Chaplain Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth Johnson, an itinerant elder assigned to the Second Episcopal District in the Washington Annual Conference, was recently awarded the 2019 Scott AFB Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award during this year’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Luncheon. The Award recognizes an individual who has embodied the values of Dr. King, including embracing human dignity, community, forgiveness, courage, and love. In addition to the Award, Chaplain Johnson received a $300 scholarship which he immediately donated to a deserving Airman stationed at Scott AFB. Chaplain Johnson stated, “This scholarship should help a deserving Airman with his or her pursuit of higher learning.”
As part of this recognition, Chaplain Johnson was praised for his selfless dedication in facilitating spiritual wellness across the Scott AFB community through Operation BLITZ, the Base Chapel initiative to help enhance morale, motivation, encouragement, and a stronger relationship between the Chaplain staff and the community. Under Chaplain Johnson’s leadership, the Base Chapel team visited installation groups, squadrons, and flights to offer messages of hope and inspiration while sharing the joy of power breakfasts on Thursday mornings. The team had a tremendous impact with these encounters which greatly contributed to the resiliency of more than 5,000 fellow military and civilian wingmen.
Additionally, Chaplain Johnson and his team created 35 programs involving 120 volunteers who directed 476 events to meet the diverse worship service and religious education needs of 12,000 members. Moreover, he led the way in building alliances by collaborating with members of the Medical Group, Airman and Family Readiness, Force Support Squadron, Top Three, and the Airman’s Council to ensure the wellness of the base populace. Together, amazing work was accomplished.
Over the past year, Chaplain Johnson oversaw numerous community projects including a local food drive that collected and distributed over 1,500 pounds of food that was donated to two local food banks that delivered critical assistance to 194 local families. Furthermore, Chaplain Johnson led two Chapel youth programs that mentored 26 young people. Volunteers willingly worked 144 community service hours. Also, Chaplain Johnson orchestrated 42 dinners at the installation’s dormitories. For this effort, 288 volunteers from across the base cooked and served 2,500 meals to dormitory residents. These dinners provided superb networking and support platforms for all who attended. Aside from base achievements, he served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for Children in the 12th Judicial Otero County. He assisted 13 children in need.
Lastly, Chaplain Johnson serves as the Chaplain Association President to the General Board of the AME Church. In this role, he collaborates with the Department of Defense chaplains to ensure religious rights and accommodation to service members in the United States Armed Forces and Veteran’s Administration.
