leadership personnel, including a
colonel from the Pentagon, in San
Antonio, Texas. Three days later, word
came. Susanna Haynes was officially
selected to serve as a 1st Lieutenant
Chaplain in the United States Air
Force.
Susanna was commissioned on
June 8th, 2019, and reported for
active duty in Alabama on June 9th
for five weeks of COT, Commissioned
Officer Training. “That’s boot camp
for officers,” she explained. With the
emotional and mental part of the
application process behind her, she
began the physical challenge of boot
camp. “All candidates are expected
to pass a physical fitness test, which
consists of one-minute of push-ups,
one minute of sit-ups, and a 1.5 mile
run,” said Susanna. “We got up early
at 0430 every day and did a lot of
marching while being yelled at. I ate
fast and learned the customs and
courtesies of the Air Force. It was quite
an experience but an important part
of my training to becoming a better
airman.”
On July 12, she graduated from
COT and three days later reported
for duty at Sheppard Air Force Base
in Wichita Falls, Texas. She was there
only long enough to move into her
living quarters and set up her office
before returning to Alabama to attend
a six-week Basic Chaplain’s Course.
40 TOOMBS COUNTY MAGAZINE
Both Susanna's mother (LEFT) and father
(BELOW LEFT) were very involved in
church. Her father, Willie Haynes was
the founder and pastor of New Vision
Missionary Baptist Church. After her father
passed away, she helped continue his
ministry at New Vision until a permanent
minister could be found. In 2013, Susanna
was ordained at Full Gospel Baptist
Church in Atlanta (BELOW), but that was
just the beginning of the many ministerial
positions she would hold.