Rev. Dr. Marti G. Lundy, Lt. Col. Kent Lundy, Rev. Bishop Julius Trimble, Dr. Aleze Fulbright and Col. Lance Hopper pose for a group photo after touring the 181st Intelligence Wing at Hulman Field Air National Guard Base, Ind., Sep. 15, 2021. Trimble is the bishop of the Indiana conference of the United Methodist Church. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Joseph L. Pearison)

On Wednesday September 15, 2021, UMC elder Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Kent A. Lundy, Wing Chaplain, received a commendation medal from Colonel Tamala Saylor for his distinguished service efforts during 2020. Chaplain Kent Lundy serves in Extension Ministry as the Wing Chaplain to the 181st Intelligence Wing (IN Air National Guard) in Terre Haute. 

 

This commendation medal was awarded during a distinguished visitors event that highlighted Chaplain Lundy’s role and the work of the 181st Intelligence Wing. Invited guests were Bishop Trimble, Rev. Dr. Aleze Fulbright, Conference Superintendent of the Central and West Districts, and Rev. Dr. Marti Lundy, Chaplain Lundy’s wife and Conference Superintendent of the North District. While much of the 181st Intelligence Wing’s mission is classified, guests received a mission briefing and domestic operations briefing from Col. Saylor, and Chaplain Lundy shared a chaplain corp briefing.

Following the briefings, guests toured the military base and met with airmen. After hearing about their service, Bishop Trimble prayed for them. 

Bishop Trimble reflected on this visit saying, “Chaplain Kent Lundy is doing ministry that is worthy of praise and our prayers. I have rarely been so moved than to hear women and men at Air National Guard 181st Intelligence Wing speak of the ‘essential and critical role of Chaplains’ and specifically our pastor Kent Lundy who is a pastor, counselor, mentor, and trusted leader of so many who serve our country with honor. I left our visit encouraged, honored, and inspired.”

In his role, Chaplain Lundy ensures the first amendment right for each airman to practice their religion, providing any resources necessary, and develops their spiritual fitness. “Fitness,” says Chaplain Lundy,” is comprehensive: physical, mental, social, and spiritual.” As a United Methodist elder, Chaplain Lundy equips airmen in their spiritual fitness through Bible studies, worship services, rites, Christian education, and counseling. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bible studies have been particularly meaningful to airmen. The group continued to meet online through a video platform when gathering in person was not an option. 

During their time with Bishop Trimble, airmen described these Bible studies as “transformational.” Chaplain Lundy remarked, “How powerful it is to reach men and women with the message of Jesus Christ while in uniform. It’s a profound honor of mine and a deep responsibility.”