For God and Country Published Sept. 9, 2013 By Staff Sgt. Jaclyn McDonald 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- Col. Tim Tarchick, 94th Airlift Wing commander, presented Chaplain (Maj.) Douglas A. Collins with the Meritorious Service Medal, First Oak Leaf Cluster Sept.8 for outstanding professional skill, leadership and ceaseless efforts to support the Airmen and families of the 94th Airlift Wing during his Sept. 9, 2005 to Jan. 2013 tenure. Collins was elected to the 113th U.S. Congress in Nov. 2012 and represents the 9th District of Georgia. He currently serves on House Committees of Judiciary, Foreign Affairs and Oversight & Government Reform. "It's great to get the chance to re-connect with Major Collins," said Tarchick. "We're proud of what you're doing. Please don't stop." Since 2005, Collins has conducted religious worship services for Dobbins Air Reserve Base members, their families, and the local retiree community. He lent his compassion during two on base medical emergencies, providing comfort and care to Airmen in distress. In addition, he served as a Casualty Notification Officer, performing the solemn duty of initial notification to the family of a fallen military comrade. "It's great to be back at home," said Collins. "It's also very rewarding to serve in congress." Collins led the transition of an 80 percent turnover of Chaplain staff, and innovatively brought ministry to local units when the Dobbins Chapel was identified for demolition. He also created a program to provide in-unit visitation and counseling to our deploying Airmen. "Thanks for everything you've done for the 94th Airlift Wing," said Tarchick. "Thank you for continuing to serve our country."
