March 2008 - Military Chaplain Association

The Military Chaplain
Volume Eighty-One ★ Number One ★ March 2008
General Moore to give keynote address
for our 2008 National Institute
Copyright 2008 by The Military Chaplains Association of the USA
In Memoriam
Benson C. Barrett, USN Ret
No date given, Buford GA
Member 1956, Life Member 1980
Charles Goe, USN Ret
20 December 2007, Atlanta GA
Member 1959, Life Member 1985
Delbert W. Gremmels, USA Ret
23 October 2007, Biloxi MS
Member 1967, Life Member 1986
Henry H. Hafermann, USAF Ret
29 October 2007, Rantoul IL
Member 1969
Patrick J. Hessian, USA Ret
8 September 2007, Belle Plaine MN
Member 1977, Life Member 1981
George E. Hoop, USAF Ret
20 November 2007, San AntonioTX
Member 1949, Life Member 1984
Edward B. Mulligan, USA Ret
21 January 2007, Fort Belvoir VA
Member 1965, Life Member 1981
New Life Members
Noel C. Dawes, British Army Ret, Glens Falls NY, Episcopal Church
Richard G. Poindexter, USA Ret, IndianTrail NC, Cooperative Baptist
Fellowship
New Members
William J. Braswell, USAF Act, HamptonVA, International
Pentecostal Holiness
Gregory G. Caiazzo, USN Act, ArlingtonVA, Roman Catholic
Thomas N. Christianson, USAF Ret, AustinTX, Moravian
John K. Crupper, CAP Act, Lake Zurich IL, Southern Baptist Convention
JamesW. Daniels Jr., USAF Ret, FredericksburgVA, United Methodist
Patrick L. Devine, ARNG, Lansdowne PA, Evangelical Church Alliance
Gary D. Eno, CAP Act, New Concord OH, Conservative
Congregational Christian Conference
Christopher M. Fowler, USAFR, Rancho Santa Margarita CA,
Christian Non-denominational
Calvin B. Gardner Sr., USN Act, Jacksonville NC, National Baptist
Convention USA, Inc.
Gregory D. Knippa, CAP Act, BeltonTX, Lutheran Church Missouri Synod
George A. Langhorne, USN Ret, Marietta GA, American Baptist
Church USA
Stephen R. Peters, USAF Act, Fort Dodge IA, United Methodist
William R. Riddle, CAP Act, Gilbert AZ, Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter Day Saints
Jennifer L. Smith, CAP Act, Lansing MI, Christian Evangelical
Bob A. Stanton, CAP Act, St. Petersburg FL, Conservative
Congregational Christian Conference
Reactivations
Leslie McRae, USAF Ret
27 November 2007, Bradenton FL
Member 1959, Life Member 1984
Martin J. Osborne, USA Ret
September 2005, Long Island NY
Member 1957, Life Member 1969
On the Front Cover
We are honored by LTG Hal G. Moore's
willingness to speak during our National
Institute and provide complimentary
copies of A General's Spiritual Journey.
Photos courtesy of General Moore with
the kind assistance of Diane Morrow, the
B & B Media Group, Inc., Corsicana, TX
and Hal Moore's "Driver."
David R. Beauchamp, USA Act, Fayetteville NC, Grace
Churches International
Walter E. Casey, USA Ret, Green Harbor MA, Roman Catholic
William F. Cuddy Jr., USN Act, AlexandriaVA, Roman Catholic
Thomas L. Cummings, CAP Ret, Mission Hills CA, Christian
Church (Independent)
TimonW. Davison, USA/DVA Ret,West Liberty IA, Methodist
Joel C. Dobin, DVA Ret, Danville CA, Jewish
Lowell S. Kronick, DVA Act,Virginia BeachVA, Jewish
Robert S. McGinnis Jr., USN Ret, Metairie LA,The Liberal
Catholic Church
Lucy E. Pierre, DVA/CAP Act, Philadelphia PA, Baptist
Florence J. Plant, DVA Act, Bronx NY, American Baptist Church USA
LouisW. Pointer, USA Ret, Fayetteville GA, Baptist
William G. Rupracht, USAF/DVA Ret , Palm Springs CA,
Southern Baptist Convention
Richard O. Stenbakken, USA Ret, Loveland CO, Seventh Day Adventist
Sefton B. Strickland Jr., CAP Act, Lucama NC, Presbyterian
Church USA
Joan C.Wooten, USNR, Molino FL, Presbyterian Church USA
Membership information as of 15 February 2008
Go to www.mca-usa.org for an application to join the Military Chaplains Association
From Our National President
Dear Members and Friends of Chaplaincy,
In April our Annual
Meeting and National
Institute will be held at
Fort Jackson, South
Carolina. This gives us
an opportunity to see
the future site of the
new Air Force and
Navy chaplain schools
and to tour the facilities
of the U.S. Army
Chaplain Center and
CH (BG) James T. Spivey, Jr.
