INMATES IN CHARGE

AFRICAN AMERICAN CHAPLAIN CHRONICLES HIS MEMOIR OF PREJUDICE AND DISCRIMINATION IN THE US AIR FORCE CHAPLAINCY 

Inmates in Charge: Top Level Leadership, Lacking Vision, Corrupt, and Couldn’t Be Trusted is a compelling memoir of an African American chaplain’s journey in the US Air Force Chaplaincy, exposing racism within leadership. The author highlights his career in 1975 as one of just 26 African American chaplains on active duty in the entire Air Force Chaplaincy. The leadership at the top levels of the Air Force Chaplaincy is referred to as “the inmates in charge” by the author and other African American chaplains serving along with him, reflecting their mentality of superiority and control over African American chaplains. This belief system, profoundly ingrained and perpetuated over generations, manifests in acts that reinforce racial subservience.

About the Author

Chaplain Colonel (Retired) Walter E. Beamon embarked on a lifelong service journey to God and Country when he accepted a direct commission to become a United States Air Force chaplain in July 1975. With an illustrious career spanning 27 dedicated years, he left an indelible mark on the lives of those he touched. Colonel Beamon’s assignments read like a testament to his commitment, taking him across the United States from Mississippi to Alabama, Missouri, Miami, England, and Korea. His distinction as the 9th African American Chaplain (USAF-active duty) to achieve the rank of colonel in the 76-year history of the USAF reflects his dedication and trailblazing spirit. Following his retirement from the USAF in 2002, Colonel Beamon continued his mission as an Associate Pastor at First United Methodist Church in Crestview, Florida, where his invaluable contributions led to the congregation honoring him with the well-deserved title of Pastor Emeritus in 2014. In addition to his remarkable career, Colonel Beamon takes immense pride in his family. He and his wife are the loving parents of two accomplished adult children, Angela Safford and Walter A. (Tony) Beamon. Their legacy extends to five cherished grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Today, Colonel Beamon and his wife call Madison, Mississippi, their home, where his dedication to faith, family, and service shines brightly.