GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- The mission of Grissom’s newest full-time chaplain is to serve God, the nation, and the people who protect it.
Chaplain (Capt.) Darian Cornelius, 434th Air Refueling Wing chaplain, said he hopes to help the Airman here, whether that’s helping them with accomplishing the mission or through a hardship.
“My primary goal is to build relationships and get to know everyone, said Cornelius. “And for everyone to know my face and to feel comfortable coming to me or telling someone else to come to me…I want people to know that they’re not alone.”
Prior to joining the Grissom team, Cornelius, served as a chaplain at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas.
“I was blessed to be on orders for about a year and a half there; and then this opportunity came open,” said Cornelius. “I applied and to my pleasant surprise, they chose me.”
Cornelius found his calling in the Air Force Chaplain Corps, but his military career didn’t begin in either. In 2012, He enlisted into the U.S. Navy and began his career as an Aviation Ordnanceman.
Prior to enlisting, Cornelius graduated with a bachelor’s in history from Prairie View A&M University. He said he worked as a teacher and began grad school to pursue a theological degree but then saw an opportunity to join the Navy.
Then a recent newlywed, Cornelius said he was drawn to the military because he saw it as an opportunity for more education, travel, and to serve his country and people.
While enlisted, Cornelius earned his master’s in administration leadership from Oklahoma University, and his Master’s of Divinity degree shortly after separating from the Navy.
Then a moment at the altar changed the trajectory of Cornelious’s entire career, which eventually led him to Grissom.
“My pastor said something to me that just stuck with me,” Cornelius said. “When I was at the altar, while praying with me, he said, ‘I’d bring many military people to Christ,’ and then another elder said ‘I would preach the gospel around the world.’ “I began to tear up…and I found myself on the chaplain [web] page…I felt compelled to put in an application and do what I needed to, because God was showing me. This is where he wants me.”
Grissom's chaplain office is located in the Military & Family Readiness Center, building 431. Their walk-in hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and on unit training assembly weekends. They can be reached 24/7 by phone at 765-688-4038.