AUS (Ret.)
School. We are doing
this because it fits our
growing MCA vision. As always, we continue working
as advocates for all military chaplains - as the ‘Voice
of Chaplaincy’ - through the Military Coalition and
several other activities. But also in keeping with our
commitment to be ‘Chaplains for Life’, we are
developing new ministry plans for the MCA, providing
up-to-date training for our members, and forging even
stronger bonds with the chaplaincies we serve. As
the Institute training agenda and activities listed on
page 5 suggest, our meeting at Fort Jackson will
serve these objectives well.
Two of our new programs - a prayer support network
and a ministry referral service - are related closely to
two of our future training emphases - how better to
support and encourage chaplains, and how to minister
more effectively to wounded warriors. These plans
emerged from a training and strategic planning
session of the National Executive Committee last fall
at the V.A. National Chaplain Center in Hampton, VA.
During that training, it became clear that one of the
key challenges facing our military is the matter of
‘resilience’. After seven long years of war, with its
constant deployments, family strains, and all forms of
adversity, our leaders are working even more
diligently to safeguard the physical, mental, and
emotional health of our warriors and their families.
More attention is being devoted to studying ‘resilience’
and to helping people cope with and recover from the
trauma of war.
Of course, ‘spiritual resilience’ is essential to the
solution. In fact, we know this is the starting point - the
preparatory ground for physical, mental, and
emotional soundness and strength. Isaiah makes this
clear: “You will keep in perfect peace the one whose
mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You”
(Isaiah 26:3).
The Military Chaplain
Chaplains and unit ministry teams, as spiritual
leaders, stand in the vanguard every day to meet this
challenge. Every ministry offered and received in faith
strengthens an airman’s resolve, improves a
coastguardsman’s readiness, bolsters a Marine’s
determination, fortifies a sailor’s will, and nurtures a
soldier’s resilience in inexpressibly profound and
powerful ways. Never has the influence of unit
ministry teams been more crucial than now. And they
themselves have never needed prayers for divine
empowerment of their own resiliency more than now.
In this respect, the most important thing MCA
members can do is to pray daily for our unit ministry
teams and to encourage their congregations to do the
same. Let me hasten to add that our Veterans Affairs
and Civil Air Patrol chaplains appreciate prayers for
their ministries to warriors and their families as well.
This is perhaps the best reason for us to gather at
Fort Jackson, the future home of all three military
chaplain schools - to show our solidarity with,
encouragement of, and support for the men and
women who are the linchpin of spiritual resilience
strengthening our military forces. Please, join us in
this ‘ministry of presence’ at the Army Chaplain
School in April.
Special Gifts
A Pastoral Call (APC) Solutions
Air Force Chief of Chaplains Fund
All Faith Chapel Protestant Community
Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake
Catholic and Protestant Communities
Naval Air Facility El Centro
Chaplain Newton V. Cole, Houston TX
Kirk Arant, Sterling VA
In honor of his mother, Joy Arant
Vallen Memorial Fund
Thank You!
3
Recent Changes in Senior Leadership
CH (BG) Donald L. Rutherford, U. S. Army
Chaplain Rutherford is a native of Kinderhook, New York. Ordained as a
priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany in 1981, he served as
Associate Pastor of St. Gabriel’s Church in Schenectady, New York; as
Roman Catholic Chaplain of Albany Medical Center Hospital, Albany,
New York; and as Parochial Vicar of St. Mary’s Parish, Oneonta, NY.
In 1977, Chaplain Rutherford received his commission through The State
University of New York at Albany ROTC Program where he received a
Bachelor of Arts in English and Sociology. He received an educational
delay from active duty in order to attend St. Bernard’s Seminary of the
University of Rochester, New York where he was awarded a Master of
Divinity degree in 1981. He was awarded a Master in Strategic Studies
from the United States Army War College in 2000.
Upon ordination, Chaplain Rutherford served in the Army Reserve with the 364th General Hospital until
1990 when he entered active duty. He served in Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm,
Operation Hurricane Andrew Relief, Operation Desert Thunder, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His most
recent assignment was as Command Chaplain United States Army Europe and 7th Army, Heidelberg,
Germany. Brigadier General Rutherford became the 23rd Deputy Chief of Chaplains, United States
Army, on 16 November 2007.
RDML Joseph David Stinson, Chaplain Corps, U. S. Navy
Chaplain Stinson is a native of Bonham, Texas. In civilian life, he is
senior minister of the Glen Ridge Congregational Church (United Church
of Christ) in Glen Ridge, NJ.
In 1972, Chaplain Stinson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Texas
Christian University. He received a Master of Divinity degree from Yale
University in 1975 and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Gordon-Conwell
Theological Seminary in 2006.
