Some career choices are a calling rather than an occupation. Air Force Chaplain (Capt.) Tra-Vorus Weaver followed his calling to the ministry and became a chaplain with the Massachusetts Air National Guard's 104th Fighter Wing in 2018. He was recently activated by the unit to minister at the Holyoke Soldiers' Home in support of the COVID-19 response mission there.
When the COVID-19 response mission began, the Massachusetts National Guard supported the Holyoke Soldiers' Home by providing medical and logistics support, as well as a ministry team for emotional support. Weaver was the first chaplain to arrive, and he immediately began providing services and assessing where he could. It has been a great first experience for him as a chaplain for the 104th, Weaver said.
"With our Massachusetts National Guard operations at the Holyoke Soldiers' Home, we have airmen and soldiers performing many difficult tasks," said Air Force Col. Peter T. Green, the commander of the 104th Fighter Wing. "Chaplain Weaver is the most important person I could send to watch over them and ensure they are mentally, physically and spiritually able to continue the mission."
On Weaver's first day at the Holyoke Soldiers' Home, he sat down with Army Brig. Gen. John Driscoll, the commander of the Massachusetts Army National Guard.
"Brigadier General Driscoll was not so mission-driven that he was not concerned with me as a person, and I really appreciated that," Weaver said. "It was very impactful. If that first interaction with him had not been such a positive one, I might not be here. I might not have felt comfortable committing to the mission here."
Upon his arrival, Weaver communicated with the tactical chaplain overseeing several locations in the state and conveyed the need for more ministerial support at the Holyoke Soldiers' Home.
"Now we have pastoral support on all of the shifts," he said. "I also analyzed the demographic here and arranged to offer both Protestant and Catholic services."
His primary mission is to minister to the troops and the staff and to connect with the veterans who live at the Soldiers’ Home.
"We have developed a battle or ministry rhythm here," he said. "In the morning, we participate in troop engagement, then participate in the facility huddle, and from there we offer office hours and make rounds. In the afternoon, we repeat the process."
Weaver has been ministering at the Holyoke Soldiers' Home for more than a month. He and his team have put a wide array of support services in place, including: visiting with residents, troops and staff, leading daily prayer services at noon, leading weekly chapel services and coordinating inspirational music prior to services. The team also has assisted with memorial services and has administered last rites as needed.
The introduction of music at the beginning of services is something new to the Holyoke Soldiers' Home. The goal is to encourage veterans prior to chapel services.
"Music has a way of inspiring people," Weaver said. "God uses it to touch our souls in ways like no other."
Weaver and the rest of the chaplain team at the Holyoke Soldiers' Home will continue to serve there or anywhere else as needed.
"The most rewarding aspect of our mission here is hearing that we are making a difference," Weaver said. "It is rewarding when we are visiting veterans to provide pastoral care and provide assistance to them as they are passing over to the other side. It is a very special ministry and one that is very rewarding."
(Air Force Master Sgt. Lindsey Watson-Kirwin is assigned to the 104th Fighter Wing.)