Staff Sgt. Jamie Link solemnly closes her eyes and clasps her hands as the chaplain delivers a word of prayer. The chaplain shares a message of hope, curiosity and taking chances. He encourages the group to step out on faith and try new things.

Link, 94th Airlift Wing Chapel Corps chaplain’s assistant, takes chances and ambitiously follows her heart. She was inspired to rejoin the Air Force ranks when her husband retired after 22 active AF years. Link now serves as an assistant advisor of spiritual care helping to meet the diverse spiritual needs of Airmen and their families.

“You have to jump,” advised Link. “Take the leap. Take the risk.”
The mother of two exclaimed that she is always willing to try something new and take on unfamiliar tasks. Link expressed that she does not live by the mundane, but always thirsts for the next exhilarating adventure.

“She has a constant smile and positive outlook,” said Master Sgt. Lisa Cacao, 94th AW Chapel Corps superintendent of chapel operations. “She takes every task gladly and with grace.”

Link’s bright personality radiates in any room she enters, but prior to becoming a chaplain’s assistant, Link experienced her share of military titles. She was active duty Air Force security forces in Alaska, toured as a Tops in Blue performer from 2003 to 2004 and after a break in service, started her Reserve career in security forces before transitioning to the Chapel Corps. Link also currently serves as a Navy public affairs officer at Whiting Field Naval Air Base, Florida.

“Dance is my life,” said Link, and after witnessing a Tops in Blue show at Clear Air Station in Alaska she was motivated to audition for the chance to tour with the performance ensemble. The ensemble was made up of active duty members and composed of 35 vocalists, dancers, musicians and technicians and is considered the Air Force's expeditionary entertainment unit.

As a chaplain’s assistant Link’s cohorts sing her praises. She always greets people her with her outgoing personality and a bright smile. Link is constantly willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. The dedicated staff sergeant actively studies her religious craft and plays a big role in hosting the Sunday Protestant Service in Heritage Hall. Her voice radiates through the hall as she sings hymns with attendees.

Sadly, Link will no longer be gracing the Dobbins worship service with her spirit-filled smile and song. She will be serving a base closer to her home in Florida. The August unit training assembly was her last weekend at Dobbins.

“I will be sad when she leaves,” said Cacao. “She will be hard to replace. She’s happy to be here and glad to do what she does. Her love of people shines through.”
Link insists, “If you have a goal, set the goal and find a way to achieve that goal. If you experience a challenge or hit a wall, find a different path.”

Link’s infectious spirit will be missed at Dobbins but her peers wish her well in her future endeavors.

“I think this will be a good opportunity for her,” said Senior Airman Nathaniel Parrow, 94th AW chaplain’s assistant. “She is going to be missed. The office will definitely be different without her.”