Chaplain Stinson was commissioned a Chaplain in September, 1979;
began training at the Naval Chaplains School, Newport, RI in January,
1980; and completed the Basic Course in February, 1981. He served a
wide variety of assignments in succeeding years. Just prior to his selection for Flag rank, Chaplain
Stinson served as Deputy Regional Chaplain for Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, supervising Selected
Reserve Chaplains from North Carolina to Maine. Rear Admiral Stinson became Deputy Chief of
Chaplains for Reserve Matters and Director of Religious Programs, Marine Forces Reserve, on
1 October 2007.
We deeply appreciate the gifts of Life Members for sustaining 2008 Ministry Objectives and Regular
Members who renewed for 2008 with additional contributions. Some are still responding. All donor
names will appear in our June 2008 magazine.
This is a unique ministry year for MCA with significantly increased presence during active duty chaplain
training events in the next few months. Then we have our “once in 25 year opportunity” to host the
White House ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans Day. And, along the way we are
filling some important niches with resources to help in the care of Wounded Warriors and their families.
Thank you for your intercessory prayers, advocacy to others who might choose to support our
ministries, and consideration for your own extra giving during uneasy economic times in our Nation.
4
The Military Chaplain
Military Chaplains Association 83rd National Institute
7-11 April 2008 at Fort Jackson, Columbia, South Carolina
Our 83rd National Institute includes:
• Traditional Institute activities such as
Emerson Foundation recognitions,
Distinguished Service Awards, and the
National Citizenship Award.
Lieutenant General
Hal G. Moore, Jr., USA (Ret.)
“Military Hero, Celebrated Author,
Servant Leader”
• Detailed briefings on improvements to our
Ministry Support Network and other major
2008 MCA Ministry Objectives.
Keynote
Speaker
Tuesday
Luncheon
• Training sessions that provide assistance
for ministry to those who have sustained
war wounds and especially the spiritual
wounds from war.
• Expanded opportunities for attendees to
participate in shaping MCA activities on
both the national and local levels.
We anticipate continuation of the vision and
momentum we experienced last year at San
Antonio. Within these elements we will focus
on two companion themes:
• Healing the spiritual wounds from war.
• Current transformations in chaplain training.
Recently made an "Honorary Chaplain" by
the chaplains at Fort Benning, GA. Known
first to many as "LTC Hal Moore" through
Mel Gibson's role in We Were Soldiers Once.
Chaplain, Major General
Charles C. Baldwin, USAF
Chief of the Air Force Chaplain Service
The Commandant and Faculty of the Army
Chaplain School are making available to us:
• Briefing and overview of school operation
and changes in education for chaplains.
• Briefings and demonstrations in the
Battlefield Command & Control Center and
the Religious Support Simulation Center.
2008
National
Citizenship
Award
• Guided tours of the Army Chaplain Museum.
Chaplain colleagues will present their contributions to caring for Wounded Warriors:
• CH (COL) Richard Poindexter, Ministering to Military Families Affected by Deployment.
• CH (COL) James Daniels and CH (COL) Ric Kuhlbar, Silent Wounds and Healing the Soul.
Dr. John Brinsfield, Army Chaplain Historian, will report on collaborative efforts with Air Force and Navy
chaplaincies along with a visual presentation from new research on "Chaplain Heroes".
Chaplain Keith Ethridge, Acting Director, VA National Chaplain Center, will brief on spiritual issues for those
wounded in war along with updates on new ministry initiatives in the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Please Note! In the The Military Chaplain, December 2007, we announced coordination of our Institute with the
new Armed Forces Chaplain Center groundbreaking on 9 April 2008. That event was delayed. We are proceeding
with our Institute as originally scheduled and look forward to special briefings about the Center’s construction.
The Military Chaplain
5
National Executive Committee Election
During our Annual Meeting at Fort Jackson in April, several terms of office on the National Executive
Committee expire. Here is a slate proposed by the National Executive Committee. Additional nominations
from the floor will be received during the 2008 Annual Meeting.
National President
Chaplain Michael L. McCoy, Sr. DVA
Associate Director, VA National Chaplain Center
Member 1992; Life Member 2004
Current Vice President
President
Michael L. McCoy, Sr.
National Vice President
CH (COL) David P. Peterson, USA (Ret.)
Endorser, Presbyterian Church in America
Member 1993; current Secretary
NEC Class of 2009
Robert C. Edwards III
National Secretary
Ch, Lt. Col. Janet R. McCormack, USAF (Ret.)
Professor, Denver Seminary
Member 1978, Life Member 2006
Current NEC Class of 2009
Vice President
David P. Peterson
National Treasurer
Ch, Lt. Col. Eric S. Renne, Sr., USAF (Ret.)
