Wing chaplain honored for excellence

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Michael Battles
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  As a testament to hard work and performance, one Airman from Team Incirlik was selected for an excellence award based on his dedication to the Incirlik mission and community.

Lt. Col. Paul Castillo, 39th Air Base Wing chaplain, was recently notified June 12, that he is the recipient of the 2015 League of United Latin American Citizens Excellence in Service Award.

The award, which is presented annually, honors military members and Department of Defense civilian employees, men and women, who support the DoD mission, overseas contingency operations, or whose attributes best epitomized the qualities and core values of their respective military service or other DoD component.

According to Castillo, his award is in large part due to the Air Force and Incirlik community.

"This award is a testimony to our Air Force core values, our mission, and our community," Castillo said. This award is only possible because the Air Force and the Chaplain Corps has afforded me a wonderful opportunity to serve my country and the Incirlik Air Base community."

As wing chaplain, Castillo has implemented numerous events or religious programs for the Incirlik community that contributed to his overall win. During his time at Incirlik, Castillo developed five interfaith rooms within wing squadrons, acted as a trainer for victim advocates on spiritual considerations to trauma and provided religious programs, support and activities for 1,300 active duty personnel and 1,000 family members assigned to Incirlik Air Base and three geographically separated units throughout Turkey. 

During his tenure, the 39th ABW Chapel also earned the 2014 United States Air Forces in Europe Medium Chapel of the Year Award.

Additionally, Castillo stated that the award was significant to him because it represented not only him, but also his family's commitment to the mission at Incirlik.

"This award is meaningful because it's a reflection of the dedication and devotion of my loving and supportive wife and family," he said.

Castillo will be recognized for his award during the Defenders of Freedom Breakfast at the League of United Latin American Citizens annual convention in Salt Lake City, Utah. Due to mission requirements, Castillo will be unable to attend the convention.