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Chaplain Sugg, the problem solver

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Jim Lambertsen
  • 33d Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Feeling down or depressed, having trouble at work or at home, need someone to talk to? The 33d Fighter Wing Chaplain, Capt. Robert Sugg, can help. 

Chaplain Sugg provides a service to the 33d FW that is part friend, part counselor and always confidential. He's the only chaplain at Eglin Air Force Base who specializes in marriage and family ministries. This includes anything from trouble in short-term relationships to rocky times in long-lasting marriages. 

"Eighty-five percent of suicides are due to broken relationships," said Chaplain Sugg. "I make sure that whenever someone is going through a hard time and feeling down, that they never feel alone." 

In addition to relationship troubles, he can assist in all other aspects of life, whether it is problems at work, financial issues, alcohol abuse or if Airmen are in need of someone to talk to. 

For those who may be embarrassed or fear permanent records reflecting visiting Chaplain Sugg, Air Force chaplains have a 100 percent confidentiality clause. Only Air Force chaplains have this clause; no other military branch shares this benefit. So, Airmen's conversations with Chaplain Sugg never leave his office. 

"The scary part is, that most people don't want to come see the chaplain because of the common 'religious guy' stereotype, what they don't understand is that 95 percent of the people he sees don't even talk about religion," he said. 

Chaplain Sugg said he doesn't bring up the topic of religion unless the other party wants to talk about it and brings it up first. He just focuses on building a positive relationship with counselees and listens and gives advice on how to assist them with their current problem. 

Whether Airmen are having tough times at home, problems at work or just need someone to talk to, Chaplain Sugg is ready and waiting help guide them through troubled times. The chaplain's office is located in building 868, next door to the 33d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Building, and he can be reached at 833-4043.