Interim Pastor; Pulpit Supply
Member 1977; Life Member 1998
NEC Class of 2011
C. Ron Phelps
NEC Class of 2009
Ch, Lt. Col Robert C. Edwards III, CAP
Region Chaplain, Middle East Region
Civil Air Patrol; Member 2001
Fill balance of the term
Secretary
Janet R. McCormack
NEC Class of 2011
Chaplain C. Ron Phelps, DVA (Ret.)
Former Assoc. Director, VA National
Chaplain Center; Life Member 1991
NEC Class of 2011
Thomas B. Webber
NEC Class of 2011
CDR Thomas B. Webber, CHC, USN
Command Chaplain, USCG District Eight
Member 1999; Life Member 2003
Treasurer
Eric S. Renne, Sr.
Trustee Class of 2011
CH (BG) Douglas E. Lee, USA
Assistant Chief of Chaplains for
Mobilization and Readiness
Member 1993; Life Member 2007
Trustee Class of 2011
Douglas E. Lee
Go to www.mca-usa.org and download further information on our Institute schedule, transportation, and lodging
choices. Please note that the registration form has two sides this year. We need to know your choices before or
on the deadlines noted. If you are unable to download the information sheet and registration form, please call
(703) 533-5890 or (904) 422-1789. We will surface mail to you ASAP.
6
The Military Chaplain
A lifetime of civil rights
For a young black man growing up Mississippi during the heat of the civil rights movement,
getting involved wasn’t a choice. It was just a part of life.
MC3 Melissa Davis, USN, recently conducted an interview with the Rev. Dr. Elvernice “Sonny” Davis at the National Civil
Rights Museum in Memphis, TN. Chaplain (Colonel) Davis served 30 years as an Army chaplain, retiring in 1997. He
currently ministers as Associate Pastor of Friendship United Church, Millington, TN along with his wife and Senior Pastor,
the Rev. Dr. Cynthia Davis. The following is excerpted from a news release and photos provided by David W. Crenshaw,
Public Affairs Officer, Naval Support Activity Mid-South, Millington,TN. Go to www.mca-usa.org for the full version.
As Elvernice “Sonny” Davis approaches, he looks sleek and strong in an unassuming black leather coat
and black slacks but I’m a little anxious about our meeting. We’ve got a lot to cover, but Davis puts me at
ease within seconds because he exudes a quiet tranquility you can’t help but pick up on. As soon as we
begin to chat, I’m enthralled. Little did I know I was about to receive an education that no book could ever
teach me and that money could never buy.
As we depart, Davis sums things up in the simple silver-lining sort of way I've come
to appreciate from him in the short time we’ve spent together.
“I think the bottom line really is … George Wallace used to say there's not a dime’s
worth of difference between a Republican and a Democrat because he was running
on an independent ticket. I say there’s not a dime’s worth of difference between
white and black folks. Or red and blue and brown. People are just people. I learned
that in Vietnam, I learned that in Germany, I learned that in Korea. People are just
people.”
And so even though there is no test at the end of
our session and no big graduation party or
presents, I leave my lesson at the museum with a
new sense of understanding. And trust me, the
civil rights movement I was taught about in school did my knowledge
base no justice in comparison to the living history that was shared with
me that day. My hat’s off to you, Sonny Davis, for playing your part in
teaching the world lessons we will surely never forget.
.
The National Civil Rights Museum
is located in Memphis at
450 Mulberry Street. For more
information, visit the museum online
at www.civilrightsmuseum.org
The Military Chaplain
7
Who is Sufficient?
II Corinthians 2:16, 3:5, 12:8-9
CH (COL) Gary Councell, USA (Ret.), Associate Director and Military Endorser, Adventist
Chaplaincy Ministries offered this devotion during the January 2008 meeting of
the National Conference on Ministry to the Armed Forces.
Anyone who has visited
our wounded warriors at a
hospital quickly realizes
the great need beneath
the sterile bandages,
casts, sheets and smiles.
Some are stoic; others
angry. Some express
bravado wanting to return
to their units and the fight.
Some talk about
overcoming any challenge,
while others hint at
reservations about their
future. But all are suffering in some way; all have
paid a high price for their voluntary commitment to
serve, and few ever believed it would happen
to them.
One soldier gladly demonstrated all the technical
aspects of his prosthetic leg, showing me how it
worked and all its capabilities. He proudly showed
me his picture skiing down slopes I would know
better to try with my two good legs. Yet, as
marvelous as modern medical technology brings to
restoring normality, the artificial limb has limitations,
and he hinted at concerns he had for his family
and future.
Present survival rates from wounds that killed in
World War II and even Vietnam are amazing.
Applied medical science saves lives, helps restore
body functions and adds years. Valiant efforts are
made to ease suffering, heal wounds and renew
capabilities toward quality of life. For that we are
grateful, but life consists of more than the physical
element.
