PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The second-ever class from the Space Base Delta 1 Chaplain Corps’ White Rope Leadership Program, Flight 22 Bravo, was inducted during a ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, July 8, 2022.
White Ropes can be identified by the white aiguillettes worn around their right shoulder, which highlights them to anyone who may be in need of mental or spiritual support. Based on a program first introduced at U.S. Air Force technical schools, the White Rope Leadership Program offers Airmen and Guardians, E-4 and below, the opportunity to serve as a chapel-based supportive resource for their peers around SBD 1.
“The White Rope Leadership Program is not only a force multiplier, but an instrumental extension for the chaplain corps mission,” said USAF Tech Sgt. Lathaniel Leigh, SBD 1 non-commissioned officer in charge of chapel operations, as part of her opening remarks.
Leigh organized and presided over the ceremony alongside USAF Senior Airman Kaylah Williams, SBD 1 religious affairs journeyman.
“These leaders have acknowledged the need for connection and will foster building healthy relationships with the volunteer hours they will provide in the Eclipse Café,” said Leigh.
To meet that need, White Ropes take on a commitment of either six months or one year, which includes training in confidentiality, leadership development, character-building, sexual assault prevention and response, suicide prevention. White Ropes provide the Chaplain Corps additional liaisons and points of contact within the Peterson SFB, Schriever SFB and Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station communities, aiding the Corps’ mission to ensure spiritual and mental fitness across the Front Range.
“There’s nothing that I like to see more than that white rope when I’m walking around,” said U.S. Space Force Col. Shay Warakomski, SBD 1 commander, during his remarks at the ceremony. “When you don the cloth of our nation, there are certain expectations that those outside of the gate expect of you as a military member. White Ropes have taken the extra step. You’re a volunteer, and that speaks volumes about your character and the commitment you have not only to our service, but to our fellow service members.”
For more information on volunteering or the application process for the White Rope Leadership Program, active duty service members should contact staff from the chapel on Peterson SFB at 719-556-4442.