WASHINGTON: US Military’s First India-Born Female Muslim Chaplain Graduates

WASHINGTON: Saleha Jabeen, US military’s
first India-born female Muslim chaplain, has graduated from Air Force Basic
Chaplain Course, vowing to take her duty as a spiritual mentor very seriously.

The
historic graduation ceremony was held on February 5, an official statement said
on Wednesday.

Ms Jabeen
said she was grateful for the opportunity and aware of the responsibility that
she has to set an example and show that there is a place in the military for
anyone who wants to serve.

“I
did not have to compromise on any of my religious beliefs or convictions. I am
surrounded with people who respect me and are willing to receive what I bring
to the table as a woman, a faith leader, and an immigrant,” she said.

“I am
provided with numerous opportunities to learn and develop skills that best
equip me to be a successful officer and a chaplain in a pluralistic
environment,” Ms Jabeen said.

Ms Jabeen
was commissioned in December as a Second Lieutenant at the Catholic Theological
Union in Chicago, becoming the first female Muslim chaplain in the Department
of Defense. She came to the United States 14 years ago as an international
student.

“I
get to provide spiritual care to all service members, guardians and families
and advise the commanders on religious and moral matters regardless of my
faith, ethnicity or gender. Like our boss says, it has never been a better time
to serve as a chaplain in the US Air Force Chaplain Corps,” she said.

Capt.
John Richardson, Air Force Chaplain Corps College staff chaplain, said that his
goal is to create chaplains who are ready to provide front-line ministry upon
graduation.

“They
are trained to lead the units they serve spiritually. The bottom line is to
care for Airmen – every single Airman. When they care for Airmen in a
professional way, every other aspect of our calling falls into place: advising
leaders and providing for the religious needs of our force,” Captain
Richardson said.

Capt.
Mara Title, Air Force Chaplain Corps College staff chaplain, said Ms Jabeen’s
addition to the chaplain corps will be of great benefit to everyone.

“The
Air Force Chaplain Corps endeavours to promote diversity in all respects,”
Title said.

“Chaplain
Saleha Jabeen’s presence enables an even broader scope of spiritual care for
our Airmen, and for this we are very grateful. She is as determined to take on
the role of chaplain as she is kind, caring and compassionate. We are thrilled
to have had the opportunity for her to graduate with the class of BCC
21A,” she said.

Ms Jabeen
said she was passionate about her role as a chaplain, and takes her duty as a
spiritual mentor very seriously.

“We
all have a purpose that is specifically meant for us to fulfill,” she
said.

“We
must listen to our heart and follow our conviction. It is important to have
people in our lives who model that for us. Choose that kind of mentorship and
choose good companionship. I just want people to remember that God, or higher
power or the values that people uphold, remind us that we all are created with
a plan: to become the best versions of ourselves,” she said.

According
to her LinkedIn profile, Ms Jabeen completed her BA in Business and Economics
at North Park University, followed by an MA in Theology-Interreligious Dialogue
from Catholic Theological Union and course in counselling psychology from
Trinity Christian College.