MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Marines at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar now have better access to their chaplains and religious services with the help of two new staff members.

Navy Lt. Michael Chester, chaplain,  and Kevin Kennedy, Catholic director of faith, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, are the latest additions to the staff at the Chaplain’s office and are helping to increase the availability of the chaplains, programs and services.

“The overall goal is to be able to reach out to the single Marines and sailors in the barracks and accommodate them better,” said Navy Capt. Brian F. Kelly, command chaplain, MCAS Miramar. “That is why all of our new programs will be held in the evening.”

Chester is one of two protestant chaplains for H&HS and now covers 14 different units. He also works as a liaison with Balboa Naval Medical Center San Diego.

“Having a second protestant chaplain is allowing us to expand protestant worship,” said Kelly. “With the extra help from Chaplain Chester and Mr. Kennedy, we will now be able to offer more programs that promote fellowship and enrich spiritual well-being.”

Before the new positions were filled, the chapel had two Sunday services with little specialized classes or services and five programs. With the addition of the positions, they have one more Sunday service, including Sunday schools and bible study, and have added seven more programs. According to Kennedy, the chapel programs have more than doubled since the arrival of the new personnel.

Kennedy, a civilian contractor, sets up programs that reach out to all age groups that attend the station chapel. He coordinates youth ministry for all active-duty Marines and sailors at Miramar. Both Kennedy and Chester will be making themselves more available in the evening when the majority of Marines are out of work by frequently taking walks through the barracks.

For more information on programs and upcoming events, contact Kevin Kennedy at 858-577-1758.