Volunteer works to support Vandenberg's Jewish community Published April 10, 2009 By Senior Airman Wesley Carter 30th Space Wing Public Affairs VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Currently the Jewish community is participating in the Jewish Passover and nobody knows that more than Master Sgt. Teri Brady, the Jewish lay leader for Vandenberg. Sergeant Brady is not only a volunteer for the Jewish community she is also the NCO-in-charge of the 148th Space Operations Squadron command support staff at the Vandenberg Tracking Station. She has worn the dual hat of full-time volunteer and Airman since May of 2005. "During the high holy days it can be a bit overwhelming," Sergeant Brady said. "However, I have a great working relationship with members of the outside community and my commander, and that is how I am able to support two very important aspects of life." To become a Jewish lay minister, Sergeant Brady went to a week-long training course that dealt with many different aspects of running a chapel program including budgeting, time management and different ways to meet the needs of the people participating in the program. As one can imagine, any career in the space world is bound to have a multitude of complexities, but working as the Jewish lay leader can be just as complex in a different way. "Cooking for a mass number of people is an overwhelming experience," Sergeant Brady said. "It's a situation that takes a lot of planning and flexibility." It is also a situation that Sergeant Brady finds herself in often. Many Jewish holidays end with a meal to have after fasting. At any given meal, Sergeant Brady can be responsible for feeding anywhere from 40 to 60 people. You won't find her complaining though, it's a job she does with happiness. "I couldn't imagine not doing it," Sergeant Brady said. "I want to be here for our servicemembers." Jewish services are held the first and third Friday of the month at 7 p.m. at Chapel 1 here. Anyone interested in attending can call the chapel or Sergeant Brady at 605-3665.