As Americans become less religious, the role of chaplains may grow
Donna Mote, right, a chaplain at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, prays over a coffin with a military escort for the life and service of the deceased. They also pray for wisdom and courage for the escort in completing the sacred duty. (Photo courtesy of Donna Mote)
Donna Mote regularly accompanies military personnel escorting the caskets of fallen service members through Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, where she serves as a chaplain.
Mote is the first person to greet the escorts once they step off the plane. She stands shoulder to shoulder with them while an honor guard marches with flags of the five military branches. She stays with them through their layover at the airport. She’s there for support. In many cases, the escorts are grieving because they knew the deceased.
When it’s time to go, Mote helps with check-in at the departure gate, walks down the Jetway, and, once the remains have been confirmed, heads up the airplane stairs with the escorts to bid them farewell.