The combat veteran has memories, some
controlling, haunting and demanding – PTSD. The
long-term effect of Traumatic Brain Injury has yet to
be fully realized. Listen to their stories and dreams.
Are they rational? The mental element of their being
must be cared for along with the emotional. Many
8
thousands have experienced loss – loss of
comrades as well as personal loss of limbs or
senses.
Recently, an Adventist soldier arrived at Walter Reed
Army Medical Center without vision. One eye was
destroyed and he was in danger of losing vision in
the other. In his case fear of the possible and
unknown was greater than grief. I suspect anger
and depression will follow.
What feelings are expressed? Are they negative
and hurtful? Are they blaming, particularly of self?
Do they feel guilty about something? How will all
that affect relationships with the self, family, friends,
others, life and God? I found some readily willing to
talk, while others seemed distant.
Of course, many returning hospitalized warriors, at
least in the DC area, have seen a parade of visitors,
though perhaps not as often since the war has
become back-page to election politics. The social
sciences know very little about the next element of
humanity, volition – our wills, the freedom of choice
given us by our Creator that empowers spirit,
motivation and dignity. Do we respect their need to
regain control of their lives in making choices for
their future and support them in that decision-making
process?
Trauma does not always enhance the spiritual.
Studies of Holocaust survivors reveal many found
the experience so horrific it overcame any belief in a
living, loving and caring God. War is still hell and
the devil’s tool of death to create his government of
chaos and disorder.
By the way, while each servicemember’s death and
wound is tragic, thirty times our casualties in Iraq
have been murdered in America (90,000) just since
11 September 2001, according to FBI crime
statistics; and another 88,000 have been killed on
American highways and streets due to impaired
drivers during that same period, according to the
The Military Chaplain
National Transportation Safety Board data. We
have a war of values in our own country, a crisis of
morality here at home.
While all the other human elements can be
addressed by professionals of other disciplines,
chaplains and the faiths that endorse them must be
responsible to help the combat veteran make sense
spiritually out of what he or she has experienced
and has happened to them personally. We must
listen carefully for attitudes and spiritual values to
help them sort out their beliefs, examine faith and
define goals. In this process we can inspire hope
not only for this life with all its contingencies,
vicissitudes and evils, but also in the life to come
through God.
The privilege of reaching out to another soul is
challenging, even daunting and raises the question,
“who is sufficient for all these things?” Perhaps, no
one, not even chaplains or endorsers with our own
weaknesses and human foibles, but there is another
source that gives strength in weakness. Saint Paul
discovered it during times of his own suffering and
need. After pleading with the Lord to remove his
pain, he wrote in II Corinthians 12:9 that he was
told, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength
is made perfect in weakness.”
God’s grace gives Infinite strength in place of finite
human weakness in just the right amount. No
temptation, trial or trouble comes that is greater than
divine power to overcome and turn it into spiritual
victory. We can be God’s vessels for dispensing His
grace to the returning service member by
understanding their hurt, communicating His love,
assuring divine forgiveness, giving compassionate
service to them and their families, and courageously
providing support for their needs when others spurn
or ignore them. That kind of personal grace will
touch the heart and help heal a wounded spirit,
while also aiding in the healing process for the other
elements as well.
Like other endorsers, I receive reports and notes
from chaplains serving in the combat theaters.
Before Christmas one of our Adventist chaplains told
me about rejoicing with a soldier that had just
received the happy news of his becoming a new
father. He proudly showed a picture of his healthy
baby girl to his chaplain. Eighteen hours later
Chaplain James Hall was comforting that same
soldier on his deathbed, praying for him in his last
The Military Chaplain
The privilege of reaching
out to another soul is
challenging, even daunting and
raises the question, “who is
sufficient for all these things?”
moments of life, another casualty in the global war
against terrorism.
I am sure James’ presence and ministry gave
spiritual assurance to that soldier, but who is caring
for the care-giver? How do we recharge the drained
spirituality of those who daily inspire, comfort and
support hundreds who look to them for answers,
assurance and assistance to life’s most basic
questions and issues amidst the devastating
consequences of conflict?
I have confidence in the quality, spiritual leadership
our superb chaplains are providing. Observing
them, I only wish I were as trained, as professional,
as capable and as good as they when I served in
uniform. But all cups, when they are poured out,
empty and require refilling. Truly, you can only give
what you have, and share what you got. So, I ask
this again, what are we doing for our chaplains,
some of whom have also been wounded?
Chaplains and care-givers also need grace. Let us
give our chaplains grace by listening to their stories,
understanding their hurts and supporting their
ministries and needs. Let us also provide
opportunity for rest, recuperation and renewal for
their whole being, and when the need arises actively
assist their re-entry into civilian expressions of
spiritual leadership and ministry. Amen.
