DOVER — Today marked an important day in the history of the Dover Air Force Base, and Senator Coons was honored to be a part of it. Chris participated in the groundbreaking for the Dover Air Force Base Chapel.
The original chapel, constructed in 1956 on the same site, was demolished about a year ago. Over its lifetime it had no major renovations. In fact, the Command Chaplain rated it the second worst in the Command.
The new Chapel Center, being built with funds secured by Congress, will include 16,340 square feet of area devoted to providing ministry, counseling and religious education. It will include a 300-seat sanctuary to meet the needs of personnel and their dependents assigned to Dover Air Force Base. There will also be over 3,000 square feet devoted to a rest and relaxation area for families of dignified transfers of fallen service members.
In January, Chris attended the dignified transfer ceremony of three service members who lost their lives in Afghanistan. For Chris, the moving and difficult experience drove home the need for a place like the Chapel that is being built at Dover Air Force Base.