Jose Tate

He first joined the U.S. Air Force in March 1981 as an enlisted airman in the medical administration field.  During his years enlisted, he served at Incirlik AFB, Turkey and Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.  In his last four years enlisted, he served at the Air Force Institute of Technology as a non-commissioned officer over medical education programs.  While he was enlisted, he achieved his bachelor’s degree and began seminary at United Theological Seminary here in Dayton.  In March 1994, he became a second lieutenant and chaplain candidate in the Air Force.  Upon completing seminary in May 1996, he became an active duty chaplain in October 1996.  He served as an active duty chaplain from October 1996 – January 2008.  He retired from active duty in February 2008 with the rank of major.  He’s a combat war Veteran who served in Iraq.  He’s been a VA chaplain for 10 years – serving at the Dayton VA for seven years.  Chaplain Tate received a doctorate degree at Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, VA; Master of Divinity at United Theological Seminary and bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management at Park University in Parkville, MO (WPAFB, OH).  He’s a board-certified chaplain through the Association of Professional Chaplains and National Association of Veterans Affairs Chaplains.  He’s a certified grief recovery method specialist and author of the book “Living Without Them – My Journey with Loss.”  Chaplain Tate has been married 30 years to Erika and has two daughters, Christina and Naomi.