Chaplain Councell pictured with his son Larry Trent Councell at Officer
Training School graduation at Maxwell AFB, Montgomery, AL,
in spring of 1995. Major Councell, a B-52 Navigator, is now
stationed at USSTRATCOM, Offutt AFB, Nebraska.
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Air Compassion For
Veterans (ACV)
Chaplain John Hoffmann, retired
Army, active Civil Air Patrol, and
MCA Life Member, regularly
ministers on behalf of
Air Compassion For Veterans (ACV). The mission
and purpose of ACV is to ensure that no financially
needy veteran/active duty military person or their
family member(s) is denied access to distant
specialized medical evaluation, diagnosis, treatment,
or rehabilitation for lack of a means of long distance
medical air transportation.
The program is administered by Mercy Medical
Airlift®, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose
programs have been serving Americans for 35 years.
Over 2,700 missions were completed during
CY 2007. The public benefit exceeded $1,700,000.
ACV works in full cooperation with related programs
of the Department of Defense and the Department of
Veterans Affairs.
ACV utilizes the combined nationwide, long-existing,
charitable medical air transport services of:
Mercy Medical Airlift
www.MercyMedical.org
Air Compassion America
www.AirCompassionAmerica.org
Volunteer Pilot Organizations
www.AirCharityNetwork.org
Chaplain Hoffmann in his ACV uniform
ACV sponsors a special program called the Iraq
Afghanistan Deployment Impact Fund (IADIF). The
purpose of this fund is to expand assistance to
American military personnel and/or their families or
critical care givers who have unmet needs due to
death, injury, or other physical or mental detriment,
or financial hardship, as a result of service in Iraq
(OIF) or Afghanistan (OEF). Beneficiaries may
include active duty, reserve, National Guard, and
veteran service members. Start up funding was
provided by the California Community Foundation.
In CY2007 over 1,500 missions were completed with
a public benefit exceeding $500,000.
ACV headquarters is in Virginia Beach, VA. For
more information call (888) 662-6794 or write to
info@AirCompassionForVeterans.org
The Call
You have heard The Call.
Many times.
You have responded swiftly.
Fit and ready to serve.
The Memories of Duty. God. Country.
Pump the heart to a marching beat.
Once again, The Call has sounded.
And you rush to victims of war.
Chaplain Rougeux has been a Department of Veterans
Affairs chaplain since 1980. He currently serves at the
Palo Alto VA Medical Center.
10
Into this messy, chaotic arena you flee.
I pray for Peace upon Thee.
And Those you see.
— Chaplain Conrad Rougeux —
The Military Chaplain
Heroic Navy Chaplain
Honored in Hometown
The effort was headed by then Staff Sergeant,
(later 2nd Lieutenant) Robert Thoms, USMC,
who led a platoon in Delta Company, First
Battalion, Fifth Marines in the Battle of Hue
City during the Tet Offensive of 1968.
Go to www.mca-usa.org for the full text of
Lieutenant Thoms’ tribute to Chaplain Takesian.
Following are excerpts of Thoms’ remarks at the
dedication ceremony:
The purpose of this dedication ceremony is to
honor a home-grown Methuen hero: a combat
Marine who served in Korea, a Navy Chaplain
who served in Vietnam, and a man who later
became the 8th Chaplain of the United States
Marine Corps.
Today, Eli Takesian is especially being honored for
his extraordinary courage in which he repeatedly
risked his life while ministering to U. S. Marines
during what was universally called by the media
“the bloodiest battle of the Vietnam War.” The
Battle of Hue City occurred during January
and February of 1968.
Photo courtesy of Chaplain Takesian
CAPT Eli Takesian, CHC, USN (Ret.), was
honored in his hometown of Methuen, MA by
the dedication of a memorial stone in the
town’s park on 24 October 2007.
confidence that had been sorely tested up to that
point, and gave us a renewed sense of purpose in
accomplishing our mission.
Many survivors of the battle believed that Eli had
died on the battlefield. About 3 years ago, Brian
McCabe, another Methuen-raised Marine, who
served in Vietnam with Delta Company, began a
search to locate Eli’s gravesite so that the Delta
Company brotherhood could pay their respects and
honor his memory. Through a series of contacts,
Brian spoke to Eli’s sister who, to everyone’s joy and
amazement, told him that Eli was alive and well!
Brian McCabe suggested honoring Eli in their
hometown of Methuen by erecting this monument
which is being dedicated today. The men of Delta
Company wish to express their gratitude to all of
you here and to all who helped make this tribute
possible.
During the period of some of the heaviest fighting of
this battle, Chaplain Eli Takesian dispatched himself
personally, selflessly, to the front lines, out in the
midst of the house-to-house fighting, unarmed and
defenseless, to comfort and minister to those
Marines who fell.
His courage, faithfulness and unwavering
commitment to duty filled all of us with a sense of
The Military Chaplain
Eli Takesian while serving as
Chaplain of the Marine Corps
Official USMC photograph
When the Tet Offensive began, Eli Takesian was
serving as the Regimental Chaplain of the 5th
Marines, overseeing other chaplains who were
assigned to the battalions. Upon learning that the
1st Battalion, 5th Marines, who were heading for the
fight in Hue, had no chaplain, Eli went to serve the
men himself, rather than sending someone else.
11
Characteristics of Mentally Healthy
Religious Practices
1. They lead to an increasing acceptance of individual
differences and openness to other people rather
than to narrowness and judgmentalism.
2. They lead to increasing forgiveness, serenity, and
courage rather than to guilt, anger, and anxiety.
3. They lead to an increasing sense of reconnecting,
meaning, purpose, and belonging rather than to
alienation (disconnecting).
4. They lead to an increasing ability to feel joy and to
celebrate life and nature.
5. They encourage freedom, growth, and searching
rather than to control and repetition of doctrine.
6. They encourage a realistic approach to guilt,
leading to healing rather than to increasing
shame and condemnation. They distinguish
between dishonest (neurotic) and honest
(appropriate) guilt.
7. They realistically face the problems
of pain, loss, and change rather
than wallowing and denying.
8. They allow Mystery to be Mystery,
acknowledging the non-rational
apprehension of reality.
9. They lead to a positive involvement
with social and personal issues, not
avoiding these issues with
simplistic answers and/or
pessimism.
SUMMARY
Healthy religious practices: acceptance, openness,
compassion, objectivity, forgiveness, serenity,
courage, reconnecting, meaning, purpose, belonging,
joy, celebrates life and nature, freedom, growth,
searching, appropriate handling of guilt, healing,
restoration, wholeness, realistic view of pain - loss change, mystical, positive involvement with
relationships and social issues, love.
Possible religious pathologies: narrowness,
judgmentalism, fear, anger, anxiety, control,
alienation, disconnecting, dependency, doctrinal
obsession, neurotic guilt and shame, denial of pain loss – change, simplistic answers, cynicism,
pessimism.
© John L. Prater, BCC, Department of Veterans Affairs Chaplain Service, 1988 (May be reproduced as long as this
identifier is included).
MCA Member John Prater is Chief Chaplain
for the VA Central Iowa Health Care System
(Des Moines and Knoxville) and the VISN 23
Chaplain Representative; Secretary for the
Chaplains Field Leadership Council, National
Chaplain Center; and Secretary for the
National Association of VA Chaplains
(NAVAC).
2008 MC A membershi p dues reminder
To keep membership current, please use the renewal form and envelope mailed to you last October.
If not available to you now, go to www.mca-usa.org and download the membership application. Mark
“2008 Renewal” at the bottom. Annual dues also renew your subscription to The Military Chaplain.
To ensure uninterrupted receipt of 2008 issues, dues must be received now. Thank you for helping
to continue our heritage since 1925, caring out the purposes of our congressional charter, and sustain
our professional voice for chaplaincies and chaplains.
Go to www.mca-usa.org for the latest version of our MCA "Ministry Features"
12
The Military Chaplain
Four Chaplains Memorial
65th Anniversary Ceremony for
"The Immortal Four"
George L. Fox – Methodist
Alexander D. Goode – Jewish
Clark V. Poling – Dutch Reformed
John P. Washington – Roman Catholic
Our Kingdom of the Sun MCA Chapter conducted
the annual Four Chaplains Memorial Ceremony at
the Ocala Marion County Veterans Memorial Park in
Ocala, FL. The multi-faith service was Sunday,
3 February on the 65th anniversary of legendary
sacrifice by four Army chaplains. These valiant
chaplains gave their life jackets to others as the
U.S.A.T. Dorchester sank in the North Atlantic.
Elden Luffman coordinated the preparations and
MC-ed the ceremony. The North Marion Young
Marines provided the Color Guard. Mike Harrison
offered the Invocation. Marcia Muncaster sang the
National Anthem. Lamar Hunt introduced Stan
Beach as the main speaker. Local Methodist pastor
Anna Thomas lit memorial candles. Rabbi Sam
Berman offered the Benediction. Les Muncaster
played Taps.
Memorial Table in honor of
“The Four Chaplains”
Chaplains Lamar Hunt and Stan Beach
Pastor Anna Thomas lights
memorial candles
All photos courtesy of Chaplain Elden Luffman
North Marion County Young Marines present the Colors
The Military Chaplain
13
14
The Military Chaplain
Important 2008 MCA ministry dates
The Military Coalition - 1st Thursday of every month, Washington, DC
March
3-7 . . . . . .Hilton Head, SC . . . .Strategic Leader Development Training
4-6 . . . . . .Albuquerque, NM . . .Navy CHC Senior Leadership Symposium
April
2 . . . . . . .Washington, DC . . . .MCA Veterans Day Committee
4 . . . . . . .Fort Jackson, SC . . .Chaplain Basic Course graduation
7-11 . . . . .Fort Jackson, SC . . .MCA National Institute & Executive Committee meeting
14-16 . . . .Alaska . . . . . . . . . . . .USARPAC Chaplain Annual Sustainment Training (CAST)
24-28 . . . .Bowie, MD . . . . . . . .Air Force Chaplains & Assistants Reunion
27-1 May .Colorado Springs . . .DACH/FORSCOM CAST Area l
May
1-3 . . . . . .Kansas City, KS . . . .Army Chaplains & Assistants Reunion
12-15 . . . .San Antonio, TX . . . .DACH/FORSCOM CAST Area II
18-21 . . . .Augusta, GA . . . . . . .DACH/FORSCOM CAST Area V
23 . . . . . .Tacoma, WA . . . . . . .Puget Sound Chapter Awards Banquet
28-30 . . . .Washington, DC . . . .Air Force Chaplain Service Leadership Summit;
Chaplain Baldwin retirement
June
4 . . . . . . .Washington, DC . . . .MCA Veterans Day Committee
July
20-23 . . . .Louisville, KY . . . . . .DACH/FORSCOM CAST Area IV
22-25 . . .Ft Leavenworth . . . . .DACH/FORSCOM CAST Area III
August
25-28 . . .Valley Forge, PA . . . .DACH/FORSCOM CAST Area VI
September
3 . . . . . . .Washington, DC . . . .MCA Veterans Day Committee
5 . . . . . . .Fort Jackson, SC . . .Chaplain Basic Course graduation
20 . . . . . .Washington DC . . . . .MCA Birthday wreath-laying, Arlington National Cemetery
October
1 . . . . . . .Washington, DC . . . .MCA Veterans Day Committee
November
9-12 . . . . .Washington, DC . . . .MCA National Executive Committee
11 . . . . . . .Washington DC . . . . .MCA host VDNC events, Arlington National Cemetery
A Pastoral Call (APC) Solutions arranged publication of the sample poster for
recruiting Army chaplains on page 14. For more information on recruiting or mentoring
chaplains, contact CH (MG) G. T. Gunhus, USA (Ret.) through agunhus@aol.com
Veterans Day 2008
White House
Ceremonies
Arlington National
Cemetery
Veterans Day National
Committee Host:
Military Chaplains
Association of the USA
THE MILITARY
CHAPLAIN
ISSN-0026-3958
Volume Eighty-One
Number One ★ March 2008
Executive Director and
Publication Editor
Chaplain Gary R. Pollitt
Associate Executive Director
Chaplain George E. Dobes
Warrior Care Projects
Chaplain Gilbert D. Gibson
National Office
P.O. Box 7056
Arlington, VA 22207-7056
Phone: 703-533-5890
chaplains@mca-usa.org or
www.mca-usa.org
Graphic Design by:
Polcari Design Group
kpolcari@polcaridesign.com
THE MILITARY CHAPLAIN
(ISSN 0026-3958) is published
quarterly with by The Military
Chaplains Association, 5541 Lee
Highway, Arlington, VA, 22207-1613.
Articles in this publication express
the point of view of the authors only
and are not necessarily those of the
Association, the Military Services,
the Department of Veterans Affairs,
or the Civil Air Patrol. Similarly, the
advertisements do not reflect an
endorsement by the Association
unless so indicated. This publication
is mailed to all members of the
Association. Membership dues are
$50.00 per year, $24.00 allocated for
the magazine. Subscriptions to all
non-members is Domestic $24.00 per
calendar year, Foreign $36.00.
Phone/fax is (703) 533-5890.
Periodicals Postage Paid at
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mailing offices. POSTMASTER:
Send address changes to
EDITOR, THE MILITARY
CHAPLAIN, P.O. Box 7056,
Arlington, VA 22207-7056. If this
publication is addressed to a
member of the U.S. Military service
whose address has been changed by
official orders, it is to be forwarded,
except to overseas APO's without
payment of additional postage. Send
form 3579 to EDITOR, THE
MILITARY CHAPLAIN, P.O. Box
7056, Arlington, VA 22207-7056.
Copyright 2008 by The Military
Chaplains Association of the
USA. Copyright is not claimed for
editorial material in the public
domain. Reproduction without
permission is prohibited.
U. S. Army Chaplain Center & School
90th Anniversary
Fort Jackson, South Carolina
8 February 2008
U. S. Army Chaplain Museum
50th Anniversary
CH (COL) Clarke McGriff, School Commandant,
and Marsha McManus, Museum Director,
cut the Anniversary Cake
PERIODICALS
POSTAGE
PAID
CH (BG) Douglas E. Lee, Assistant Chief of Chaplains for
Mobilization and Readiness, gives anniversary address